Japanese whisky is a true reflection of the country's rich history, craftsmanship, and dedication to perfection. Two iconic brands, Suntory and Nikka, have emerged as the leaders in the Japanese whisky industry, with a legacy that dates back to the early 20th century.
Suntory, founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1899, initially started as a small store selling imported wines and liquors in Osaka. Torii had a vision to create a Japanese whisky that could rival the quality of Scotch whisky. He built Japan's first distillery, Yamazaki, in 1923, and introduced the first Japanese whisky, Suntory Shirofuda, in 1929. This marked the beginning of Suntory's journey as a whisky producer.
Suntory's commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail propelled them to new heights. They experimented with different types of barley, water sources, and aging techniques to create unique and distinct flavors. The company's dedication to quality paid off when their Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 won the prestigious title of “World's Best Whisky” in the World Whiskies Awards in 2015.
Nikka, on the other hand, was founded by Masataka Taketsuru, often referred to as the “Father of Japanese Whisky.” Taketsuru traveled to Scotland in 1918 to study the art of whisky-making and worked at several distilleries to gain hands-on experience. Inspired by the Scottish whisky-making traditions, he returned to Japan in 1920 and joined forces with Shinjiro Torii to establish Nikka Whisky.
Nikka's first distillery, Yoichi, was built in Hokkaido in 1934. Taketsuru believed that the cold climate and similar natural conditions to Scotland would be ideal for producing high-quality whisky. Nikka's whiskies are known for their rich, smoky, and peaty flavors, reminiscent of Scotch whisky.
Both Suntory and Nikka have continued to innovate and expand their whisky portfolios over the years. They have introduced a range of blended whiskies, single malts, and limited editions that have garnered international acclaim. These brands have become synonymous with Japanese whisky and have played a significant role in putting Japanese whisky on the global map.
Personal Experience:
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to taste and appreciate the craftsmanship of Japanese whisky. Each sip tells a story of the meticulous attention to detail, the dedication to quality, and the pursuit of perfection. I have been fortunate to taste Suntory's Yamazaki and Hakushu single malts, which offer a harmonious balance of flavors, ranging from fruity and floral to rich and complex.
Nikka whiskies, particularly Yoichi and Miyagikyo expressions, have delighted my palate with their smoky and peaty notes, reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. The craftsmanship and dedication behind each bottle of Japanese whisky are evident in every sip, making it a truly unique and remarkable spirit.
Suntory and Nikka have played a pivotal role in elevating Japanese whisky to global recognition. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and respect for tradition has made them the driving forces behind the success of Japanese whisky. Whether you are a whisky connoisseur or a novice enthusiast, exploring the world of Japanese whisky is an experience that should not be missed.