Whisky has been around for centuries, with many believing that the Scots were the masterminds behind this infamous spirit. While the Scotch still holds the standard for premium whiskies, how does a Japanese Whisky face up against it? The answer may surprise you!

What is the origin of whisky?

The origin of whisky, like its spelling, is somewhat disputed. Scotland and Ireland both have a claim to fame when it comes to taking ownership of the invention of whisky or whiskey if you’re from Ireland, but it all comes down to what the evidence reflects. 

Evidence shows that Scotland started distilling whisky in the late 1400s. Some records show that whisky was distilled in 1405 in the Irish Annals of Clonmacnoise. As you can imagine, with limited evidence, the chances are that either nation could have been the first to invent it. In the end, we’re just thankful that someone did. 

In the century following the creation of whisky, it started to grow in popularity, with King James IV of Scotland ordering large quantities. When countries began to colonise new areas, they took their methods of distilling whisky with them. 

Origin of Whisky in Japan

Japanese whisky is much younger than Scotch and Irish Whisky. The origins of Japanese whisky started with Masataka Taketsuru and Shinjiro Torii. In 1918, Taketsuru took a trip to Scotland where he learned about Scotch whisky and how it was made. Returning home, Taketsuru joined Torii with the goal of starting a distillery. In 1923, both whisky enthusiasts started Yamazaki on the outskirts of the city of Kyoto. 

While whisky did fairly well in the early to mid 20th century, towards the end its demand reduced, causing many distilleries to close down. Thankfully, with the rise of whisky’s popularity in the 21st century, the Japanese whisky market boomed again, with some Japanese whiskies revealing other best selling whiskies from around the world. 

What makes Scotch Whisky unique?

Aside from the experience of drinking a whisky distilled with centuries of tradition and history, Scotch whisky is often considered unique because of its distinct range of profiles, like being peaty, with a smokey nuance and light floral notes of the Scottish Highlands. A notable point to mention is that Scotch whisky aims for consistency in flavour and quality — and that’s exactly what you get. 

What makes Japanese Whisky unique?

The Japanese didn’t just happen upon whisky ingredients and decide to make an original dram. No. Japanese whisky actually has its roots in the Scotch distilling method, with Taketsuru having visited Scotland and learned how to make whisky. However, as the Japanese became more confident in their distilling skills, they began to venture in their own directions, using different ingredients and distilling whiskeys with remarkable, different flavours. 

Nowadays, it’s common for Japanese whisky to have more floral and fruity notes, with an umami-rich profile. A major difference between the methods used to make whisky by the Japanese is that they don’t always aim for consistency but rather for perfection. With each bottle, they aim to improve upon the last recipe, creating better and better versions of the original.

Who is Japanese Whisky best for?

For those who appreciate subtlety in their whiskies, Japanese whisky would suit you well. It’s floral notes and fruity flavours make the flavour easier to handle for newcomers, and enjoyable for the whisky enthusiast. Japanese whiskies have a smoother and more refined mouth feel, allowing you to taste flavours with more clarity and enjoy your drink with less of a burn. In addition to being easy to drink, some Japanese whiskies, like bottles from the late 1900s, are valuable collectibles, representing an appeal to collectors too. 

Who is Scotch Whisky best for? 

Scotch whisky is a versatile option. With many different variations, novices and enthusiasts alike can enjoy their favourite Scotch. For those who want to be more adventurous, you could have a light, floral Scotch whisky or a heavier, smokey, peaty Scotch. As a beginner, you might want to start on the lighter scotch whiskies, which are more fruity, before you move on to the peaty flavours. For those really looking for something unique, then trying the classic single-malt Scotch is a fantastic way to do it. 

Final Thoughts

When you think of whisky, your mind doesn’t instantly associate the dram with Japan — a majority of people would probably think of a Scotch whisky or an Irish whiskey. It’s clear that in the last two decades, Japanese whisky has made some great leaps forward in the industry, winning multiple awards for its spirits that now rival the Scotts. Ultimately, the best whisky is the one you prefer, but we think it’s safe to say that the Japanese whisky has given good old Scotch Whisky a run for their money. 

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