Japan
Japanese whisky is most similar in taste to Scotch, since it is essentially made the same way. The only reason you couldn’t just call it Scotch is, well…it comes from the wrong island. If there is any true difference in taste it is mainly due to the Japanese using lower quantities of peat when they malt their barley.In the United States, beyond some whisky connoisseurs and world travelers, Japanese whisky seems to be known more for its ability to land cash-strapped Hollywood celebrities to hawk its products. Sean Connery (Scotland’s native son!?), Mickey Rourke, and even Columbo have all pitched for Suntory whisky, which, along with Nikka, is one of two top-selling brands in Japan. If Suntory sounds familiar, it’s because of Bill Murray’s brilliant performance in Lost in Translation.
Japanese whisky is most similar in taste to Scotch, since it is essentially made the same way. The only reason you couldn’t just call it Scotch is, well…it comes from the wrong island. If there is any true difference in taste it is mainly due to the Japanese using lower quantities of peat when they malt their barley. You’re also going to experience more varieties in flavor because, while Scottish distilleries strive for consistency, Japanese distilleries are all about refinement and tinkering with flavor profiles.
Many of the Japanese whiskies have been difficult to find outside of Japan until recently, but some labels are gaining worldwide popularity. Whisky critics love single malts like the award-winning Yamazaki 25 Year, the Hakushu 12 Year, and the latest Hibiki Harmony blend (all three from Suntory). Check your local adult beverage outlet – they might stock Japanese whisky. If not, you can snag a bottle online for as little as $30.
We all want to be experts on something, but more often than not, we go to bars to relax, get drunk, and attempt to maintain our dignity.
