Fellow Distillers
Brian Kowalczyk
100 Years Project
Text and Photos by Brian Kowalczyk
In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Japanese whisky, five of the industry’s major names put their minds and taste buds together to produce the Fellow Distillers 100 Years Project. Sure the companies are rival competitors, especially the big three, but that’s more on a corporate level. The master blenders are all gentlemen who appreciate a fine glass of whisky and have a healthy respect for their counterparts. It’s much easier for them to put aside any politics and collaborate on making excellent whisky.
As many are now familiar, in 1923 inspired by Scottish whisky, Shinjirō Torii founded the Yamazaki Whisky Distillery at the outskirts of Kyoto to produce a unique Japanese version of his beloved libation. This endeavor a century ago (now Suntory Whisky) is undisputedly considered the genesis of Japanese whisky. Also of note, Yamazaki’s original distiller, Masataka Taketsuru, who honed his skills in Scotland, branched off to start the Nikka Whisky distillery in Yoichi, Hokkaido in 1934. The two men sit atop the pantheon of the industry, revered by all one hundred years later.
The concept was for each to share genshu (unblended whisky) with the other distillers, then each distiller blended the five variations as they saw fit, also finishing that blend in barrels of their choosing. This created five distinct whiskies that varied quite significantly in aroma and flavor. For example, Suntory highlighted its blend with a subtle peatiness not evident in the other whiskies, while Venture finished its version in mizunara barrels, which comes through in the aromatics and on the palate.
I was fortunate to have the chance to try all five versions available for tasting at the event. As one would expect, all were top-notch and a delight to sample, even in such tiny doses.There were no bottles for sale, nor are there any planned to be, from what we are told. What was offered at the event was all that the public will be getting a taste of unless the Fellow Distillers have another secret agenda that they are waiting to spring on us in the future. Whisky fans undoubtedly hope that is the case! Dare to dream, fellow drinkers!
Whisky Festival 2023 in Yokohama
Whisky Festival 2023
in Yokohama
Text and Photos by Brian Kowalczyk
During the final weekend of August we attended the inaugural Whisky Festival 2023 in Yokohama. The Japanese Whiskey Research Centre regularly holds similar events in Tokyo and Osaka, but we were ecstatic to see it come to Yokohama, the charming, metropolitan city our company calls home. The event venue, Osanbashi Pier, features one of the more attractive event spaces in the city and is, as many of you know, a frequent space for beer festivals. It’s a functioning cruise ship terminal with a contemporary design resembling the wooden decks of a ship.
The fest was split into four sessions, two per day, with 800 guests maximum. All four sessions were completely sold out in advance, indicative of just how popular Japanese whisky and spirits have become. About sixty companies total were represented, composed of producers, importers, and periphery businesses, such as chocolates and glassware. As you might expect, the nearly thirty Japanese distillers and spirits producers attracted the most attention. As the industry continues to grow we are thrilled to see creative new premium makers come on board as well as the release of unique products from the veterans. Some, including Kanosuke, Saburomaru, and Gaiaflow, made original bottles that were only available through a raffle at the event.
This was a worthwhile occasion where we not only got to taste some of Japan’s finest products, but also meet many of the people behind them. We look forward to the next event in Yokohama, but in the meantime keep an eye on Whisky Festival 2023 in Tokyo this December 2nd and 3rd. Even if you are a beer lover at heart, we think you’ll enjoy this change of pace–if you can get tickets, that is!
