2 Million Dollar Bills

The world has truly gone crazy, I couldn’t believe what I was reading Scottish Single Malt Whisky, has been beaten for the first time in a international competition run by Whisky Magazine, the industry bible. A Japanese whisky called Yoichi 20 year old single malt produced by the Nikka distillery has been voted the best in the world by a team of 16 so called experts. For someone other than Scotland to win this competition, is as big a shock as England winning the next world cup. In Scotland, whisky, which translates from Gaelic for “water of life”, is a cultural icon, which is a huge part of our heritage.

Yoichi was praised by the judges for its, amazing mix of “big smoke and sweet blackcurrants”, “explosive aroma”, and “big, long and sweet finish”. Sounds real good.

The Japanese still use traditional distilling techniques, such as coal-fired pot stills, which are widely used in Japan, but have all but disappeared in Scotland.

I personally feel that big business is obviously playing a huge part in allowing the Japanese to supposedly produce the best single malt whisky in the world. Too many whisky distilleries in Scotland are owned by massive companies, which only care about profit margins and shareholder dividends. As we all know huge companies always find a way to do things in a cheaper and more efficient manner, and maybe as the Japanese have proved you sometimes have to stick with tradition for the best results.

For the record Nikka whisky distillery, was founded by Masataka Taketsuru who learned the art of whisky making in Scotland where after he left University in 1918 he worked as a blender at distilleries in Cambeltown and Speyside. He also married a Scottish girl before he returned to Japan and formed the Yoichi distillery in Hokkaido in 1934.

Unfortunately the Yoichi 20 year single malt costs around £150 per bottle and as much as I like a wee dram of whisky I don’t like it that much, so It may be a while until I can test it to let you know, if its as good as they say. But if the Nikka distillery wants to send me a complimentary bottle I will give it my full attention along with an unbiased review. Until then I will remain sceptical about the result. Maybe the judges were having a bad day, or that they were bribed.

The full results from the Whisky Magazine competition make interesting reading  Whisky Magazine announces winners

Slainte Mhath

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