Japanese whisky voted best in the world
A Japanese whisky has been voted the best in the world.
Yoichi 20-year-old is the first variety outside Scotland to win the coveted single malt award from industry bible Whisky Magazine, scotching the hopes of dozens of other varieties, including last year’s winner, Talisker 18-year-old, from the Isle of Sky.
Yoichi, which is distilled near Sapporo City on the Japanese island of Hokkaido and sells for up to £150 a bottle, was praised by judges for its “amazing mix of big smoke and sweet blackcurrant“, “explosive aroma” and “big, long and sweet finish“, reports the Sunday Times.
In fact, Japanese whisky makers, traditionally sneered at by connoisseurs, were celebrating a historic double, after Suntory Hibiki, the brand advertised so unenthusiastically by Bill Murray’s character in Lost In Translation, scooped the prize for the world’s best blend.
Yes indeed, Japan’s reputation as a distiller of fine whiskey is secure! But where can we get some? I’ve only seen Suntory Yamazaki at a few stores in SF.