NEW DEFINITION FOR JAPANESE WHISKY

Japanese whisky is very well known, from Hibiki, to Nikka, to Yamazaki. With demand continuing to rise to new heights, distilleries want to get in on the action. This has led to confusion for some producers and customers as spirits that are made elsewhere are being marketed as Japanese whisky.

As a result, the Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association created a new definition for Japanese whisky. To be considered a Japanese whisky, new rules include distilleries having to use water that has been sourced in Japan and the whisky barrels needing to be stored in Japan for a minimum of three years.

Japanese whisky maker Suntory back the decision, saying theu believe it will help improve the reputation of Japanese whisky as customers will be able to distinguish it easily from other products.

The export market for Japanese whisky was worth £295 million in 2022 and is worth even more today, with over 100 Japense distilleries operating today.