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World's Best Whiskey Comes From... Japan?

Yoichi is first non-Scottish brand to win top award

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted May 2, 2008 8:56 PM CDT
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(Newser) – For years, Japanese whiskey has struggled for respect and praise; now, it’s on top of the world. A brand called "Yoichi 20 years old" has been voted the best whiskey in the world by Whiskey Magazine, the industry’s main publication. No non-Scottish spirit has ever won before, the Times of London reports, but judges fell for Yoichi’s “explosive aroma” and “amazing mix of big smoke and sweet blackcurrant.”

The $300-per-bottle whiskey was chosen from a blind tasting of more than 200 spirits. Japan did well in general, thanks in part to its use of traditional distilling equipment such as coal-fired pot stills, which have become a rarity in Scotland. “Japanese whiskies performed magnificently and they are really starting to make waves,” said Whiskey’s editor. Yoichi’s top blender said he was “very moved” by the honor.

Japan has become a major producer of high-end whiskeys.
Japan has become a major producer of high-end whiskeys.   (Shutterstock)
Traditional distilling gear is still common in Japan, but is now rare in Scotland.
Traditional distilling gear is still common in Japan, but is now rare in Scotland.   (Shutterstock)
Yoichi 20 years old is the first whiskey produced outside of Scotland to win Whiskey Magazine's top honor.
Yoichi 20 years old is the first whiskey produced outside of Scotland to win Whiskey Magazine's top honor.   (Shutterstock)
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