Japanese Whisky Wins Honor

[Really a McQueen]

Well, I have to admit that my family had a hand in the modern development of scotch-type whisky in Japan. My late uncle was employed by Seagrams. At one point, he was involved in a project that was a joint venture between Kirin and Seagrams that resulted in getting blended product to market several years ahead of schedule. This was in part due to Japanese regulations, which allowed the use of neutral spirits (imported from Australia), and flavouring agents to be blended with a younger, Japanese-produced product, to produce a market-ready blended whisky. When he neared retirement, the joint venture produced a limited bottling of a Crown Royal-like blended whisky which they named after him. The entire bottling (reportedly) went to executives and key personnel involved in the original project. I got to sample that one, but having an under-educated palate at the time, did not truly appreciate it at the time.

[Kalok Sundancer]

Keep in mind that at one point in time the only "good wine" came from France and Italy. You couldn't beg people to try an American wine.

[Theyoungkiltman]

about a month ago my uncle said he likes "Japanese scotch" best

[DyerStraits]

about a month ago my uncle said he likes "Japanese scotch" best

....in the same way some people like "California Champagne" or "New York State Sherry" best. To each his own....

I have always ignored whisky ratings/rankings the same way I have always ignored cigar ratings/rankings (not to mention movie reviews) for the reason Tobus stated earlier--someone else's experience will not necessarily be the same as mine, especially considering what a full-blown contrarian I've become. I'm afraid it will therefore be necessary for me to assemble my own at-home Japan vs Scotland tasting with some fellow "Malt Advocate" friends and draw my own conclusions.