When Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible named Suntory’s Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 as the best whisky in the world, the rest of the globe watched on in shock. Until recently, Japanese whiskies were a novelty on the market. However, the Japanese have been perfecting their whiskies for the better part of a century. Also they are ready to take the world on by storm.

While Scotch malts have been synonymous with the best, they failed to make the top five spots in the latest edition of the Whisky Bible. As Japanese whiskies continue to gain popularity, we want to know what is the secret to their success.   

Despite being the new kid on the block, Japan has been churning out commercially produced whiskies since the early 1920s. Since the Yamazaki distillery opened near Kyoto, Japan’s whisky industry mostly focused on its home market. Also there’s decades to hone its craft. Keeping its single malt off the international market has perhaps lent these whiskies an air of mystery, novelty, and above all, allowed the Japanese art of whisky making to ripen.

And evidence of its success continues worldwide. Bidders fought over the bottles of rare Japanese whiskies at Zachys’ Hong Kong auction in May. On the other hand, a rare 45-year old Karuizawa sold for US$30,000.

“The spectacular sale of the Japanese single malt whiskies proves that connoisseurs are always seeking new taste and diversity in libations to expand their collections,” said Elliot Faber, a Hong Kong based senior whisky advisor to Zachys.

But it’s not just Asia becomes indignant. Besides Japanese brand Nikka also selling over one million bottles in Europe, with France as its main market. The brand’s sales have increased by 45% across the continent, including the UK.

Chris Seale, managing director of UK’s Specialty Brands said “Japanese whisky is enjoying a large scale of the surge in popularity in the UK and is recruiting new fans every day. 

The recent surge in popularity of Japanese has been such a shock to the market. Therefore, Japanese whisky makers find it hard to keep up with the demand.   

“With prices of Karuizawa rising over 140% in auctions in the last 12 months and Ichiro malt card series over 100%. However, it is a very strong market where there is a limit of supply and demand very strong worldwide. We cannot keep up with the demand,” says Tokyo-based Makiyo Masa, Director of Dekanta.com. In addition, Dekanta.com is one of the world’s largest online retailers for rare whisky from Japan.

Suntory’s first master distiller Masataka Taketsuru studied the art of whisky making in the Highlands. And he brings his know-how back to Japan. Ever since then, the Japanese produce their whiskies in the Scottish style. And the process distills the water twice using a pot still and even use malted or peated barley specially imported from Scotland. 

However, Japanese distilleries continue to develop their production techniques. Also, they are willing to step outside the tradition, which some belief limits their Scottish counterparts. It might be easy to compare Japanese whiskies to a Speyside, a Lowland or a quasi-Islay style. However, over the 20^th century these whiskies have evolved into a style of their own.

Kai Ivalo from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society thinks the time is also right for Japanese whiskies as “people are becoming more adventurous and curious. They are discovering new experiences which lead them to try different styles of whisky, including whiskies from other countries.” 

While Bill Murray’s iconic “For relaxing times, make it Suntory time” from Lost in Translation may have left its mark on popular culture, it looks Japanese whiskies will continue to enjoy their popularity for some time.

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