Japanese Whisky Has Tartan Heritage –

Often Quite Literally

As an old established Scottish brand we know about the power of the amber nectar, Scotch whisky, which is one of the leading products that the nation is known for all around the world. But did you know that in some places Japanese whisky is more fashionable than Scotch? Well apparently it is in the Far East and there many times that Scottish whisky is being repackaged as the Japanese brew. It seems that according to regulations in the Land of the Rising Sun whisky from abroad miraculously becomes Japanese once added to any amount of whisky made there.  And it’s been going on for ages it seems as export volumes of Scotch to Japan trebled between 2013 and 2018 with bulk stock forming a part of that growth. Bulk stock means kind of unbranded stuff in large quantities that will go straight into their home brew because they can’t make enough of their own.

Strange Brew

Of course they don’t describe the resulting brew as Scotch, but it is a bit of a money spinner for Scottish distillers. These “teaspoon distillers” in Japan use large volumes of Scotch then add small amounts of home grown whisky to a product which will be labelled as authentically Japanese. Strange Brew as the great prog rock band Cream might have sung. And the Japanese whisky makers aren’t as honest as they should be. It seems some Japanese companies mention they have used Scotch whisky in their blends but many others make no note of the provenance of the amber nectar that they use. I often rock on about only drinking whisky neat, but this makes you ponder the nature of the whisky that many drink around the world. However, anything you drink which is branded Scotch here will be of the highest quality and provenance as regulations here are darn strict and sophisticated home grown consumers are moving to fine whiskies not blends.

Oh Flower of Scotland

And if you, or one of those close to you love the best of Scotland in a glass then may I point you to James Pirie’s fine selection of glassware to enjoy the amber nectar. We have a whole section of whisky gifts to peruse and most of them are very fine indeed. For those who love just a tot there is Royal Scot Crystal - Flower of Scotland thistle shaped tot glass in a gift box. It is five star customer rated and half price, can’t say fairer than that, although one reviewer says more: “I bought this for my Dad for Father’s Day, and absolutely loves it. I think it’s the sweetest thing I’ve seen. The product is of the finest quality.“

https://www.jamespirie.com/whisky-gifts/gift-boxed-flower-of-scotland-tott-glass-thistle-shape.html