Elite Traveler May-June 2018

DISCOVER

elite traveler MAY/JUNE 2018 36

Eastern origins Spirits

TAKE THREE/// JAPANESE SPIRITS

drinkers often describe their experience of the more sophisticated Japanese whiskies as exotic and seductive.” To enter the world of Japanese whisky, Masa recommends whetting your appetite with Yamazaki 12 single malt and Hibiki 17 blended whisky, both from Suntory. As for collecting, rare releases from the now-closed Karuizawa distillery, which Masa describes as “a piece of Japanese whisky history,” are hot-ticket items. And though small in size, Chichibu distillery has garnered a passionate following for its legendary Ichiro’s Malt Card Series, adopted from the shuttered Hanyu distillery. The highly collectible series features 54 vintage bottles uniquely aged in cognac casks, sherry butts and even bourbon barrels, each retaining an original label resembling a deck of playing cards. Uphold tradition and serve a highball to your friends — never pouring your own as it is disrespectful to serve yourself in Japanese culture — and toast kanpai to the fine Japanese spirit. dekanta.com

In an industry that naturally fixates on old age, it’s not often that you see something new take over. Nonetheless, Japan is coming for the whisky throne. In 1923, Torii Shinjiro built Yamazaki distillery in Shimamoto, outside Kyoto, and introduced the first Japanese whisky, Suntory, as an alternative to scotch. The region’s famously pure water, terrain and climate imparted a different, less peated character on the whisky, separating it from its international contemporaries. A mere century later (the blink of an eye in these circles), the acclaimed Suntory Company now produces the equivalent of Scotland’s entire whisky output between its three distilleries, paving the way for an exciting array of whiskies from Japan. “In recent years, Japanese whiskies have come to be regarded as among the very best in the world and have collected numerous international awards,” says Makiyo Masa, founder and director of leading online Japanese spirits retailer Dekantā. “The Japanese have a reputation for valuing quality over quantity and exhibit exceptional attention to detail; in the production of whisky, this is proving to be a reputation well earned. Non-Japanese

SAKE Often referred to as Japanese rice wine, sake is actually less acidic and closer to beer in production. To create HeavenSake Junmai Daiginjo, champagne cellar master Régis Camus partnered with Yamaguchi–based sake house Dassai for a blend he considers quality Yamada Nishik rice, the berry flavor is best brought out neat or on the rocks. eu.heavensake.com SHOCHU A native Japanese liquor, Iichiko Kurobin shochu is single- distilled from polished barley grains mixed with spring water from Kyushu. Akin to vodka, but without additives, shochu gives off aromas of violet and tastes of silky cherry, tangerine and lychee fruit. Try with a 3:2 shochu to hot water ratio to fully experience its complex umami profile. iichiko.co.jp GIN Originally established as a Japanese whisky distillery in 1934, Nikka Coffey turns to clear spirits with this refreshing botanical gin. Distinctly Japanese essences of yuzu and sansho pepper offer a tangy finish that complements gin’s traditional juniper taste. Sip yours in a gimlet for a Japanese take on the classic cocktail, and be sure to check out Nikka Coffey’s new vodka. nikka.com ‘too pure to mix.’ Made from high-

A snifter of Yamazaki single malt from the oldest malt whisky distillery in Japan

TOKYO’S TOP TIPPLE

In Tokyo’s chic Ginza neighborhood, Hidetsugu Ueno makes mixology magic at Bar High Five, a not-to-be- missed spot for discerning tipplers. Beginning his bartending career at another local favorite, Star Bar Ginza, Ueno tells us he opened his own tavern in 2008 to “focus on local flavors, spirits, liqueurs and homemade bitters.” Take a seat at the small wooden bar, but don’t expect to peruse a menu. With a kind of cocktail clairvoyance, Ueno chooses recipes based on individual customer tastes — despite not imbibing himself. Drinks on the rocks are a work of art, served over a hand-carved ‘ice diamond’ in the deliberately intimate setting. +81 335 715 815, barhighfive.com

Words Olivia Cuccaro. Photos Suntory Whisky