Artisanal Japanese Whiskies for World Whisky Day – 20th May
Stock up with interesting world whiskies in May as World Whisky Day is on 20 May 2023. This provides a great excuse to introduce your customers to whiskies from around the globe and not just the obvious sources, delicious though Scottish and Irish tipples are. If you don't already stock Japanese whiskies, you can do no better than embarking on this whisky virtual world tour with two of the best - Akashi and Togouchi. Each of these iconic Japanese whisky ranges comprises exceptional liquids with unusual taste profiles.
How to drink them
Japanese whiskies are distinctively different and designed to be consumed in a way that differs from traditional spirits in this sector. These are designed to be enjoyed as light, fresh, long drinks, a style that is particular to Japanese whiskies. The new Japanese expressions being launched now bring an injection of excitement and new interest to the whisky sector and will surprise and delight your taste buds, especially if you've not tried this style before. They often convert non-whisky drinkers due to the light taste profile.
Togouchi Whiskies
The expressions
The Togouchi brand includes some expressions that only recently became available the UK: Togouchi Beer Cask (40% ABV); Togouchi Sake Cask (40% ABV); Togouchi Pure Malt (40% ABV); and Togouchi Single Malt (43% ABV). Look out too for Togouchi Premium (40% ABV); Togouchi 9 YO (40% ABV); and Togouchi 15 YO (43.8%).
About the distillery
This is a high-end, artisanal Japanese whisky brand produced by Sakurao Brewery & Distillery, based in Hatsukaichi, a small distillery in southern Japan. Founded in 1918, the distillery has been producing sake and other liquors and began creating whisky in 1990.
The elegant 70cl bottle design reflects the design of the company's Shochu jars.
Akashi Whiskies
The expressions
The Akashi collection of whiskies includes Akashi Blended Sherry Cask (50% ABV); Akashi Blended (40% ABV); Akashi Single Malt (46% ABV); and Akashi Single Malt Sherry Cask 5 YO (50% ABV).
About the distillery
The distillery which makes Akashi, the Eigashima Distillery, was founded in 1888, and is owned by one of the country's oldest and most distinguished sake producers. The Eigashima company's own history dates to the 1700s. It wasn't until the early 20th century that Eigashima Distillery was granted a licence to produce whisky and the first whisky was distilled in 1984.
Unusually, this distillery produces whisky during only one month of the year. The range of exhilarating, light, fresh whiskies are delicate and sophisticated and usually served as long drinks served in a highball glass with water and ice or in contemporary cocktails.
The whiskies are stored before release for between 3-8 years mostly in oak casks previously used for bourbon, sherry, wine, or sake.
Tina Connolly, Senior Brand Manager at AB UK, said: "We are proud to be marketing and selling these two iconic Japanese whisky brands. Akashi and Togouchi are artisanal brands that each offer interesting and exciting whisky expressions.
"Japanese whiskies are distinctively different and designed to be consumed in a way that differs from traditional spirits in this sector. The new Japanese expressions being launched now bring an injection of excitement and new interest to the whisky sector and World Whisky Day is the perfect excuse to trial a range of Japanese whisky cocktails on your menu - from a classic Smash or a Sour through to the simple but delicious Highball."
For UK trade sales contact sales.uk@amberbev.com
