Japanese Whisky

Winner of a 2019 Gourmand World Cookbook Award

Japanese whisky has been around for less than a century - but is now winning all the major international awards. How did this happen and what are the secrets of the master distillers? This whisky book divulges these secrets for the first time.

Japanese Whisky features never-before-published archival images and interviews chronicling the forgotten stories of Japan's pioneering whisky makers. It reveals the unique materials and methods used by the Japanese distillers, including mizunara wood, Japanese barley, and novel only-in-Japan production methods. It also examines the close cultural connections between Japanese whisky drinkers and their favourite tipples. For the first time in English, this book presents over a hundred independently scored whisky tastings from leading Japanese whisky blogger, Yuji Kawasaki, shedding new light on Japan's most famous single malts as well as grain whiskies and blends.

Japan expert Brian Ashcraft and photographer Idzuhiko Ueda crisscrossed Japan visiting all the major makers to talk about past and present whisky distillers, blenders, and coopers. This Japanese whisky bible features their exclusive interviews with the people involved in the early beginnings of the Japanese whisky industry over seventy years ago. Japanese Whisky not only explains how the country's award-winning whiskies are made but also the complete whisky history and culture, so readers can truly appreciate the subtle Japanese whiskies they're drinking and buying. Kanpai!

"Ashcraft's Japanese Whisky: The Ultimate Guide to the World's Most Desirable Spirit proves to be an extremely valuable source of information. Not only does Ashcraft cover the whisky-making process in great detail, he also dives a bit into Japanese drinking culture. [...] Japanese Whisky is the Yellow Brick Road on your journey of discovery into Japanese whisky. It will guide you into a great appreciation for the spirit." AdventuresInWhisky.com

"Ashcraft and Kawasaki's book is a feast for the eyes. [...] Japanese Whisky needs a place on your wine and spirits shelf." - Book Riot

"...this book unequivocally belongs in any serious whisky drinker's library." Tara Nurin, Forbes

"...beautifully designed, making it both easy to navigate and easy to read. It's hard to imagine a more thorough guide to the fascinating subject of Japanese whisky. It's a credit to all concerned." Travel Distilled blog