By any measure, Japanese whisky has had a remarkable run in the past decade.
In just the past ten years the category has gone from beloved by a few in-the-know bartenders and enthusiasts to critical acclaim, soaring prices, and pronounced shortages. However, as in most industries, unexpected challenges also lead to opportunities for innovation and new ventures. Stepping in to meet the demand is Tenjaku, a masterfully blended yet reasonably priced whisky that serves as the perfect introduction to the world of Japanese whisky making. We ask Managing Director of Tenjaku Whisky USA to tell us more about whisky made in Japan.
Tell us a bit of backstory and history about Tenjaku Whisky.
Tenjaku is created in the city of Fuefuki, located in the eastern part of Kofu Basin in Yamanashi Prefecture. This fertile land encircled by soaring peaks, with the Chichibu mountains rising to the north and the Misaka range to the south, is renowned as Japan’s top peach and grape producing region. Looking towards Mt. Fuji and the Southern Alps, it is a place blessed with boundless nature, with verdant forests, beautiful orchards, hot springs, and crystal-clear streams.
Water can be said to be the “soul” of whisky. Fuefuki sits atop an alluvial fan system into which the excellent natural water from the Misaka Mountain range flows. Filtered through porous volcanic rock, it is perfect for dilution when creating blended whiskies – velvety-smooth and slightly alkaline in nature. The moderate mineral content present in the water creates a whisky that is smooth and easy-to-drink with a well-balanced flavor.
Talk to us about Japanese Whisky. Why was the time right for its popularity?
After the unprecedented rise in demand for Japanese whisky in the U.S. over the past few years, prices have been driven sky high as supply continues to falter. Aficionados either get lucky with their search or pay massively inflated rates to get their hands on a bottle. Enter Tenjaku to solve this need. Tenjaku Whisky offers an abundant supply of affordable, high-quality Japanese whisky to the US market. Our 91 (Exceptional) rating and 2020’s Best Japanese Blended Whisky award from the Beverage Testing Institute allow this whisky to stand toe-to-toe with its peers.
What should bartenders know about Tenjaku Whisky?
It has been said that it is the water, climate and people that make Japanese whisky so special. This philosophy lives within each bottle of Tenjaku Whisky as it’s distilled in the city of Fuefuki, overlooking Mt. Fuji.
If people are the heart of Tenjaku, environment is the soul. And nothing embodies this like the natural spring water that serves as the lifeblood of Tenjaku Whisky. All water used during the distillation process is drawn from 250 meters below the surface of the Misaka Mountain range. It is then filtered through volcanic rock ensuring a velvety-smooth texture and moderate mineral content resulting in a whisky that is equally balanced and flavorful.
In a sentence or two, how should a bartender describe Tenjaku to one of their guests?
The American consumer is seeking better and better spirits over recent years, and Tenjaku fits the trend perfectly.
The Tenjaku Blended Whisky is blended under the careful supervision of a celebrated master distiller, Kenji Wantanabe, to achieve its exceptionally well-balanced flavor at 40% ABV. But it does so at a far more approachable price point than consumers might expect. With a mashbill of 86% corn and 14% barley, all brought together with purified groundwater from Japan, I think it’s a perfect introduction to Japanese whisky.
Of course, for the Japanese whisky connoisseur, or for those ready to step up to a pure malt, I think it’s hard to top the value to price ratio on our Tenjaku Pure Malt Whisky. Of course, having a master distiller like Kenji Wantanabe and pristine Japanese water is a big part of that.
What is the best way to serve or mix with Tenjaku Whisky?
Tenjaku is excellent to sip neat or on the rocks. It can also be enjoyed in the classic Japanese Highball or in some of the unique cocktails on our website.
Talk to us a bit about the name and packaging.
On the label are the Japanese characters for the skylark (hibari), the much-loved herald of spring in the East and West and for this masterfully blended whisky. Like the clear, exquisite song of a small bird, Tenjaku features an agreeably pure, mellow flavor.
What’s next for the brand?
We plan to release Tenjaku Vodka in February 2023. Tenjaku Whisky Pure Malt Blend of different ages also to be released in February 2023. Sherry cask, limited edition, bottle from Bruni Glass Italy. We continue to roll out Tenjaku Japanese Gin which has amongst its botanicals Yuzu and Green Tea. It has been met with a great market response and is increasingly ubiquitous in the market. Plus, the packaging has a distinctive blue color and bartenders love how it pops on the back bar.
The post We Ask Craig Kodish, Managing Director of Tenjaku Whisky About Japanese Whisky appeared first on Chilled Magazine.
Source: Mixology News
