Japan's New Whisky Standards: 6 Months On
Рет қаралды 11,048
Күн бұрын6 months on, have Japan's new whisky standards, announced by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association in February 2021, made any difference? They have - for good, and for bad.
The Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association announced a new set of regulations for products labelled as ‘Japanese whisky’, which are sometimes not very Japanese at all!
As per the usual, expect lots of historic tidbits and other edutainment in true Kanpai Planet fashion. It's a whisky review like no other!
Watch these two videos to get up to speed on the debates around Japanese Whisky:
New Japanese Whisky regulations: • The end of fake Japane...
What is Japanese Whisky?: • What is Japanese Whisky?
Price chart courtesy of whiskystats.net
Deep digging into Matsui Whisky/Kyoto Miyako courtesy of nomunication.jp
Welcome to Kanpai Planet, bringing you the world of Japanese drinks direct from the heart of Tokyo.
IF YOU'RE NEW, SUBSCRIBE NOW! We want YOU to be a part of our growing community of Japanese drinks lovers! Kanpai!
Links to other Japanese Whisky videos on Kanpai Planet:
Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2021 Review: • Hibiki Blossom Harmony...
Yamazaki Limited Edition 2021 Review: • Yamazaki Limited Editi...
How to pronounce Japanese Whisky: • How to Pronounce Japan...
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#JapaneseWhisky #Whiskey #Whisky
@ralfydotcom 2 жыл бұрын
. . . very articulate and well presented. Keep 'em coming !
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
As they say in the memes, "That feeling when a WhiskyTube legend endorses your content." Thanks for watching and commenting Ralfy, you made my day! Please check out some of the other content on Kanpai Planet - I'd love your thoughts on it. Kanpai!
@carlmartinlinder 2 жыл бұрын
I love this Mac. It is great that you expose the companies that are cheating the consumers. Good job!
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Martin. In the true spirit of the JSLMA rules, the onus is on the consumer ;-)
@GregsWhiskyGuide 2 жыл бұрын
Brilliant update on this sensitive topic, Mac, & I love the Starwars "Yin & Yang model" used here...On a smaller scale that is alas what happened in France too, where only 2 regions have more precise regulations, even if they're not the same, and even some distilleries of those regions don't comply to those new local regulations...Hard to get through this especially for the newcomers to this scene, as for Japan...Glad there is some hope though, as you said, some Japanese distilleries now learning to collaborate...Maybe the Force be with you, Mac ! Kanpaï !
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
May the force be with us all! Kanpai!
@maltymission 2 жыл бұрын
Wow… just wow. February: Let’s all rejoice and celebrate the fact Japanese whisky embraces transparency! September: yeah, uhm, actually it is now possibly even more obscure and difficult finding out what’s what. Just when I thought the SWA were deliberately trying to prevent customers from getting clear, transparent information, the Japanese be like ‘look and learn kid ‘ 🙈. Thanks Mac for a fantastic update. Hope a lot of people will watch this and the distilleries will be getting a lot of ‘uncomfortable’ questions about the whole thing.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Menno. Between Scotland and Japan, it definitely has a whole "Hold my beer" feel, right?! I feel this is an important video, so please share far and wide!
@nielsviveen 2 жыл бұрын
@@KanpaiPlanet I do feel that the smaller of the large ones try to be as transparent as they can be.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
I agree Niels. There would definitely be ways to make things clearer, especially around chill-filtering and colouring, but I don't feel that Chichibu and Mars are deliberately obfurscating the origin of their non-Japanese blends.
@alexk3088 2 жыл бұрын
@@KanpaiPlanet LOL, or is it "hold my sake"? No, it's "hold my Nikka from Ben Nevis" ;)
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Ha! Ben Nevis and who knows what else!
@MrDonkeyface2 2 жыл бұрын
Any chance of a bloopers segment after the credits?
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
I'd need some bloopers for that! 🤓
@user-lu3rv5mj3l 2 жыл бұрын
One of my fave Kanpai planet videos. Informative/Funny/Fearless 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
That means a lot coming from you! Kanpai!
@yamajules1397 2 жыл бұрын
A guide through the maze of what is real and what is not, Japanese whisky. You would think that distilleries would gladly put their seal of authenticity on each and every bottle rather than leave the unsuspecting consumer hang in the wind. That’s what we do with Cornish Pasties and Kendall Mint Cake, after all. Until that day, Mac’s rummaging through the paperwork and sifting the malted barley form the chaff (hehe) will allow many a mind to rest assured how to find real Japanese whisky. Stunning research, hats off!
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
That's what I don't understand! Why wouldn't you want the world to very clearly know that you were making the good stuff?!? Until we find out the answer to that mystrey, and beyond... KANPAI!
@yamajules1397 2 жыл бұрын
They clearly are trying to pull the wool over our eyes on their other products.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Exactly! 🤓
@NoNonsenseWhisky 2 жыл бұрын
I love how stuff like this is such a contentious issue amongst the community (ignore any negativity on this on Mac, it's bob on). As a collective, we should be demanding clarity from the producers of our favourite liquids.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Hear, hear! No other issues need to be conflated here. Drinkers, eaters, and consumers in general demand and deserve transparency about anything we spend our money on!
@RebMordechaiReviews 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much. As well as a big whisky fan, my main interest in watching these videos is to give me some background knowledge to begin to set out criteria for determining the Kosher status of these products for observant Jews. As you have clearly pointed out, the main issues here and a huge red flag is a continued lack of product transparency, both practice and ingredients, even amongst those companies who say they are complying with the new regulations. Moreover, there is still no penalty for failure to enforce these regulations. This has been a real eye opener.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
My pleasure! Even when communicating directly with these companies, they often hide behind 'proprietary knowledge' as an excuse not to disclose anything. Please consider supporting Kanpai Planet at buymeacofee.com/kanpaiplanet Kanpai!
@wholesomekeks5598 2 жыл бұрын
This was excellent THANK YOU for posting this and including sources and metrics. Outstanding
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
You're very welcome! Thank YOU for watching and commentating. Please share this video with all you friends - it would mean a lot to me - and subscribe for more! Kanpai!
@cliffnorman178 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the fantastic update.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Cliff! Good to see you in the comments again!
@PrestigeLiquidsWW 2 жыл бұрын
This has got to be one of the best videos I have seen regarding this issue. Thank you for being so informative and making these things very easy to understand.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your kind and motivating words sir!
@jaime_hi-meh_not_jay-mee7095 2 жыл бұрын
Great updates! Completely agree, just be transparent about it. If it's good whisky it's good whisky!
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jaime. We're in total agreement! If you're not transparent, you're not proud of what you're making, which tells me I shouldn't buy it! Please subscribe for more, and share this video with all your friends!
@WhiskyShared 2 жыл бұрын
Great video. Very informative and well presented.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@budj13 2 жыл бұрын
This is a fact filled and fascinating update, Mac. Thank you! You are providing a great service to the many like me who simply don't have the time to follow this evolving situation with all the subtle loop-holes and twists.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Bud! I hope we've got a bit more clarity come the next update! All the best from Tokyo. Mac
@undivided_unified 2 жыл бұрын
sir, new sub acquired ... proper delivery and super educational. now i only wish I could find stock of any of these titles you've mentioned!
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
I wish I could too! Thank you for watching, commenting and subscribing. Please check out the other videos on the channel, and share the channel and content with all your drinks-loving friends!
@believeinpeace8975 2 жыл бұрын
Great video again Mac! You've been putting out some unique and enjoyable content out there. Do you think that distributors should be held accountable as well? I've noticed in my travels that many stores' staff around the world don't know that much of their 'Japanese' whisky isn't very Japanese at all. It seems like distributors use the Japanese name to justify selling am over priced product to stores who then further pass the price increase on to the customer.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and your lovely comment! I agree with your comment - the distributors also bear some responsibility, but often they are just parroting what they have been told by the manufacturers. In my experience, there are those that don't know better (but should), and those that do know and don't care. Lots of work to do to rebuild the reputation of Japanese whisky! BTW, it would mean a lot to me if you would share the content you have been enjoying with as many people as possible! 🙏🙏🤓
@believeinpeace8975 2 жыл бұрын
@@KanpaiPlanet You bet I will Mac! Will keep me busy waiting for the next great video drop from Kanpai Planet 😁 Wish I stopped by Aloha Bar when I was in Japan earlier this year 🥃
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! One day, you will be able to return. One day...
@dash1011 2 жыл бұрын
Best video in some time. Well done team and thanks for your efforts.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
My pleasure! Thanks for watching and commenting!
@jammose6208 2 жыл бұрын
The quality of your videos is top notch, Mac! Easily one of the best channels I’ve watched. I’m hopeful in time you’ll get a sub count that reflects the work that you put into them!
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! With the support of people like you, it will happen!
@therealcampoz9375 2 жыл бұрын
This Video is amazing! 😂 Thanks for the laughs and the great information.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Edutainment is the goal on Kanpai Planet! Thanks for your comment. Please share the video, and all the others, with your drinks-loving friends. It really helps! Kanpai!
@kojikawaguchi4540 2 жыл бұрын
Another great video. So sad to see KIMONO-belt-KYOTO-whisky...........we should not do KANPAI with this kind of product
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Agreed! Luckily we have lots of great stuff to enjoy. Thanks for watching, and Kanpai!
@joeJoe-pb3su 3 ай бұрын
Great explanation of Japanese wiskey companies.
@KanpaiPlanet 3 ай бұрын
🥃🥃🥃
@seenskeme 2 жыл бұрын
Outstanding knowledge!!!! Keep it up!
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Please consider supporting Kanpai Planet at buymeacoff.ee/kanpaiplanet 🥃 Kanpai!
@hingcheung 2 жыл бұрын
Great vid! Will there be more follow-ups? I always prejudiced Japanese specialists as proud and honest about their craft. It seems that's often not the case when it comes to whisky craft. Why is that?
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you! For follow up, check this out: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bZdprZh2sOCyo3k.html That may also help answer your question after craftsmanship. I'll be monitoring the situation - maybe in 6 months there'll be a 'one year on' update. Thanks for watching! Kanpai!
@Pew7070 2 жыл бұрын
I just discovered your channel on KZfaq and by the caliber of your data you just become my Japanese whisky “go to” KZfaqr. Kampai! 🥃
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Wow! Thank you Mark! That really means a lot. Please subscribe for more, and share these videos with all your friends. Kanpai!
@TheCultureCave 2 жыл бұрын
Very interesting. Learning a lot!
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for watching and commenting. This was a follow-up to a video made when the regulations were released which you may find interesting: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/rbORpMSIyN3XkYE.html
@TheCultureCave 2 жыл бұрын
@@KanpaiPlanet Yes, I was already on it!...And I agree with all points. Whisky should be celebrated as an international beverage with less of the nationalism in this day and age. Interesting how much of that comes into PR, but the fundamental question is, whilst branding is fine, when does it become an unhealthy amount, quite literally? Precisely as you described, when every single miniscule ingredient needs to be able to be traced back to Japan. Taking things to the extreme, reminiscent of pre-16th Cent. etc
@whistlestopwonders 2 жыл бұрын
God this channel is fantastic. Great video! The lack of transparency in Japanese Whisky just makes me not want to engage with the market much at all. The regulations are not really asking for much, transparency for the customer is a pretty basic requirement.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much for your comment! Super kind and motivating! Please subscriber, and share these videos with all your friends! I'd love to reach 2000 subscribers by Xmas Day! As for transparency - that's all were asking for! It's almost more important than the provenance. Yet there is a pervasive 'the company knows best' attitude amongst the incumbents. Luckily some of the new craft distillers are challenging that.
@jujtan5412 Жыл бұрын
Why is it so hard for them to just be honest and straightforward......
@KanpaiPlanet Жыл бұрын
A big part is a function of the industry's history and also the lax laws and tax regulations around what constitutes whisky in Japan. Luckily things are very slowly starting to change...
@acelee632 2 жыл бұрын
wow talk about change. we get the home collection background and contacts? take notes, whisky makers of Japan
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and commenting! Glad you enjoyed the different environment. And yes, its time for this whisky industry to quickly mature.
@juliusdobos 2 жыл бұрын
Someone should gather the info, make those calls and create a paid app that lists every relevant product on the market, with a simple statement in a chart: Japanese / Blended / World.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
* Notes down business idea * 🤓 Thanks for watching and commenting!
@daksa67 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the crazy good video! Nice updated info on what seemed like progress. However, one thing that kept me bugging for 12minutes and 44 seconds - what is that scallywag?! Everything's japanese, of sorts, and that one sticks out unbelievably. Is it some Japanese influenced?
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and pa and paying such close attention! It's the Shibuya Edition from Douglas Laing's Scallwag's Adventure Series. Japan-limited/Japan-branded drinks are within Kanpai Planet remit - check out this review of the Resident Evil Japan-exclsuive Glenfarclas 25! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/j92PapR4m5_alHU.html
@daksa67 2 жыл бұрын
@@KanpaiPlanet wow, now I wish I had 300eur to drop for a bottle 😅 atleast I'll try to look up for some Japanese site to shop for whisky, all that's left - someone to send them over. Thanks a lot!
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
It's a premium bottle for sure! Thanks for watching!
@markfrederick4082 2 жыл бұрын
Good work. Yeah, this is a monumental about of BS. I've have been critical from the beginning. Big guys trying to dominate more. I agree with you about the koji / shochu thing too. It should be explained, but also appreciated alongside whisky.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
We won't get a change to the law for Koji, but an aside from the JSLMA would be appreciated. Thanks for watching. Please subscribe for more, and share my videos with your pals! It's truly appreciated.
@gregoryvassiliou4739 2 жыл бұрын
You quickly mentioned Takamine at the end. Is that actually distilled and bottled in Japan? I heard about that a few years back but never looked into it.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
It is. For Takamine, koji propagation, fermentation, distillation, aging, and bottling happen in Japan. Kanpai!
@lunaarran6965 2 жыл бұрын
Good morning Mac, great video on such a wonderfully confusing subject! I think there will be some time before the regulations are less confusing and open for „creative interpretation“ . And as within the EU, I guess it won‘t work without governmental input and actual fines. Then producers have the chance to actually use these regulations to their advantage, like Parma or Champagne or any other protected origin product!
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
I completely agree. It's good that it has finally kicked-off, and I'll be tracking its evolution over the next few years. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@WhiskyLock 2 жыл бұрын
"Matured under 3 years in a wooden cask under 700 litres" is that literally the phrase that JSLMA want non compliant producers to use?! Oh my word.... Great and informative video. Now, as when these 'regulations' were released, it seems that the problem is largely that Japanese legislators and tax collectors have no reason to care enough to get involved. We can only hope that they will be the first step in the right direction. Cheers!
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
My word indeed! The tax department is currently happy with the way things are. I think it will take time, but eventually we may see a GI-driven push to categorise Japanese Whisky, but that is a long way off if it ever happens. Thanks for the kind words about the video.
@Themilkmanskid. Жыл бұрын
Me, my brain, and my taste buds are just going to ease my way over to this quiet corner over here, sip on my Yoichi and Taketsuru NAS's while you smarties figure this all out. Kanpai!🥃
@KanpaiPlanet Жыл бұрын
Working on it! Please consider supporting Kanpai Planet at buymeacoff.ee/kanpaiplanet Kanpai! 🥃🥃🥃
@matthewjones5100 2 жыл бұрын
That's a bit disappointing about the efforts to shift responsibility on to the consumer who might just see that there are standards and assume they are buying something genuine. There's a real risk that "honest" producers get tarnished by the more "shady" producers.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely. It's almost worst now. Pre-April it was "buyer beware." Now. If you've heard about the new standards, you might think everything was trustworthy! Thanks for your comment - please subscribe for more!
@vinosmanuel 2 жыл бұрын
For a culture that appears so focused on honor, these are pretty dishonorable practices overall.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
I hear you. Luckily things are beginning to change, but we're a long way from a perfect world. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@billk9856 2 жыл бұрын
Great video.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Bill. Please subscribe for more, and share this video with all your friends.
@billk9856 2 жыл бұрын
@@KanpaiPlanet Have done ... found your channel through the latest VPub .... great to have found a good source of info re 'Japanese' whisky.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Cheers Bill. It's going to be a large 2022 on Kanpai Planet!
@graham2954 Жыл бұрын
It's hard to see how the Japanese whisky industry recovers. There will be suspicion for a generation at least.
@KanpaiPlanet Жыл бұрын
Luckily things are beginning to change, but there is a long way to go!
@MaltDaddy 2 жыл бұрын
So quick question is the Matsui single malts non JLSA compliant? I could not find any info online. Seems like you keep shooting down Kurayoshi distillery for their actions haha!
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
They have certainly been the most egregious in their transgressions, and quite confrontational about it. The first Matsui single malts were called single malts yet were probably only aged for 18 months. So everyone I know has stopped bothering with them.
@stvsueoka1 2 жыл бұрын
I can't stop watching hahaha
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
That's the best compliment a video maker can receive! Please do share these videos. I'd love to get to 5000 subscribers soon! Enjoy, and Kanpai!
@deccyboi4218 Жыл бұрын
Being a Japanese whisky enthusiast is almost as hard as being a fine aged rum enthusiast. Almost no transparency in rum!
@KanpaiPlanet Жыл бұрын
I hear you! Why do companies think we don't deserve the information?!
@lightplays2181 2 жыл бұрын
I like Japan's Whisky : )
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Me too my friend! That's my I have dedicated an entire KZfaq channel to it! Please check out some of the other videos here, and subscribe for more! Kanpai!
@alexk3088 2 жыл бұрын
As a whisky geek, a confirmed "malt mate", I am very enthusiastic about Japanese whisky. But as a pragmatic customer I don't buy it. At least with Scotch and Irish malts I can research in English, funny difficult names of distilleries notwithstanding. At least provenance is not questionable, within country of origin. With Japanese Whisky, not only do we have a lack of transparency/integrity, but we also have higher prices. Several whiskies that friends purchased have been shamefully forgettable and a waste of their money. Funny how Scotch whisky industry is concerned with preventing others from faking their namesake spirit, the Japanese whisky industry is insistent on protecting that very racket, even though they already have a reputation for great malts. Why would anyone overpay for mixing blends when you can get cheap Scotch for the same purpose? We want single malts! So even with these new rules I don't think I will run out to buy Japanese whisky. Maybe in a few years. That's my message to Japanese Whisky Industry. If they are confused by it, they can reach out to my customer service ;)
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
They can call you or check your website! 🤓 I understand the sentiments. The simple reason for the way the industry is here is that Suntory and Nikka don't have the capacity to produce all the whisky needed for all their products, PLUS it's cheaper for them to import whisky for their lower grade products. These products will continue to exist. What's important is the transparency. We've a long way to go, but this is a start.
@jiminguyen3790 2 жыл бұрын
how did you get three different type of boxes of nikka miyagikyo? when i buy it it never comes in a box? how to get for collector?
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Those are the Miyagikyo Distillery Exclusive Key Malts. They come in a box. Please consider supporting Kanpai Planet at buymeacoff.ee/kanpaiplanet Kanpai!
@kschell286 Жыл бұрын
I just foolishly bought some garbage called Yamato for $150. Labeled Japanese whiskey aged in Mizunara casks. Pure garbage...My fault for not doing research, but clearly it's not completely resolved
@KanpaiPlanet Жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear this. I don't think it is your fault. I think the labelling should be much clearer. There is a long way to go before it is!
@MrDonkeyface2 2 жыл бұрын
Are there phone numbers that we can call and we can use to get the essential facts and entertainment of the whisky provenance.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
They exist, along with Fax Numbers, but, like everything, you'll have to research them yourself!
@vanmilton8606 2 жыл бұрын
So is Matsui Shuzo any relation to the Kyoto sake brewery Matsui Shuzo?
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thankfully they are not!
@carl7763 2 жыл бұрын
Wait, are all NFTB releases blended with non Japanese?
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
According to Nikka's website, yes. Thanks for watching. Please share this video with all your whisky-loving friends!
@willemkilian9563 2 жыл бұрын
Still very confusing. Not everyone knows where to look to get the correct information. Just as an example, here is the current description of Nikka From the Barrel on the website of a very reputable and highly respected specialist retailer: "Nikka From The Barrel is a combination of the company's two single malt distilleries, Miyagikyo and Yoichi, blended with grain whisky that is also produced at Miyagiko." Other whisky retailers still have similar descriptions on their websites. So it's still very misleading. The correct information should be on the label.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Willem for your insightful comment. This is one thing that makes me very angry - Nikka let people believe there was nothing but Japanese Juice in this bottle and did nothing to correct the misinformation. You’ll only get the label once you buy the bottle, so the correct info should be given to retailers at the point of distribution. "This is what you're selling!"
@erebus79 2 жыл бұрын
That's almost fraud.
@handigeharrie4354 2 жыл бұрын
Guess I'll stick to scotch.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Enjoy, and Kanpai!
@milkywayrocks 11 ай бұрын
There are so many pretenders now with kanji labels lol. Great video!
@KanpaiPlanet 11 ай бұрын
Right?! It's a confusing landscape to navigate. Please consider supporting Kanpai Planet at buymeacoff.ee/kanpaiplanet
@zmcnulty 2 жыл бұрын
Koji is a bit of a thorny issue. It's easy for us gaijins to say hey it looks like whisky, tastes like whisky, therefore it's whisky. It's easy to say hey koji is awesome and has a long history etc. etc. But in Japan 洋酒 ("Western liquor") has always been distinct from sake and shochu. It's in the JSLMA's name (日本洋酒酒造組合), an organization which as you know is completely independent of organizations like JSS (日本酒造組合中央会). The law is written that way too. The word koji doesn't appear anywhere in the JSLMA definition of Japanese whisky. They simply defer to the National Tax Agency's legal definition of the whisky category. It's that legal definition of whisky which requires malted grain to be used. Does Takamine Whiskey use malted grain? If not, it can't legally be called whisky in Japan. Koji is essentially where the tax man has decided to draw the line in the sand between Western liquor and Japanese liquor. You can ask the JSLMA to have an open mind about it, but their answer will probably be "tell it to the feds."
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
The law doesn't even 'protect' Nihonshu AKA Japanese Sake, the national drink of this country, so I'm not expecting it to protect this century old foreign import! I don't expect any re-write of the JSLMA rules, and nor perhaps should they - both of which are why I said "unlikely". However, in a world of terroir and heritage, it would be "nice" (perhaps driven sentimentalism as you say) to see an acknowledgement of it somewhere. Especially as the big players make the entire vertical of drinks. It would be entirely within the JSLMA's power and remit to add a small amendment/exception. Going back to the tax laws, they were written that way to avoid the wrath of the US and European Communities when they came down on Japan for a previous version of its alcohol tax regime, not because of some morality about what truly constitutes whisky!
@stephenlyman4651 2 жыл бұрын
As you know, Jokichi Takamine was making maltless whisky using the koji process in Illinois 25 years before Taketsuru went to Scotland to learn how to make Scotch whisky. Dr. Takamine went on to a long and productive career in medical research including isolating adrenaline (the 1st time a human hormone had been isolated in human history), which has since saved millions of lives worldwide. He founded Daiichi Sankyo, which continues to operate today as one of Japan's largest pharmaceutical companies. The Takamine Whiskey mentioned in the video is clearly labeled as "koji fermented" and both on the back label and on the company's website it is made clear that the product represents a revival of a 19th century style of American whiskey - it does not bill itself as a Japanese whisky. After all, isn't this all about transparency?
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching and commenting. You're right - transparency is key and it's great to see it. Takamine is an absolutely fascinating character - I'll be showcasing a lot more about him when I get round to reviewing the Takamine Whisky!
@zmcnulty 2 жыл бұрын
@@stephenlyman4651Takamine is definitely a lesson in transparency that a lot of makers should see. I was just trying to highlight the difficulties that may be faced trying to get Japan to call anything made with koji a whisky, let alone a Japanese whisky.
@t.k.moondog1865 2 жыл бұрын
This is exactly why I stopped buying Japanese Whisky!!!you have no idea what you getting…
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
It's sad, and I don't blame you. At least now we have an idea about some of the whiskies' provenance. Hopefully over time we can bring you back to the fold my friend!
@andrewmainprice2179 2 жыл бұрын
Rules are not fit for purpose.Neef to be clear if they are importing Scottish whisky and selling it as Japanese
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
They are a start, but with no penalties for non-compliance, and companies creating new entities to circumvent the rules, it's tough to envisage a world of the clear labeling consumers need and deserve.
@prestonw3878 2 жыл бұрын
Attack of the koji!!
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
The Koji Strikes Back!
@prestonw3878 2 жыл бұрын
@@KanpaiPlanet we need a return of the Koji! Too soon for the last Koji
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Rogue Koji!
@erebus79 2 жыл бұрын
Very good work. Keep exposing this fakery.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
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@slimvincent10 2 жыл бұрын
What a shit show. Imagine a bunch of grown men (I’m almost certain it was men representing the big five of course) sitting in a room creating a response to issues that they created by misleading their customers, deciding to obfuscate the facts in an even more sophisticated way. They just wanted to make it appear they were being Something other than filthy liars by telling what are functionally filthy lies. Shame.
@KanpaiPlanet 2 жыл бұрын
Transparency has been a long-standing issue in the drinks industry, partly because it is regulated by the tax authorities, who have certain concerns, but those are not consumer prrotection, provenence, hygiene etc
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