ST PATRICK’S DAY: JAMESON LEADS GLOBAL CELEBRATIONS WITH ITS VERSION OF THE PERFECT IRISH COFFEE

Dublin, Ireland: Jameson, the world’s favourite Irish Whiskey, has enjoyed three days of celebrations for this year’s  St. Patrick’s Day, with global festivities centred on its spiritual home in Dublin, Ireland. It was during this meeting of cultures and minds from across the world that Jameson debuted its reassessment of the cocktail classic, the Irish Coffee, specifically for St Patrick’s Day 2016.

The perfect Jameson Irish Coffee serve has been created by three experts, bringing together the best of their respective fields to craft a cocktail worthy of St Patrick’s Day. Unveiled at Jameson-owned speakeasy The Butchers, the collaborators – Jameson Head Blender Billy Leighton, renowned mixologist Nick Strangeway and local coffee roasters TwoFifty Square – have deconstructed and reassembled the serve with an emphasis on taste and perfectly balanced flavours. By challenging convention, Jameson aims to see a revival of this often overlooked classic.

Jameson’s three days of festivities for St Patrick’s Day have brought to life the sights, sounds and provenance of Dublin in a modern way. Showcasing the important and historic relationship between Jameson and Ireland’s capital, guests from across the world enjoyed a journey through underground Dublin from a local’s perspective, which included: a walking tour of Dublin’s celebrated street art, led by this year’s LEB designer James Earley; authentic Irish cuisine at L Mulligan’s Grocer, Fumbally Café and the Drury Buildings; and St Patrick’s Day stalwart, the Bow Street Sessions gig, featuring internationally-known talent including Kodaline, Little Hours and July Talk.

Daniel Lundberg, Global Brand Director for Jameson, comments: “St. Patrick’s Day is the most important time in the calendar for Jameson and every year we demonstrate the relevance of this dynamic brand in modern-day Ireland and across the world. This year’s unveiling of the perfect Jameson Irish Coffee is just part of our commitment to challenging convention and offering whiskey fans an authentic and personal way to enjoy Jameson. From internationally celebrated bartenders to today’s top street artists, this week’s festivities have showcased  what it means to be part of the Jameson family – a gathering of whom John Jameson would be proud!”

#BeOriginal @JamesonWhiskey

 NOTES

About Irish Distillers Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the company decided to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork. Irish Distillers was bought by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 and today, Jameson is the No.1 Irish whiskey in the world, selling over 5 million 9L cases worldwide and contributing more than any other Irish whiskey brand to the phenomenal global growth of the category. Irish Distillers is committed to driving continued, sustainable growth of the Irish whiskey category.

Irish Distillers’ portfolio of whiskeys is comprised of Jameson, the world’s no.1 Irish whiskey; Irish favourite Paddy; Powers, the robust super premium whiskey for discerning drinkers; and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise the Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection – the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton which includes the Spot range (Green Spot, Yellow Spot) and Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey brand – and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare. www.irishdistillers.ie

About Pernod Ricard Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 7,945 million in 2013/14. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 80 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index. www.pernod-ricard.com

Highland Single Malt Scotch whisky brand anCnoc wins at the World Whisky Awards 2016 with 18YO

Single Malt Scotch whisky brand anCnoc is proud to announce the 18 year old from its core collection has become the overall winner at the ninth annual World Whisky Awards 2016.

Released in November 2014, the 18 year old malt was ranked the winning liquid in the 13-20 year old category of Highland Scotch whisky, giving the expression a coveted World’s Best Whisky title. Matured in hand-selected Spanish oak ex-sherry casks and American oak ex-bourbon casks, the 18 year old’s unique flavour profile stood out for the judges who commented on its layers of complexity and ‘well balanced long, sustained finish’.

The esteemed World Whisky Awards, which launched in 2007, select, reward and promote the finest tasting and designed whiskies across the global whisky industry.

After being selected as category winners earlier on this year, anCnoc faced a further rigorous round against the other shortlisted liquids and was deemed the judges’ favourite who crowned the malt as one of the World’s Best Whiskies. Judging for the awards has taken place in three stages, with panel members representing a range of professions such as journalists, mixologists, specialist drinks retailers and hoteliers who each blind test the liquid against its competition.

anCnoc Brand Manager Stephanie Allison commented: “We’re thrilled to have our 18 year old recognised at such a prestigious ceremony, particularly against some truly excellent single malts. We pride ourselves on making the finest whisky we can, so being the overall category winner

at the finals of the World Whisky Awards is not only a great achievement but is also extremely rewarding especially for our dedicated distillery team.” 

Notes  

About anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is part of the Inver House Distillers portfolio, and is produced at Knockdhu Distillery – established in 1894 and one of the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish Highlands. It is renowned the world over by malt enthusiasts for bringing a contemporary twist to the traditions of fine malt whisky, producing a single malt that is accessible and versatile for all occasions. Cutter has been ranked in the Liquid Gold category of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2016 with a score of 96.5/100 adding to anCnoc’s portfolio of award-winning expressions. Whiskies in this category are deemed by Jim Murray as “superstar whiskies that give us all a reason to live.” Another prestigious industry award comes in the form of the World Whiskies Awards 2016 ranking anCnoc’s 18 year old expression as the winner of their highland single malt 13-20 category.

San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2016

• Double Gold for Rascan
• Gold for 12yo

About International Beverage

International Beverage Holdings (http://www.interbevgroup.com/) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (http://www.inverhouse.com/) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

It’s all about the casks

Creating a classic Lowland Malt

We can hardly believe that a year ago today we filled our first casks at Kingsbarns, it was a real landmark day for the team.

The night before ‘cask filling day’ our Distillery Manager Peter Holroyd and Assistant Distiller Andy Colman selected the first 40 first fill Bourbon barrels to be filled and like all of our first fill ex Bourbon barrels, these barrels came from Heaven Hill distillery in Kentucky. They weighed each one empty, ready for the spirit to be added in the morning.

Visit our website to read more about the technical aspects of that first fill. Cask number one was moved to the doocot in the distillery visitor centre where it remains today under the safe watch of our two distillery pigeons.  The remaining 39 casks were moved onto the racking beside the filling area until being delivered to our warehouse for maturation.

A year on, our distillery team has filled 672 casks in total across first fill Bourbon barrels, Shaved Toasted Re-charred (STR) barrels, Sherry Butts and a Port Pipe.  We usually fill casks once a week with an average of 24 a week. Whilst that sounds like a lot of whisky, our output is relatively small and as we are currently running at 5 days a week we still have the potential to increase production in the future.

Since we began distilling, our New Make Spirit has quickly settled to deliver a good consistent quality of spirit which is light and fruity in style. If you’ve not had a chance to try it, either at the distillery or at a whisky show we’ve attended, then you can pick up a 20cl bottle on our online shop. Don’t just take our word for it though, visit the Whisky Fun blog for Serge Valentin’s review.

The Kingsbarns Distillery Founders’ Club is a unique chance to be a part of our story from these first years of production.  As a member you will be one of the first to own single malt whisky from our distillery when you receive a bottle of Kingsbarns Single Malt Founders’ Reserve in mid 2018. A total of 4 Founders’ Club Reserve bottlings will then be sent to you annually until 2022.

At the distillery, we are lucky to be able to offer single casks that have been bottled exclusively for Kingbsarns by our sister company Wemyss Malts.  Wemyss Malts is renowned for using the flavour and aromas to identify each expression and the current range includes ‘Flotsam and Jetsam‘ a 1991 Glen Scotia, ‘Smouldering Hickory‘ a 1997 Bunnahabhain and ‘Gorse Heath’ a 1998 Mortlach. Visit our website shop to find out more.

Kingsbarns Distillery & Visitor Centre, East Newhall Farm, Kingsbarns, Fife, KY16 8QE

HIGH WEST RELEASES DISTILLERY EXCLUSIVE 14-YEAR LIGHT WHISKEY

Don’t Be Fooled by the Name—This Limited Edition is No Lightweight 

PARK CITY, Utah (March 17, 2016) — Come see the light! High West Distillery, Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870, releases a limited edition 14-Year Light Whiskey. Beginning March 19, this special bottling is available exclusively to visitors at the High West Distillery at Blue Sky Ranch, followed by a roll out at the High West Saloon & Distillery in historic Old Town Park City on April 16. 

“At High West, we believe education leads to appreciation so we wanted to shed some light on this rarely discussed type of whiskey,” says High West founder David Perkins. “This is a spirit that’s not likely to be available again for a long time.” 

Light whiskey denotes a grain spirit that’s been distilled at a higher proof than a straight whiskey — between 80-95% alcohol by volume (ABV) versus less than 80% ABV respectively. It’s typically used as a component in about 95% of the world’s blended whiskeys. In the U.K., what they call grain whiskey is essentially the same thing as light whiskey. 

“This whiskey was distilled at a higher proof on the still, which reduces the heaviness of the flavors, and reveals more floral and fruit subtleties,” said High West master distiller Brendan Coyle. “It was aged in used barrels, as opposed to first-use charred barrels, which lends more elegant complexities with a spirit-forward character.” 

High West discovered 100 stunning barrels of light whiskey at MGP made from corn that was distilled between 1999 and 2001, aged in second-fill barrels. That wood aging imparted a traditionally light spirit with lovely vanilla and white chocolate notes, and an intriguing Concord grape overlay—to anything but typical results. 

High West encourages you to indulge in this special offering all on its own—neat, with a touch of water, or on the rocks. The 14-Year Light Whiskey will retail for $99.95.

Website now fully updated

With tickets going on sale this coming Tuesday March 29 at 10am, the Spirit of Toronto website has now been fully updated including the schedule for our 2016 Masterclass Series. For those of you attending the show for the first time, these are seated tutored tastings presented by a variety of guest speakers on the lower level of Roy Thomson Hall.

Masterclass seats may be reserved when tickets for this year’s show go on sale. Those of you opting for Early Admission will attend one of the pre-show sessions starting at 5:30pm, with priority entry into the main tasting hall when the class is over.

2016 Masterclass Series

The schedule for our 2016 Masterclass Series is now online and we’re happy with the variety it offers, be it something that appeals to seasoned connoisseurs, novice tasters or those simply looking for an adventure on the palate.

Kicking off our 2016 series is another exceptional opportunity to travel back in time with Angus MacRaild. ‘American Whiskey: A History Lesson’ starts off in 1916 with a taste of pre-Prohibition whiskey, travelling through to the present with a look at some of the most famous names in the industry.

The history lesson continues as Matt Jones presents ‘Legends of Bourbon’ with his take on the figures that have made America’s whiskey great, while those in a less studious frame of mind might prefer to don a fancy hat and join Matt on the outdoor terrace for a ‘Kentucky Derby Social’. This will be a relaxed pre-show session of mint juleps, live bluesgrass and a mouthwatering Derby-inspired menu as Matt explains all about “the most exciting two minutes in sport.”

You can never go wrong with the classics and with that in mind we are pleased to be presenting an enviable selection of single malt Scotch whisky from some of Scotland’s finest distilleries including Benromach, Tomatin, Old Pulteney, Glenfiddich, The Malt Distillers Collection (Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa) and Dewar’s Fine Whisky Emporium (Aberfeldy, Craigellachie, Aultmore and Royal Brackla). Closer to home Dr. Don Livermore returns with his arsenal of award-winning whiskies including his latest opus, Last Barrels, as part of ‘Canadian Whisky Trailblazers’.

Lastly, those of you in the mood for something different will certainly find it with the bold, rustic flavours of armagnac courtesy of the House of Delord, while rum fans will be spoilt for choice as we welcome Master Distiller Shaun Caleb from El Dorado in Guyana, and author Wayne Curtis who will be educating guests on the category’s best kept secret, rhum agricole.

The Fine Print

For those of you attending the show for the first time, masterclasses are seated tutored tastings presented by a variety of guest speakers on the lower level of Roy Thomson Hall. Seating may be reserved when purchasing tickets for this year’s show as of Tuesday March 29 at 10:00am.

Early admission includes seating in the masterclass of your choice at 5:30pm, with priority entry into the main tasting hall when the class is over. The remainder of the classes are scheduled for 7:00pm and 8:30pm and may be reserved at a cost of $15 HST included per person per class.

Automatic Ticket Notification

Those subscribed to this list will receive an automatic notification the night before tickets go on sale, Tuesday March 29. We’re often asked about the best way to purchase tickets in order to secure your first choices but regrettably we can offer no guarantees as tickets will be available online, by telephone and in person, and all three purchase methods are certain to experience a queue. Nonetheless, we look forward to welcoming you back on May 7—see you then!

BenRiach is today (17 March 2016) delighted to launch the very first edition of its new Cask Strength release.

Like the critically-acclaimed GlenDronach Cask Strength batches which have been eagerly snapped up by whisky enthusiasts worldwide, BenRiach plans to regularly release new batches from its award-winning Elgin distillery.

The whisky chosen for Batch 1 is classic BenRiach in style. You will be treated to a voluptuous sweet taste of honey, soft fruits and gentle spices – but at a cask strength of 57.2% ABV, it packs a real punch!

Master Blender Billy Walker’s tasting notes show that the whisky chosen as the Batch 1 Cask Strength is absolutely outstanding.

Colour

Gleaming harvest gold with a burnished copper edge.

Nose

Sweet toasted oak spices are interwoven with roasted orchard fruits and dusted with cracked barley. Black vanilla pods, desiccated coconut and a gentle floral note add complexity to the ripe, fruit-laden nose.

Palate

An excellent example of the delicious BenRiach character. Creamy heather honey pours over a medley of apples, pears and apricots. Subtle notes of candied peel and fresh ginger give a delicate warmth and lead to a classic combination of vanilla, toasted coconut and sweet barley in the luscious, velvety finish.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “Cask Strength Batch 1 is another momentous and exciting “first” for the BenRiach distillery.

“This stunning Speyside whisky, with all its classic BenRiach characteristics, is the first Cask Strength expression to be added to our core range, allowing us to showcase the true BenRiach style in its most natural state – straight from the cask to the bottle, non-chill filtered and at its natural colour, allowing the distillery’s unique spirit to shine through.

“It is an incredibly fine dram and I am confident it will prove as successful as our wonderful GlenDronach batches.”

The BenRiach Cask Strength Batch 1 is available from specialist whisky retailers soon.

Keep an eye on our website (www.benriachdistillery.co.uk) and Facebook pages over the coming weeks for more information on the BenRiach Cask Strength Batch 1, tasting notes and exclusive product photography.

MICHEL ROUX JR AND THE BALVENIE JOIN FORCES IN THE ULTIMATE EXPLORATION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

‘The Craftsmen’s Dinner’: a new film series featuring leading experts in various fields ranging from pottery to salmon smoking unearths the true meaning of craftsmanship.   

The Balvenie has a rich history of celebrating excellent craftsmanship; however the launch of ‘The Craftsmen’s Dinner’ – a six part short film series in which exceptionally skilled individuals in various fields are met and profiled by multi award winning chef Michel Roux Jr – will mark the brand’s foremost exploration of outstanding artistry to date.

The YouTube film series sees the two Michelin starred chef – naturally a master of his own trade – set out to unveil the true meaning of craftsmanship by meeting and discussing the talents and secret skills of six equally gifted people; including one of the only knife makers left in Britain, a music-loving salmon smoker, an organic farmer, a potter and a sparkling wine producer.

The series culminates with Michel creating the mouthwatering ‘Craftsmen’s Dinner’ for each of the individuals, using contributions from each artist; including salmon for the guests to enjoy, and beautiful hand crafted plates to serve it on. The first instalment of the series will launch at https://www.youtube.com/TheCraftsmensDinner on the 15^th March 2016, and will be released on a fortnightly basis thereafter.

Michel Roux Jr commented: “I have tremendous respect for people who dedicate the years required to mastering and perfecting their trade, so it was a fantastic experience to work with The Balvenie on this project, and to meet such talented individuals.”

Scores of captivating stories emerge from the films; including Ole Hansen:  a salmon smoker who lovingly plays piano music to his produce every day in the belief that it adds a certain dimension to the taste. And Will Ferraby: a Sheffield-based knife maker whose chef’s knives are famously so precise that they perfectly slice a tomato in two, even when dropped from a height.

Jonny Cornthwaite, Senior Brand Manager, The Balvenie commented: “Celebrating exceptional craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do for The Balvenie; so it is a privilege to work with Michel Roux Jr and these six individuals who really capture the heart of our brand ethos. ‘The Craftsmen’s Dinner’ is our largest and most ambitious project to date; and we’re very excited to introduce the series to the public.”

The films will be released at www.youtube.com/TheCraftsmensDinner on the following dates:

• 15^th March 2016 (Ferraby Knives)
• 29^th March (Grierson Organic)
• 12^th April (North Street Potters)
• 26^th April (Ridgeview Wines)
• 10^th May (Hansen & Lyderson)
• 24^th May (Craftsman’s Dinner)

Hibiki 21 Years Old takes World’s Best Blended Whisky prize at the World Whiskies Awards 2016

Honored as chosen “World’s Best” for the Fourth Time, the Most Ever in the Blended Whisky Category

Hibiki 21 Years Old from Suntory Spirits Limited received the World’s Best Blended Whisky award at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards 2016 held by Whisky Magazine. This marks the fourth time and the first time in three years in which Hibiki 21 Years Old has been bestowed with the World’s Best Blended Whisky award. The award ceremony was held on Thursday, March 17 in London.

Now in its tenth year, the World Whiskies Awards, held by Whisky Magazine, is a world-wide whisky contest. Representative whiskies are selected from each of the countries submitting entries, including the UK and Japan, before the final judgment. Final judging takes place in some categories, including Single Malt Whisky and Blended Whisky. Winners in each category are selected based on rigorous blind tasting.

About Hibiki 21 Years Old This whisky is a blend of rare and painstakingly selected mature malt and grain whiskies aged over 21 years. The key Yamazaki sherry casked malt is vatted with other carefully chosen mellow unblended grain whiskies over 21 years old. With aromas of sweet dried fruit and a spicy flavor, it is characterized by a solemn, refined richness and profound, lingering echoes.

Major Awards Received by Hibiki 21 Years Old

World Whiskies Awards – “World’s Best Blended Whisky” 2010, 2011, 2013

International Spirits Challenge – Category’s Top Award “Trophy” 2013, 2014, 2015 and “Gold medal” 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Competition Summary

Name of Competition – World Whiskies Awards 2016

Sponsor – Whisky Magazine (Paragraph Publishing Limited)

Prize – World’s Best Blended Whisky

Winner – Hibiki 21 Years Old

Awards ceremony – Thursday, March 17, 2016 *GMT

For more information on whisky, visit our homepage http://www.suntory.com//

Barrel of laughs: Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival aims to find a high roller on the streets of the world’s malt whisky capital

The casinos of Las Vegas may have their high rollers, but the streets of the world’s unofficial malt whisky capital will soon have their very own barrel rollers. Visitors to the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival will have the chance to compete in the ancient ‘sport’ of barrel rolling – a tribute to the warehousemen who perform the task on a daily basis.

The event takes place in Dufftown – recognised as the hub of Scotland’s whisky industry because it is surrounded by seven distilleries, including the world famous Glenfiddich – and takes place over a 50m track.

It is just one of many quirky events taking place at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival from April 28 to May 2 in the heart of Scotland’s best known – and best loved – whisky producing region.

Thousands of visitors from all over the world will descend on Speyside to raise a glass to the national drink at almost 500 separate events. The programme includes distillery tours, exclusive tastings, food events, music, comedy and outdoor activities for whisky connoisseurs and novices.

Barrel racing takes place on a closed road in the town centre of Dufftown on Sunday, May 1 and has been organised by the Dufftown and District Community Association. Nicola Alexander, a trustee of the group, says the event will offer something very different.

She adds, “The idea came about because we wanted to do something different from all the tours and nosings and tastings, but still keeping with the whisky theme. We hope the community will come out for this event, along with the visitors, and enjoy the Festival spirit.

“Competitors will be asked to race a 50m track and back up again, when the other member of the team will take over and do the same. The winner will be the fastest team.

“Before the race, two experienced warehouse men from a local cooperage will show everyone how’s it’s done. We hope to make this a yearly event and even get all the local distilleries to have a competition between each other.”

The event is open to teams of two – individuals can be paired up – and there’s even prizes on offer for the fastest finishers. The action takes place under the shadow of Dufftown’s iconic clock tower from 2.15 – 3.15pm. It forms part of the wider Dufftown Whisky Street Festival, with lots of Scottish entertainment throughout the afternoon.

For those who still have the energy, there’s the chance to take in all seven of the town’s distilleries in the 7 Stills Race. The course will take in all the famous and lesser known names and offers a varied and challenging route. The race takes place from 2pm to 6pm.

Other quirky events on the programme include the opportunity to canoe down the mighty River Spey and sample some drams inside a tepee at the end of the trip; trying out craft skills by carving a wooden whisky tumbler and needle felting a Highland cow; and taking part in a ‘dramble’ through the Quarrelwood in Elgin where experts from renowned whisky merchants Gordon and MacPhail will discuss the importance of wood in whisky production.

There’s also a women-only event, Whisky Women & WAGS. Dufftown whisky expert Michelle Myron will be leading a walk around the local distilleries, showing how chocolate is the perfect match for whisky. And there’s even the chance to enjoy a whisky pancake breakfast at Grantown YMCA – with a special limited edition Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival topping.

Whisky festival manager Pery Zakeri says, “We pride ourselves on offering something for everyone, regardless of their level of interest in whisky. It’s possible to come and enjoy the Festival and the atmosphere without touching a drop – although we thoroughly recommend that all our visitors give the region’s fantastic whisky a try.

“There are almost 500 events on the programme this year and we defy anyone not to be able to find something that they will enjoy.”

Tickets for all events in the 2016 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme are available to buy now at http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter and on Instagram.

Picture caption: Barrel racing will take place in the distillery town of Dufftown during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

The former Chief Blender of Suntory Whisky Koichi Inatomi has been inducted into Hall of Fame

The Second Japanese in Whisky Magazine “Hall of Fame”

Koichi Inatomi, former Chief Blender of Suntory Whisky (former Director of Suntory Limited) has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine “Hall of Fame”, becoming only the second Japanese member of the Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held together with the awards ceremony for the World Whiskies Awards 2016 (also hosted by the magazine) in London, England on Thursday, March 17.

The “Hall of Fame” is a prestigious award from Paragraph Publishing Ltd’s Whisky Magazine, and is presented to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the world of whisky over many years. Winners have been announced every year since 2004. The host awarded trophy to Inatomi with commenting “I have known Dr Inatomi – or ‘Tomi’ as we know him – for over 20 years. Japan stands tall in the world of whisky, and he has genuinely changed the industry he works within. The results of his work have laid the foundations for the reputation of Suntory whisky and, as an honorary researcher at Glasgow University, he continues to live, breathe and shape the world of whisky today.” Inatomi expressed his joy and pride at receiving the award, commenting “The very honorable award of induction of me into the Whisky Magazine ‘Hall of Fame’ this time is totally unexpected joy and would like to say many thanks to all the people who supported me throughout my life long whisky career. My special thanks are directed to the people including scientists, producers, journalists, distributers and bartenders for their kind yet hard comments and advices. Without the kindness of these people the road of Japanese whisky would have been much harder.”

Koichi Inatomi – Brief Personal History

Born in 1936. Joined Kotobukiya Limited (now Suntory Holdings Limited) in 1959. His career took him through the Whisky production, Technology Development Department and Research Laboratories of Distilled Spirits and Liqueurs etc., becoming the Chief Blender in 1982. He played a leading role in developing well-known products such as Hibiki blended whiskies, Yamazaki and Hakushu single malt whiskies. He retired in 2000.