Yamazaki is Japan’s first and oldest distillery and has been producing whisky for nearly a century. Situated just outside Kyoto and owned by Suntory, the Yamazaki 12 was inspired by scotch but only goes so far with that inspiration before setting out on its own distinctive path. The whisky is very much a product of its locality, infused with unique character. They don’t mess around, in other words. This particular offering has been the recipient of many international whisky tasting awards. It was highly praised at our tasting.
Mackmyra First Edition
Mackmyra was born of eight Swedish friends who loved good whisky. The Mackmyra First Edition, as the name implies, was their first wide release in 2008. The distillery exemplifies what we love to see foreign (i.e. non-Scottish) distillers do: embrace their own locality and make great whisky from what lays around them instead of seeking to emulate scotch. They continue to grow in output and accolades, but this first try is enough to give whisky drinkers ample notice.