Welcome to this week’s edition of Whiskies of the World; the series that teaches you about different nations’ whiskies and how they came to be. In this edition, we’re delving into the world of Japanese Whisky, one of the rising stars in the international spirits market.

The Japanese have been producing whisky commercially since the 1920s, but it wasn’t until the late 1980s that it was exported, and the early 2000s before it was internationally recognized. Today, Japanese whisky is highly regarded for its unique blend of heritage and innovation, resulting in some exciting flavor combinations.

Today, we’ll be learning all about the history of Japanese whisky, what makes it unique in the spirits world, as well as recommending some choice bottles for you to sample. So, tulip glasses at the ready – let’s dive in!

Photo by Sorasak

History

20 years ago, the mention of Japanese whisky would have likely left non-native connoisseurs with blank faces. But, since the early 2000s, the rise of Japanese whisky outside of Japan has been meteoric. Japanese whisky owes a great deal to Scotch – indeed, as we’ll find out, Scotch is what it was initially modeled on – but, it quickly evolved into own beast, thanks in no small part to its distillers’ innovative production methods.

Produced in Japan since the 1800s, the commercial availability of whisky in the country came much later than in other whisky producing regions. Japan’s whisky boom began in the 1920s, with two whisky distillers at the forefront – Masataka Taketsuru and Shinjiro Torri.

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Welcome to this week’s edition of Whiskies of the World; the series that teaches you about different nations’ whiskies and how they came to be. Last week, we talked about American Bourbon. Now, in this edition, we’re going North of the border and delving into the world of Canadian whisky.

The history of Canadian whisky is fascinating, with its rise in international standing tied directly into American prohibition and the proximity of some key distilleries to the American border. In this edition, we’ll find out how they came to pass, as well as how Canadian whisky legitimized itself to American consumers in the post-prohibition years.

As well as this, we’ll explore the rules that define Canadian whisky, and how they differ in one key aspect compared to many other international whisky varieties. We’ll also be talking about the flavor characteristics of Canadian whisky, how Canadian spirits are sometimes overlooked, and how some of Canada’s best whisky options sometimes stay in Canada.

So, get your sippin’ glasses at the ready and let’s dive in! 

History

Canadian whisky history begins in 1769, when John Molson opened the first Canadian distillery in Quebec. By the mid-1800s, the Canadian whisky industry was booming, with over 200 distilleries actively producing the spirit across the country.

While Canadian whisky was well established domestically by the end of the 19^th century, it was the introduction of prohibition in America in 1920 that pushed the Canadian spirit onto the international stage. The nationwide ban on the sale of all liquor across the US, which went on until 1933, led to a boom in illegal spirit imports, and Canadian distilleries, just across the border, were primed to take advantage of this. Take the Hiram Walker distillery in Ontario, for example. Just across the river from Detroit, it became a prime site for bootleggers smuggling hooch throughout the ‘20s.

It’s not known exactly how much Canadian whisky was smuggled into the US during this period (you wouldn’t exactly expect the bootleggers to keep records of their very illegal activities!), but it’s fair to say that American prohibition bolstered Canadian whisky’s international standing. Canadian Club, for example, were shipping out 1000 cases of whisky per day during the era. They also introduced the curved “gate” bottle during this period, designed to fit in small places, specifically the high boots that smugglers used to conceal whisky (wonder no more where the name bootlegger came from!).

Image by Classic Film

Following the end of prohibition in 1933, Canadian whisky boomed once again, thanks to the Federal Alcohol Administration deciding that the spirit was similar to Tylenol – a widely used American cure-all and pain reliever at the time. As a result, the FAA imported over 3 million gallons of Canadian whisky into the US, for allocation everywhere from medical clinics, hospitals and pharmacies to public buildings like libraries (which, looking back on things from a 21^st century perspective, seems kind of crazy!). It was this that really set the stage for Canadian whisky’s recognition outside of Canada.

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Welcome to this week’s edition of Whiskies of the World; the series that teaches you about different nations’ whiskies and how they came to be. In this edition, we’re delving into the world of American whiskey, starting with what is probably America’s best known whiskey product; bourbon.

Doubtless you’ve heard the name, and chances are you’ve probably had a glass or two in your time. But do you know your high rye from your wheater? Come to think of it, what makes bourbon, well… bourbon?

Fear not intrepid whiskey drinker! As always, we’ll be getting into the nitty gritty of it all.

So, grab your trusty spirit glass and join us on a journey to where it all started… 18^th century Kentucky.

History

In previous editions of this series, we found out how whiskey originated in either Ireland or Scotland, though which country invented whiskey first is still the subject of debate!

With that in mind, it probably won’t surprise you to know that Scottish and Irish settlers brought the distilling of whiskey to what is now Kentucky in the late 18th century.

It’s less clear, however, when bourbon emerged as its own entity, with its own distinct characteristics. Some attribute the invention of bourbon to Elijah Craig, a Kentucky Baptist minister who was supposedly the first to age the drink in charred oak casks, a key component in the drink’s distinctive reddish color and taste.

Early distiller Jacob Spears, meanwhile, is often credited as the first person to label his product as “Bourbon whiskey” after his native Bourbon County. In recent times, however, this has been contested, with historian Michael Veach suggesting that the name bourbon came from “Bourbon Street” in New Orleans – a major port where Kentucky whiskey was sold as a cheaper alternative to cognac.

While its origins remain unclear, bourbon whiskey as we know it today was well established, and had unquestionably taken over the American spirit market by the late 19^th century. In spite of taking a massive hit during the early 20^th century thanks to the ratification of the 18^th amendment and the introduction of prohibition, bourbon has stood the test of time in America and the global market.

Indeed, in 1964, the United States Congress adopted a resolution that declared “distinctive product of the United States” and required “the appropriate agencies of the United States Government… [to] take appropriate action to prohibit importation into the United States of whiskey designated as ‘Bourbon Whiskey’.

Fermenter #5 at Woodford Reserver in Versailles, KY. Photo by Jeff Frank.

What makes it bourbon?

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Finally, Another Excuse To Drink Whiskey.

Imagine, sitting in your favorite chair, a golden brown whiskey swirling in an old fashioned glass with two perfectly frosted ice cubes, the warmth from the changing of seasons wafting in through the window, the set up for a perfect evening.

But can you imagine this moment to yourself actually contributing to your health in a positive way?

I’m here to tell you the facts behind the mysterious health benefits of whiskey and why you’ll be damn excited to pour yourself a drink after reading through this article.  As a matter of fact, why not pour yourself a glass right now?  Sit back, put your feet up, and relax.

The Basic Nutrition Information

Whiskey is one of the few alcohols that are naturally low in fats, cholesterol, and most of all sodium.  With a low index of carbs, you won’t pack on any sort of gut either..

Whiskey keeps it simple, it’s naturally flavorful with a dynamic that can be altered in the slightest way to bring a whole new palette of flavors.  But in the most basic form, it’s still something that can get you excited for it’s warm flavor.

But not only does this drink stand the test of time with it’s classic notes and composition, it is an alcohol that is rich in antioxidants that can boost many health benefits when drinking responsibly.

In this article, I’ll be providing you with my research that has proven that the most classic and gentlemanly of drinks can give you health benefits that can motivate, focus, and better your lifestyle in a number of ways.  I’ve listed them below for you to read over and hopefully after reading through this article you’ll be able to take something away from this article.  You might even be able to show off some of this knowledge while enjoying drinks with friends.

Educating and bonding over drinks, is there anything better?

1.  Let’s Keep That Weight Off

Look, you shouldn’t have a glass of whiskey instead of heading for a morning jog (unless that’s how you roll, but we sure don’t advise it).  But you can feel a bit of reassurance knowing that many studies have shown that whiskey can actually help you maintain a healthy weight and can even encourage weight loss.

Whiskey will help you stave off appetite and you’ll end up feeling more full when you have a glass of whiskey, which should keep you out of the fridge at midnight. If you like to enjoy a glass of whiskey occasionally, by making sure you maintain a healthy balance of diet and exercise, you’ll have a little bit of extra help from your glass.

2.  Sharpen Your Mind At Any Chance

There have been extensive studies focused on the benefits of whiskey and more specifically how whiskey can help you increase your memory capabilities, keeping your mind fresh and alert.  There have also been ideas surrounding the benefits of how whiskey can affect those who are starting to experience signs of dementia as well.

With a boost to your cognitive behaviors, you’ll decrease your chances of developing diseases such as Alzheimer and general memory loss that can negatively impact your quality of life.

Ellagic acid, which is commonly found in the components of whiskey, posses very powerful memory aids that can help banish free radicals and various toxins within the body.  By getting rid of these unhealthy components we take on from our environment, we can help ourselves live a longer and healthier life.

3.  Minimize Stress That’s Holding You Back

Stress affects us all, it’s a plague that seemingly has no end.  While there’s not one single cure to the weight of stress, it can be alleviated slightly with a glass of whiskey.  Calming your nerves and helping aid in relaxation, sometimes it’s important to give yourself a moment to enjoy a glass in the evening.  Whiskey will help you to take the edge off of that sharp stress that weighs on your shoulders and prevents you from sleeping well or even taking care of yourself.

You deserve a small drink to help cut that stress in half.

4.  Want To Live Forever?

Whiskey contains capabilities we’ve mentioned momentarily above, the increase of longevity.  Because of the antioxidants and high concentration of them within whiskey, you’ll find that your ability to live a long and healthier life is more in reach than ever before.

Not only will whiskey be able to increase your length of life in many cases, it will also help you prevent some signs of aging visibility.  Keeping your skin looking younger and producing a natural glow that really encourages a more confident attitude.

Of course it’s not a fountain of youth, but whiskey can help give you that extra push you might need to move forward in life without any sacrifices you might experience without it.

5.  Say No To The Flu

Back in the day, when doctors recommended a shot of whiskey to cure basically anything and everything, it was actually (somewhat) true, that it could help prevent some sickness.  Whiskey is a natural boost to your immune system, simply because of all the antioxidants that it contains.   It will give you more of a boost than a glass of orange juice.

(Maybe don’t have a shot before work in the morning though!)

Final Thoughts

Yes, I know, the health benefits in this article are wonderful, but it’s not all fun and games.  In all seriousness, these benefits come with a risk as well.  It’s important to keep your drinking to a moderation that’s healthy and balanced.

If you plan on drinking a small amount occasionally, you can benefit from these added bonus health benefits, but you shouldn’t ever go out of your way just to benefit from these positive elements of whiskey drinking.

Be aware of how much alcohol you drink, don’t overdo it and be aware of the way your tolerance will increase the more often you drink, this should never be seen as an excuse to drink more.

With that said, let me know your thoughts, how do you enjoy your whiskey?  I’d love to hear if you’ve ever benefited from these positive impacts!

Here’s to good health, cheers!