The prominent whisky aficionado Jim Murray has named a Japanese single malt the best in the world for the first time in his 2015 World Whisky Bible, remarking that it a “wake up call” for Scotch distilleries.
Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 is a beverage of “near incredible genius”, scoring a remarkable 97.5 marks out of 100 in this year’s edition.
Murray stated that it is “a single malt which no Scotch can at the moment get anywhere near,” commenting that he thinks it's time for “a little dose of humility” from the northern whisky makers – they must realise that “something is missing” in what they're doing.
Keita Minari, Europe brand manager for Beam Suntory, which owns Yamazaki, stated:
“It is such an honour to be Jim Murray’s World Whisky of the Year. Sherry casks were used to age the very first Japanese whisky over 90 years ago at the distillery. It provides a strong, rich character to the whisky and a delicate sweetness.”
