The Talking Point: Shinji Fukuyo. In 2009, he became the fourth master blender at the 120-year-old Japanese distiller “Suntory.”
What does that mean? That means he is responsible for every bottle of whisky that is released by Suntory’s three distilleries in Japan. These include some of the most popular Japanese brands such as Yamazaki, Hibiki and Hakushu. Fukuyo joined Suntory in 1984 and worked first at Hakushu before moving to Yamazaki as a blender. He spent time in Scotland between 1996 and 2002, conducting whisky-related research.
Okay, how is he connected to the Indian distilleries? He was recently in India for the launch of Beam Suntory’s Indian whisky Oaksmith as well as whiskies from The House of Suntory portfolio, including Yamazaki and Roku gin. The Japanese company acquired American distiller Jim Beam in 2014 and its stable of spirits includes, apart from the abovementioned brands, Maker’s Mark, Laphroaig, and Bowmore.
In simple terms: Japanese whisky is looking at a possible market in India. The perfectionists that Japanese are known to be, their quality and purity has helped with global recognition. As Shinji put it, the brand has made investments in warehouse capacities to meet future demands of production. And is now eyeing a global presence.
When does Oaksmith come to India: Shinji has visited India six times in the last year and travelled across the country to study how Indians like to drink. In a recent interview, he reportedly stated how he visited small and big joints, including bars and thekas, to see how Indians are consuming whisky and what they are consuming it with.
Why? To help understand the nuances of Indian food and flavours and what could match perfectly with it. Shinji is credited the blend for Oaksmith using traditional Japanese craftsmanship, melded with Scotch Malt whiskies and American Bourbons.
Time we stopped labelling all whisky as Scotch? While Japanese whisky finds its origins in Scotland, it is different from any other. In its distillation and brewing time, there is a world of difference. Likewise, Indian whiskies are often examples of youthful exuberance, are quite enjoyable and have a defined style in their own right.
Will it cost a bomb? Oaksmith will be available at the price of an Indian whisky and the flavourful palate will be well suited to both beginners and connoisseurs alike.
On a parting note: Shinji starts his day with an early breakfast and usually avoids strong tasting food, to keep “taste buds pure.” His job consists spending all day tasting whisky, hundreds of blends with the team…sometimes more than 200!!
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