To say that the Japanese whisky industry has had an interesting few decades would be the understatement of the century. It’s rather like saying The Dalmore’s finest can be ‘quite expensive’, or that the Scottish are ‘rather fond’ of a wee dram or two. Cast your mind back just twenty…

Forget the Great Pyramids, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the Colossus of Rhodes… it’s whisky that is the ancient wonder we all want to experience. Quite how long this marvellous spirit has been warming the bellies of humanity, pleasing palates, and soothing the souls of those who have sought…