What do you think about Japanese Whisky?

[pogofish]

Originally Posted by ScotsTraveller

So with me being a malt drinker (tho I do admit to having the occasional blend) what would Rye and more Rye be like?

Sweeter & smoother.

[ScotsTraveller]

Originally Posted by pogofish

Suntory, Segrams & several other international concerns now own a good number of Scottish distilleries between them. Indeed, the number of distilleries now under the control of multinationals & quartered in London for revinue purposes makes the Scottish whisky industry seem very small.

I had a conversation not long ago concerning the number of Scottish distilleries owned by non-Scottish companies. While I would prefer them to be owned here, I think it is preferable that the whisky is still produced in Scotland... irrespective what nationality the owner is!

[McDink]

Originally Posted by ScotsTraveller

While I would prefer them to be owned here, I think it is preferable that the whisky is still produced in Scotland... irrespective what nationality the owner is!

BUT then it wouldnt be Whisky, unless of course it was moved across the pond and made in Canada.

Joking aside, I hear discussions are at an advanced stage between 'Whyte and Mackay' and an Indian billionaire, in a takeover deal worth around £475 Million. Apparently, foreign ownership far exceeds Scottish ownership. http://www.thescotchblog.com/2006/08..._ownershi.html

[ScotsTraveller]

Originally Posted by McDink

BUT then it wouldnt be Whisky, unless of course it was moved across the pond and made in Canada.

It would still be whisky (and Scotch for that matter) as long as it was still produced here!

As the writer of the blog you listed states in regard to foreign ownership:

in many cases, foreign ownership has been a good thing for the industry. It has certainly prevented more distilleries from being mothballed or closed; and it has allowed for broader distribution of many brands.

20 distilleries have closed since 1980 and another 7 have been mothballed... that still leaves 92 operating at this moment. Without the foreign interest and investment the first figure could have been a lot higher and there always potential for the mothballed distilleries producing again... plus another 4 that were established in the last 4 years and are still listed as not yet in operation (tho that may not be the case for them all - the newest distillery that is in operation is Kilchoman, which opened on Islay in 2001!

[SherbrookeJacobite]

Originally Posted by pogofish

Sweeter & smoother.

I guess it's a matter of perception - my Canadian Rye drinking friends find Malts too "perfumey" (their description, not mine). I don't find Rye whisky sweeter in any way - and I certainly wouldn't describe it as smoother than a malt - although it could depend on which malt you are speaking of as there is a wide variety.

[ScotsTraveller]

Originally Posted by SherbrookeJacobite

it could depend on which malt you are speaking of as there is a wide variety.

A hell of a wide variety - around 90 distilleries producing a variety of malts! Tasting one from one distillery doesn't mean you can say what that distillery's product tastes like... my favourite, Jura Superstition, tastes a LOT different to the Jura 10 year old!

[Polwarth]

My husband's favourites are Highland Park and Bowmore.... but the difference in Bowmores is quite marked.