Billy Walker visits Japan

Legendary whisky maker Billy Walker recently embarked on a week-long journey through Japan, reconnecting with a market he’s known for over 15 years. Partnering with Whisk-e, our Japanese importer, the tour showcased The GlenAllachie’s exceptional whiskies and Billy’s unparalleled expertise.

Tokyo

The first stop of the visit began in Tokyo. Media interviews delved into Billy’s impressive 52-year career in Scotch whisky, culminating in the exciting purchase of The GlenAllachie Distillery. Key trade accounts, including Tokyo Whisky Library and Gallery 11, hosted special “dessert pairings” featuring The GlenAllachie 12-year-old, allowing guests to experience the whisky in a unique and delightful way.

During the week, a masterclass for 150 attendees was held. The attendees were a diverse mix of bartenders, retailers, whisky bloggers, and media representatives. The experience deconstructed The GlenAllachie 12-year-old, offering an in-depth exploration of its cask composition. Participants enjoyed tastings of Oloroso, Pedro Ximénez, virgin American oak, and red wine casks, gaining a deeper understanding of the whisky’s complexity.

The highlight of Tokyo was undoubtedly the unveiling of a limited-edition GlenAllachie, exclusively created and bottled for Whisk-e, Japan. This exciting product will be available in early 2025, adding a unique expression to the Japanese market.

Osaka

Moving on to Osaka, Billy hosted another engaging masterclass for 100 participants.  This session focused on The GlenAllachie 12-year-old’s cask components, delving into the intricacies of blending. A Q&A session explored the age-old question: “Is blending a science or an art?”. Billy’s insights undoubtedly provided valuable perspective for the enthusiastic audience.

The Osaka leg concluded with an exclusive dinner alongside influential bartenders from Osaka and Kobe, further solidifying connections within the Japanese whisky community.

Kyoto

The final stop was Kyoto, where Billy visited key GlenAllachie customers and enjoyed a special visit to the Yamazaki Distillery.  Here, he had the privilege of meeting Mr. Koshimizu, Chief Blender Emeritus of Suntory Spirits – a true titan of the Japanese whisky industry.

Billy Walker’s return to Japan was a resounding success.  It showcased The GlenAllachie’s dedication to quality and innovation, while strengthening relationships with loyal customers and partners. Whisky enthusiasts in Japan can eagerly await the arrival of the exclusive GlenAllachie expression, a testament to Billy’s continued dedication and passion for creating exceptional whiskies.

For more information about GlenAllachie in Japan, visit Whisk-e’s website: https://whisk-e.co.jp/product_types/glenallachie/.