The volume of Japanese whisky has plummeted
Whisky has been booming over the past decade, with Japanese whisky in particular moving from an almost unknown categoryBecome a "resident guest" in the spirits circle
However, looking back over the past year, the biggest feeling in the secondary whisky market is the value of Japanese whiskyApparently entering a ** state
In addition, the enthusiasm of domestic consumers for drinking Riwei seems to have decreased. According to the import data released by the General Administration of Customs, the import volume and import value of Japanese whisky in November 2023 were respectivelyThis is 65 years old71% vs. 6795%, there are even quite a few who describe it as an IQ tax .
That said,Is the crisis of Riwei coming?
For this question, in the circle of powerThe controversy is still quite big, There are friends in the circle who think that it will gradually return to the ideal, but there are also friends who affirm its taste and reputation for a whileThere will be no tragic bubble bursting
It is worth mentioning here that although the development history of Riwei is not as long as that of Scotch whisky, it is actuallyIt's not bad
In the 50s of the 19th century, Japan's borders were forced to open, and many foreign products continued to pour into JapanThat includes whiskey。At the same time, Japan** is also encouraging its local people to learn about the West.
Against this backdrop, Masataka Taketsuru traveled to Scotland to study whisky-making techniques and returned to Japan, where he co-founded the Yamazaki Distillery with Shinjiro ToriiJapan's first whisky distillery was born。Since then, whisky has taken root in Japan and has gradually made its mark on the world stage.
Early Yamazaki Distillery**.
Around 2000, Japanese whisky ushered in an explosion due to the fact that many whiskys such as Yoichi, Yamazaki, Karuizawa, and Hibiki stood out in major international competitions and won many awardsIts popularity and value have also risen
As a result, both auction houses and liquor purchase platforms have appearedHeavy money is difficult to find the phenomenon of Japanese prestige。** Soaring and Riwei auction prices hitting new highs are no longer surprising. At present, most of the wines under brands such as Karuizawa, Yamazaki, and Hibiki are among the best.
Karuizawa is more of a collection.
Everyone knows the reason for Karuizawa's ** surge, and Yamazaki isIt quickly became popular because of the whisky master Jim Murray's "Whisky Bible".
The Whisky Bible is a great guide for lovers to buy wine, and if a wine can get the first place, it can basically quickly penetrate into the hearts of loversIt can even directly affect its ** fluctuations
For example, Yamazaki is the most well-known. In the Whiskey Bible 2015, Yamazaki 2013 sherry casks received 97A high score of 5, and was selected as the best whisky of the year, Yamazaki's ** has also risen all the wayIn just 3 years, it has increased more than 30 times
In addition to the award-winning push,Celebrity advertising and marketing activities such as highball, water cut, etcIt has also pulled a wave of help for the development of Riwei. According to statistics, the export volume of Japanese whisky has increased by about 10 times since 2013.
Riwei's soaring price is also slowly considered by many people to be a reasonable thing. It's just that as the **continues**, there are also many different voices in the whisky circle.
The reason for this is that the quality is not equal to the first, which is not critical.
Now there is a feature of the definition of Riwei:Too loose
Scotch whisky is known to have to be aged in Scotland in oak barrels for at least 3 years and bottled in Scotland. However, JapanThere is no regulation for production in JapanThe talent is called Japanese whisky.
So, that's what goes to some wineriesLots of room to operate。They may distill and mature whisky in other countries, then ship it to Japan for bottling, where it can be sold as Japanese whisky.
This also means that Riwei, which is bought at a high price and meets the taste of AsiansMaybe it doesn't have much to do with JapanThis has cast a shadow on the reputation of Japanese whisky.
That being said, butThere are still quite a few Japanese whisky prices announcedFor example, Suntory announced that it will raise prices by 36% to 125% for Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki, etc., from April 1, 2024Yoichi, Miyagikyo and Taketsuru whisky have also announced price increases, which will come into effect on April 1, 2024.
In this way, the ** of Japanese whisky has fallenIn a short time it is hopelessAnd in the farther future, what will Riwei perform?Let the time tell
Yamazaki 18 years
Yamazaki's core wine won the IWSC International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2006**Also all the way**, by many friendsTreat it as a collection
Liquor to:Precious oloroso sherry barrel aged for 18 yearsIt has a sweet and oriental woody aroma, with hints of dried fruit and chocolate, making it a stunning wine.