Whisky Advocate

Whisky Advocate magazine is the premier source for whisky information, education and entertainment for whisky enthusiasts.

Japan’s Long Journey

Whisky Advocate

Distillations • LEAD A MORE SPIRITED LIFE

San Diego, Whisky Town • This sunny city is a dram lover’s playground

Prepare for Takeoff • Get on board with these variations on the Paper Plane

Single Pot Still Spice • Unpacking the unique flavors of Ireland’s signature whiskey

Baked Delights • Crisps and whiskies make a fine dessert pairing

Go Big or Go Home • These bars boast at least 1,000 whiskies on their lists

Birth of a Bourbon Barrel • Coopers craft countless barrels a year by hand. Here’s how it’s done

Take a Seat • Chairs designed for sitting and sipping, from high-style to rustic

Salty, Savory Seaside Fare • Oysters and whisky make for a delightful match

Fun with Florals

Exotic Amburana • This native South American wood lends complex, Christmas-like flavors to whiskey

Liquid Spice Rack • How to utilize bitters, and how to create your own

Daftmill, Rare Beyond Its Years • This young distillery’s whiskies are an auction gem

We Don’t Need No More Masters

Running Around in Circles

Stuff and Nonsense

EXPLORING JAPAN’S MYSTIQUE • Traversing the complexity and creativity in whisky making from this island nation

Japan’s Major Whisky Distilleries

Japan and Foreign Whisky Sourcing

Japanese Whiskies to Try

Koji Whiskies: A Land Apart

Meet the Blenders

New Names to Watch

Collecting Japanese Whisky • Your guide to this year’s hottest new releases and the Japanese whisky styles collectors should buy now

10 GREAT JAPANESE BARS • Now is the best time to hit Japan’s world-class watering holes

Kentucky’s Vintage Spirits Law A TIMELINE • Since its enactment in 2018, a plethora of problems have plagued the state’s legislature and participating retailers

OREGON’S WHISKEY SCENE • A land of wine and craft beer also offers an abundance of whiskeys to enjoy

PORTLAND DISTILLERIES

While You’re in Portland

DISTILLERIES BEYOND PORTLAND

McMenamins Edgefield

Why We Taste Blind

Malts Most Unusual • Reaching beyond the tried-and-true mashbill recipes

Spirits Releases • New creations from outside the whisky realm

BUYING GUIDE • VOLUME 33, NUMBER 3 • FALL 2024

Editors’ Choice

Buying Guide

Are You A Whisky Advocate? Then Show Us! • Send us your photo. We’ll run the best ones here, or you might see it online.

A GLOBAL VISION, A WORLD OF SPIRITS • CRAFTING ICONIC BRANDS IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

Crafting Spirits

Bridging Worlds

Japanese Whisky • In Pursuit of Excellence

House of Suntory • Renowned for its pioneering use of mizunara oak maturation and meticulous blending techniques, the House of Suntory comprises iconic distilleries like Yamazaki and Hakushu. They craft Japanese whiskies celebrated worldwide for their complexity, unique flavors, and commitment to traditional craftsmanship.

The Influence of Japanese Bar Culture In America

American Whiskey • The Spirit of Tradition And Innovation

James B. Beam Distilling Co. • A cornerstone of American bourbon heritage, James B. Beam Distilling Co. innovates with age-old techniques, shaping the industry with its commitment to quality and iconic barrel aging processes.

Maker’s Mark • Distinctive for its handcrafted approach and iconic red wax seal, Maker’s Mark has, from its beginning, consistently delivered a delicious bourbon using soft red winter wheat to enhance the brand’s signature...