Increasingly popular, Japanese whiskey now has a protected designation

Japanese whisky, with a growing global reputation, has been protected since Monday in the archipelago by new rules, intended to dissuade foreign producers from using this designation. International recognition for this alcohol has been increasing since the early 2000s, both among professionals and consumers, with sales and prices increasing. But the name "Japanese whiskey" suffered from a lack of rules, allowing foreign manufacturers to use this name despite the absence of a link with Japan. Since Monday, stricter specifications from the Japan Spirits and Liqueur Manufacturers Association have come into force. To be able to use the appellation, producers must now use spring water from Japan, and whiskey barrels must be stored in the archipelago for at least three years. No sanction “We think this will help improve the reputation (of Japanese whiskey) because it will allow our international customers to distinguish it from other products,” the Suntory group, one of the producers, ...