Japanese whisky, Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013, has been awarded the best whisky in the world title in the new 2015 edition of the World Whisky Bible.
Compiled by whisky expert Jim Murray, the book proclaims the Japanese single malt to be 'near incredible genius' and awarded it 97.5 marks out of 100. He also praised the dram's 'nose of exquisite boldness' and finish of 'light, teasing spice'.
Fans of Scottish malt will be shocked to find that for the first time in 12 years, not one made the top five which, Mr Murray stated, should come as a 'wake up call' for Scotch distilling giants.
The Yamazaki was, he continued, a 'single malt which no Scotch can at the moment get anywhere near'.
The winning whisky will prove difficult to get hold of as Yamazaki have only produced 18, 000 bottles and they are sold at only a few specialist shops across the UK and online.
Keita Minari, Europe Brand Manager for Beam Suntory, which owns Yamazaki, said, 'it is such an honour to be Jim Murray's World Whisky of the Year.
'Sherry casks were used to age the very first Japanese whisky over 90 years ago at the distillery. It provides a strong, rich character to the whisky and a delicate sweetness.'
Second and third place went to two American whiskys: bourbon William Larue Weller in second and Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old in third
Jim Murray's Whisky Bible is available online at whiskybible.com, priced at £12.99
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