JAPANESE WHISKY: SERIOUS CONTENDERS TO SCOTCH

Japanese Whisky Growing In Popularity

The first commercial production Japanese whisky began in 1924 upon the opening of the country's first distillery, Yamazaki. Broadly speaking the style of Japanese whisky is more similar to that of Scotch whisky than other major styles of whisky.

There are several companies producing whisky in Japan, but the two best-known and most widely available are Suntory and Nikka. Both of these produce blended as well as single malt whiskies and blended malt whiskies, with their main blended whiskies being Suntory kakubin (square bottle), and Black Nikka Clear. There are also a large number of special bottlings and limited editions.

Since 2011, there are nine active whisky distilleries in Japan:

Yamazaki: owned by Suntory, between Osaka/Kyoto on the main island of Honshū.

Hakushu: also owned by Suntory, in Yamanashi Prefecture on the main island of Honshū.

Yoichi: owned by Nikka, on the northern island of Hokkaidō.

Miyagikyo (formerly Sendai): also owned by Nikka, in the north of the main island, near the city of Sendai.

Fuji Gotemba: owned by Kirin, at the foot of Mount Fuji in Shizuoka.

Chichibu: near Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture. This is the new Chichibu distillery, founded by Ichiro Akuto, grandson of the distiller at Hanyu. It opened in 2008.

Shinshu: owned by Hombo, in Nagano Prefecture on the main island of Honshū.

White Oak: owned by Eigashima Shuzou, in Hyogo on the main island of Honshū.

Eigashima Distillery: Eigashima Shuzo is located in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, and first acquired a whisky-making license in 1919. The new distillery was established in 1984.

 
Since 2000, Japanese whiskies have won awards, including top honors, in international competitions, notably Suntory. At the 2003 International Spirits Challenge, Suntory Yamazaki won a gold medal, and Suntory whiskies continued to win gold medals every year through 2013, with all three malt whiskies winning a trophy (the top prize) in either 2012 (Yamazaki 18 years old and Hakushu 25 years old) or 2013 (Hibiki 21 years old), and Suntory itself winning distiller of the year in 2010, 2012, and 2013. The resultant acclaim nudged Japan's distilleries to market overseas.

Further, in recent years a number of blind tastings have been organized by Whisky Magazine, which have included Japanese single malts in the lineup, along with malts from distilleries considered to be among the best in Scotland. On more than one occasion, the results have had Japanese single malts (particularly those of Nikka's Yoichi and Suntory's Yamazaki) scoring higher than their Scottish counterparts.

In May 2015,  there were two official single cask festival bottlings: two Japanese whiskies (a Chichibu six-YO 2009/2015 and a Mars Komagatakefour YO 2011/2015). Both were excellent – and much sought-after – but the Mars seemed to be the crowd favorite. Seeing as this was the first single cask from the ‘new regime’ (i.e. distillate from after the two-decade hiatus in production), it seems to spell good things for the future. Prices keep going up, but that is a discussion we will keep for a rainy day!

The Hakushu distillery in central Japan was once the largest whisky distillery in the world, with an annual production capacity of 12 million litres. One of the best places online to discover more about Japanese whisky is nonjatta. blogspot.com. Their site is probably the most comprehensive sources on Japanese single malts for English speakers.

Considering there are only nine active single-malt distilleries in Japan, the variety of styles is startling. All share a basic DNA with traditional Scotch: Japanese whisky also starts with malted barley imported from Scotland, because it's the best and the cheapest. And yet there are differences. The Japanese don't acquire whiskies from other distilleries to make their distinctive blends, the way the Scots do. Instead, each distillery creates its many in-house variations using an array of copper pot stills and wooden barrels.

Coal Fires

The resulting whiskies are more floral, with softer, silkier textures, than those from Scotland. At Nikka's Yoichi distillery, the pot stills are heated by coal fires, as opposed to steam, which gives their single malts richer, peatier flavors. And the Yamazaki distillery's use of virgin mizunara barrels contributes aromas of temple incense and sandalwood.

Climate and landscape are also key flavour influencers. Whiskies produced at higher elevations, such as those at Suntory's Hakushu distillery in the southern Japanese Alps, are notably clean and crisp, as are those from the Fuji-Gotemba distillery, which uses snowmelt from Mt. Fuji.

Single-Cask Bottles

Part of the growing interest in Japanese whisky, says David Driscoll, a spirits buyer for California's K&L Wine Merchants, is that "people crave the new, the unique and the unobtainable."

Among the most-prized collectibles are single-cask bottles from Japan's storied, now-closed distilleries. For instance, UK-based Number One Drinks Co. obtained the distribution rights to the remaining 364 casks of Karuizawa. The legendary 1967, with notes of tobacco, sherry, dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans, originally sold in 2009 for $380 but now costs 10 times that, while the 1968 sold at a Bonhams auction in Hong Kong for almost $6,000, far above the high estimate.

Equally rare are Ichiro's Malt Card whiskies from the shuttered Hanyu distillery, with labels that look like playing cards; a set of 13 brought $12,642 at Bonhams's November Hong Kong sale.

The Three Top Botttles

Japanese whiskies aren't just Scotch made in Japan. They embody a different, especially delicate aesthetic, based on harmony and precision. They're more subtle Zen garden than sturdy Scottish kilt. The top bottles aren't easy to find, even in Japan, but they're worth the search.

 

Hakushu 12-year-old single malt This fresh, lightly smoky whisky from Suntory's forest distillery--inside a bird sanctuary 2,200 feet (670 meters) up in the southern Japanese Alps --and has notes of green apple and smoky autumn leaves. ($70)

Hibiki 21-year-old blended whisky This Suntory blend of more than 20 Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies is perfumed, subtle and sweet, with just the right touch of tartness. ($300) Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt 21-yearold This blended single malt, named for Nikka's founder, is round and rich. ($170)

  Yamazaki 25-year-old single malt Judged best Japanese single malt in Whisky Magazine's 2013 World Whiskies Awards, Suntory's flagship is smooth, complex and perfectly balanced. ($1,600). 

John Dewar & Sons Launches "Last Great Malts" Collection:

 DEWARS SELLS RARE SINGLE MALTS

      New Expressions and Never-Before-Released Single Malts

John Dewar & Sons Ltd., one of the most respected names in the world of Scotch whisky, released a range of new expressions and never-before-released single malts - the hidden gems of its single malt portfolio on 14 June 2015. This bold move, unprecedented in recent years, introduced a treasure trove of top-shelf whiskies to consumers around the world.

 

The distinguished drams of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA® were launched under the title of the "Last Great Malts," each with a compelling story and character.

For generations, these distinctive whiskies have been distilled and left to mature undisturbed in oak casks. Now, at last, whisky aficionados the world over will be able to taste the single malts from these distilleries in their authentic form. "The single malt category is one of our industry's great growth opportunities. We are blessed with five of Scotland's finest, high-quality whiskies," says John Burke, dark spirits category director. "We have great respect for the category and are confident that each of the Last Great Malts will be a fitting addition to the repertoire of the most discerning single malt enthusiast."

The 'Last Great Malts' 

ABERFELDY, known as the "Golden Dram," draws its water from the Pitilie Burn. Pure and fresh, its waters are famed for containing deposits of alluvial gold. The dram is much admired for its honey notes, displaying a classic Central Highland style rarely tasted in single malts today. Named "Highland Whisky of the Year 2014" by Whisky Magazine, ABERFELDY is repackaged and available globally as a 12-year-old and a 21-year-old, with an 18-year-old exclusively available in Travel Retail. The Company plans to launch a 16-year-old sherry finish and a 30-year-old in 2015.

AULTMORE is a rare Speyside malt known locally as "a nip of the Buckie Road." The distillery's water filters down through the misty, mysterious area called the Foggie Moss. AULTMORE is rated top-class and is a dram sought after for its gentle grassy notes. AULTMORE will be available from November with a 12- year-old, a 21-year-old in Travel Retail, and a 25-year-old in limited quantities. 

CRAIGELLACHIE has released a portfolio of single malts for the first time in history. The distillery stays true to its traditions of whisky-making, including the use of worm tubs - so called for their coiled copper tubing - to cool the spirit. A challenging Speyside whisky, it was described as "old-fashioned" even in 1891 as it makes no concessions to modern-day trends. Single malt fans appreciate CRAIGELLACHIE for its remarkable sulphuric, savoury, meaty character. CRAIGELLACHIE makes its way from the distillery doors this month, with a 13-year-old, 17-year-old, a travel retail exclusive 19-year-old, and a limited 23-year-old.

Coming in summer 2015, THE DEVERON, a new range of 12-, 18- and 25-year-old single malts, made where the River Deveron meets the open seas. Offering "calm from the storm," it's the perfect fireside malt. Soft fruity notes combine with an easy drinking style to make THE DEVERON a favourite with the work force of the distillery.

With a previous limited edition release of a 35-year-old £10,000 (US$15,000) a bottle, ROYAL BRACKLA is a truly regal malt. Founded in 1812, in the northern Highlands, it hails from the first distillery bestowed with a royal warrant and has since been lauded as "The King's Own Whisky." Heavily sherried, rich, fruity and full, ROYAL BRACKLA is a fine dram to savour as it slowly reveals its complexity. To be released in March as 12-year-old, 16-year-old and 21-year-old expressions.

"We have been patiently reserving casks and we are now ready to share the five distinguished malts with whisky lovers around the world - each release features an age statement," adds Stephen Marshall, single malts global marketing manager. "Up until now, these amazing liquids have been Scotland's best-kept secret, known only to a few. Now we're appealing to single malt drinkers - people who like stories and enthusiasts who are interested in exploring the aromas of the world's most complex spirit."

Market Availability
 
The single malts, which will be released in phases, will be available as a complete set of five or in various combinations of the expressions in 10 initial markets around the world including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States and Global Travel Retail.
The first public showing of the Last Great Malts single malt Scotch collection will be at the Stockholm Beer & Whisky Festival starting September 25.
For more information on the new single malt expressions, the five distilleries, tasting notes, crafting, and heritage, please visit http://www.LastGreatMalts.com.

About John Dewar & Sons Ltd. 
 
John Dewar & Sons Ltd. employs 300 people at seven locations throughout Scotland. The Company currently operates whisky distilleries in Aberfeldy, Macduff, Aultmore, Craigellachie and Nairn with ageing, blending, bottling and packaging facilities in Glasgow and additional maturation facilities in Poniel in Central Scotland.
The single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA® are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

The Dewar’s story begins in 1805 with the birth of its founder, John Dewar, who became the biggest success story to emerge from a hamlet in rural Perthshire rather improbably called Dull. From humble crofters beginnings as the seventh of nine children, his break came aged 23 when he was employed in a wine merchants owned by his step-mother’s relation, Alex MacDonald. Nine years later he was made a partner in the firm, which was renamed MacDonald & Dewar, according to http://www.diffordsguide.com/producers/857/john-dewar-and-sons-ltd/history/

In 1846 his partnership in MacDonald & Dewar was dissolved, allowing the now 41-year-old to establish his own eponymous spirits and wine merchant. The catalyst for change was Jane Gow, whom he married in 1845 – she fell pregnant shortly after. Cognac and Irish whiskies were the fashionable tipple of the day, but John’s aim was to get the Scottish drinking Scotch. The exact date that he started blending whiskies is unknown, but it’s clear he quickly became adept at the art. John’s company, Dewar’s, didn’t own its own distillery, it simply used stocks purchased from other to make its blends.

BANKING MADE SIMPLE IN INDIA

     ANCHOR BANKS TO SIMPLIFY BANKING

Government of India has proposed the merger of 27 Public Sector Banks (PSB) into six.

Given below are the names of PSBs with the Anchor Bank (with Bank with which other Banks will get merged). 

1. State Bank of India (Anchor Bank)

State Bank of Hyderabad
State Bank of Patiala
State Bank of Travancore
State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur
State Bank of Mysore

2. Punjab National Bank (Anchor Bank)

Oriental Bank of Commerce
Allahabad Bank
Corporation Bank
Indian Bank

3. Canara Bank (Anchor Bank)

Syndicate Bank
Indian Overseas Bank
UCO Bank

4. Union Bank of India (Anchor Bank)

IDBI Bank Ltd
Central Bank of India
Dena Bank

5. Bank of India (Anchor Bank)

Andhra Bank
Bank of Maharashtra
Vijaya Bank

6. Bank of Baroda (Anchor Bank)

United Bank of India
Punjab & Sind Bank
Bhartiya Mahila Bank

Under direction of RBI that from 1st April 2016 the clearing of cheques would be done on the same day in house where cheque is deposited i.e. with any Bank whether Nationalised & co - operative etc. and while screening if there is insufficiency of fund the bounced chq cannot be represented again & payee if need be will have to file legal complaint under section 138 System will change
take care of cheques issued.

1- ECS will be replaced with NACH from 01/04/2016.
2- Kindly ensure that all ECS payment to be made through till 31/03/2016.
3- NACH stands for National Automated Clearing House.

About NACH

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has implemented “National Automated Clearing House (NACH)” for Banks, Financial Institutions, Corporates and Government a web based solution to facilitate interbank, high volume, electronic transactions which are repetitive and periodic in nature. NACH System can be used for making bulk transactions towards distribution of subsidies, dividends, interest, salary, pension etc. and also for bulk transactions towards collection of payments pertaining to telephone, electricity, water, loans, investments in mutual funds, insurance premium etc.
National Automated Clearing House (NACH) is a centralised system, launched with an aim to consolidate multiple ECS systems running across the country and provides a framework for the harmonization of standard & practices and removes local barriers/inhibitors. NACH system will provide a national footprint and is expected to cover the entire core banking enabled bank branches spread across the geography of the country irrespective of the location of the bank branch.

With the implementation of NACH system, NPCI intends to provide a single set of rules (operating and business), open standards and best industry practices for electronic transactions which are common across all the Participants, Service Providers and Users etc. NACH system also supports Financial Inclusion measures initiated by Government, Government Agencies and Banks by providing support to Aadhaar based transactions.
The NACH system facilitates the member banks to design their own products and also addresses specific needs of the banks & corporates including a refined Mandate Management System (MMS) and an online Dispute Management System (DMS) coupled with strong information exchange and customised MIS capabilities.

The NACH system provides a robust, secure and scalable platform to the participants with both transaction and file based transaction processing capabilities. It has best in class security features, cost efficiency & payment performance (STP) coupled with multi-level data validation facility accessible to all participants across the country.

NACH’s Aadhaar Payment Bridge (APB) System, developed by NPCI has been helping the Government and Government Agencies in making the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme a success. APB System has been successfully channelizing the Government subsidies and benefits to the intended beneficiaries using the Aadhaar numbers. The APB System links the Government Departments and their sponsor banks on one side and beneficiary banks and beneficiary on the other hand.

HYALURONIC ACID FILLERS

HYALURONIC ACID WRINKLE FILLERS

Find Your Surgeon

The most dreaded vision a woman in her thirties wants to see in her mirror are signs of ageing manifested as wrinkles or lines. Fortunately for her, relief is available in the form of facial fillers. Injectable wrinkle fillers can give her a more youthful look for about 15 percent of what a traditional facelift costs, which could be anywhere between $8-20,000, depending on the number and types of procedures involved. Most will fill lines and wrinkles in less than 30 minutes, making her look younger instantly with results that can last from four months to more than a year. This is not to be confused with Botox treatment, which relaxes the no longer supple muscles that prevent wrinkles from forming, and which last for 90-120 days at the most.

Injectable wrinkle fillers fill the line, crease, or area with one of several different substances. As a result, trouble spots nearly disappear. Wrinkle fillers can also be used as volumisers (inflated cushions to support facial structures and tissues that may have lost volume or elasticity due to normal aging), plumping and lifting cheeks, jawlines, and temples; filling out thin lips and plumping sagging hands.

The treatment is fast and easy. But all facial fillers have a downside, including the risk of allergic reaction and the formation of tiny bumps under the skin, which, in some cases, could become permanent and require surgery to remove. In very rare cases, skin cells may die if the wrinkle fillers are not used properly. There have also been a few reported cases of blindness and nerve paralysis. Typically, the wrinkle fillers that last longer are the ones more likely to cause side effects.

Not every wrinkle-filler is right for every type of wrinkle. The least risks and best results come from using the right one correctly. That's why patients should only have fillers injected by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with ongoing, special training.

Hyaluronic Acid Wrinkle Fillers

Though each type of filler works in a slightly different way with varying results, the most popular category of wrinkle fillers is hyaluronic acid because of its compatibility with the human body. In fact, this substance is found in almost every single living thing. In humans, hyaluronic acid (Hyaluronan) is a natural substance found in the body. High concentrations are found in soft connective, epithelial, and neural tissues and in the fluid surrounding the eyes. It's also in some cartilage and joint fluids, as well as skin tissue. Hyaluronic acid forms in plasma and contributes to cell proliferation and migration.  The average 70 kg (154 lb) person has roughly 15 grams of hyaluronan in the body, one-third of which is turned over (degraded and synthesised) every day. It is generally used as a lip filler in plastic surgery and also as a moisturiser.    

With its properties, it acts as a network that transfers essential nutrients from the bloodstream to skin cells in humans. Side effects are rare but can include redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. The filler may also show up under the skin as tiny bumps. This is a problem that often improves over time and rarely requires surgery.

The Hyaluronic Acid Injection Procedure

If you are going in for a hyaluronic acid injection, your surgeon will listen to your desired results, discuss it and then evaluate your facial appearance and skin tone, examining the areas of your face to be augmented with hyaluronic acid as a filler. The surgeon will mark strategic points on your face as guides to the appropriate injection sites for the filler as part of your wrinkle removal treatment.

Your injection sites will be cleansed with an antibacterial agent. Then a topical anesthetic will be used to numb the area, particularly if you are sensitive to injections. In some cases, the hyaluronic acid injection includes an anaesthetic in the mixture. The actual injections will take just a few seconds per site. After the hyaluronic acid injection, the marks will be washed away and you will be offered an ice pack to reduce any minor and temporary discomfort. At this point you may apply makeup, but be careful not to apply pressure to the treated areas, as doing so may result in movement of the injected hyaluronic acid.

Scars and deep lines will often require multiple injections to achieve your desired results. If a deeper injection is required, you'll be offered a local anaesthetic to remain comfortable. Common sites for deeper tissue fillers are the nasolabial folds and marionette lines, or to enhance fullness in the cheeks.

Hyaluronic acid is injected directly below the wrinkle through very fine needles. As stated earlier, the treatments typically take less than 30 minutes, depending how many lines are treated and cause very little discomfort. How long the results last varies from several months to over a year or two. Some research shows that repeated injections may help stimulate the body's own natural production of collagen. That will help reduce the number of lines and wrinkles. There is also some evidence that less filler is needed over time to achieve the same look.

Hyaluronic wrinkle fillers include brands like Belotero Balance, Captique, Elevess, HylaForm, Juvederm, Perlane, Esthélis, Puragen, Prevelle Silk and Restylane.

In the last few decades, various synthetic forms of hyaluronic acid have been developed and used to correct disorders in the fields of rheumatology, ophthalmology, and wound repair. More recently, synthetic forms of hyaluronic acid are being manufactured for use in face augmentation. This smaller category of wrinkle fillers includes lab-made substances that are not related to anything found naturally in the skin.

The Tyndall Effect: Sometimes, a bluish skin discoloration happens when a non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) filler is injected too superficially. The colour change can last for several months, but there are treatments available. This incorrectly injected filler may cause light beams penetrating the skin surface to be dispersed in many different directions in light scattering. Blue light has a shorter wavelength of about 400 nm and thus a higher frequency than red light, which has a wavelength of about 700 nm. Therefore, the superficially implanted filler material scatters blue light about 10 times more strongly than red light. The blue light then traces a visible path back to the skin surface. The resulting bluish appearance of the skin is called the Tyndall effect.

Precautions

Wrinkle fillers are among the safest cosmetic procedures in use today. But there are things you can do to help ensure your treatment is safe:

• Don't let price be your guide. Your face is your fortune. If you are offered a wrinkle filler treatment that costs far less than the standard treatment, it's likely some compromises are being made, either in the skill of the provider or the quality of the product. Never risk making a bargain with your face.  

• All wrinkle fillers should be done in a medical setting with sterile instruments. Treatments done in homes, hotels, spas, or resorts are not being done in medical environments, regardless of who is doing them. 

• Do not get injectable wrinkle fillers from sources outside a doctor's office.   

• Use sunscreen daily to help preserve the filler and help protect against post-inflammatory pigment changes.