In this episode of the Drinks.com podcast, host Brandon Amoroso speaks with Jota Tanaka, the master blender of Fuji Whisky. They delve into Tanaka's remarkable journey from brewing and winemaking in California and Kentucky to his role at Fuji Gotemba Distillery. Jota shares his insights into whiskey blending, market trends, and the impact of global demand on Japanese whiskey. He also discusses the delicate balance between tradition and innovation while introducing the special 50th-anniversary single malt blend. Listen in to uncover the artistry, legacy, and global vision that define Fuji Whisky's approach to crafting spirits.

Topic timestamps:
🎙️ Introduction to the episode and guest introductions (00:00:00)
🌏 Jota Tanaka shares his background and journey into the alcohol industry (00:00:40)
🕰️ Changes in the alcohol industry over the past few decades (00:06:02)
📈 Popularity and pricing issues with Japanese whiskey (00:07:45)
🥃 Whiskey production process and differences from wine (00:09:26)
🏭 Production capacity of the Fuji Gotemba Distillery (00:14:17)
🍶 Other products Fuji Whisky produces (00:15:20)
🌍 Fuji Whisky's export markets and expansion strategy (00:16:48)
🪵 The types of barrels used in aging and the differences between age labels (00:17:09)
🧪 The factors that affect the aging process and exclusivity of high-quality whiskeys (00:18:11)
🤖 Role of technology in whiskey blending and production (00:21:12)
🔮 The future of the whiskey market and changing consumer interests (00:25:02)
📜 Importance of legacy and tradition in whiskey making (00:32:42)

Jota Tanaka:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jota-tanaka-a19a37146/

Brandon Amoroso:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonamoroso/
Web - https://brandonamoroso.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bamoroso11/
X - https://twitter.com/AmorosoBrandon