Where whisky gold meets the rising sun

Savour award-winning Japanese malts, Nikka and Yamazaki, at this resto-bar inside a five-star hotel. Luxury however doesn't come cheap, so expect to cough up at least a grand for every shot you knock back

Golden brown, texture like sun, lays me down with my mind she runs.u00a0Any whisky lover will know what the English Rock group, The Stranglers, was referring to in their 1981 song Golden Brown. Whisky lovers or the whisky curious can now take pleasure in two types of Japanese whisky at the Pan Asian, the resto-bar at the ITC Grand Maratha. The pairing of award-winning Japanese whiskies Nikka and Yamazaki with the Japanese cooking styles of Teppanyaki and Teriyaki that makes for a deadly combination, according to N Krishnan, EAM, Food & Beverage, ITC Maratha.

N Krishnan (EAM food & beverage of ITC Maratha).
Pic/Rane Ashish

Flavour notes
Nikka extracts the sherry woody notes that perfectly complement the Teppanyaki style, while Yamakazi's subtle flavour blends exquisitely with Yakitori. On adding a splash of chilled water, Nikka releases aromas of soft toffee, sharp chili and fresh autumn leaves. Yamakazi has clean and fresh aromas with a hint of melon and pears. Not to mention the delicate notes of spicy cinnamon and vanilla, which leave a long-lasting finish.

Both distilleries are unique and do not share their secrets with anyone. The bottles are certified by the Chief Medical Officer and include his recommendation of three to four units a day for men, and two to three units for women.

Note-worthy whiskies
Nikka and Yamazaki are single malt 10-year-old whiskies. Nikka was declared the 'World's Best Blended Malt in 2007. Yamakazi bagged first prize at the 'Double Gold Medal World Spirits Competition'.

At: Pan Asian, ITC Grand Maratha, Sahar Road, Andheri (E).
Call: 28303030
For: Nikka Single Malt Yoichi (10 years) Rs 1,200 for 30 ml and Rs 27,600 per bottle
Yamazaki Single Malt (10 years)u00a0 Rs 800 for 30 ml and Rs18,400

Japanese whiskies
Nikka and Yamakazi are single malt 10-year-old whiskies. Nikka dates back to 1773 when the father of Japanese whisky, mater Mastaka Taketsuru invented this spirit. His family still owns the brewery and continues to distill this fine brand of whisky. Yamazaki dates back to 1923 when Shinjiro Torji founded the unique blend. The uniqueness of this whisky is that it is made in a copper pot, said to be the oldest and the purest.

US Whiskies
Initial whisky production dates back to the early 1800s in America, with as many as 2,000 distilleries existing in Kentucky, USA alone. However, due to government laws, the malt was never bottled and could only be sold in barrels. Commercial production began circa 1870. Renowned names in the Indian market include Jack Daniels and Jim Bean.

Expensive, because of heavy import taxes, whisky still enjoys a rapidly growing consumer base: 88% in the last decade. "American whiskies are 100% natural. Made of a well-blended mix of several ingredients, including corn (51%), wheat and barley, they have a slightly sweeter taste, making it ideal for mixing with cocktails," says Frank Coleman, senior vice-president, public affairs and communications, Discus

Scotch whiskies
The first written mention of Scotch whisky is in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland, 1495 and thus it has been produced for centuries on end now. In fact the very name whisky comes from the gaelic word "usquebaugh" meaning water of life. Phonetically this sounds like 'usky' which then became whisky. Loch Lomond and Glen Flagler are some famous brands of scotch from Scotland.

Storage (US whiskies)
The whisky is stored in American-oak barrels for a minimum of four years. The bottles available in the market, however are often eight years and older. The barrel is also never re-used due to government laws. Once used, they are exported to countries like Scotland, who gain the advantage of re-using these barrels. The distinct flavours and versatile nature of American whiskies is what has made them universally popular.