Issue:

June 2025

FCCJ to host tasting event featuring a unique range of Scottish whiskies

Saltire whisky in a Glencairn glass - Photo: Saltire Rare Malt

The F&B Committee is pleased to announce a special whisky event that will give members and their guests the rare opportunity to hear about whisky from an expert and, even better, sample drams from a selection of their range of specially aged whiskies.

The story of Saltire Rare Malt began some years ago, and it holds our great love for whisky at its heart. We have embraced Scotland’s distilling heritage – nosing, tasting, and collecting casks from some of its most celebrated distilleries. We buy whiskies when they are young and mature them for a minimum of 14 years in a variety of casks at our own facilities, carefully monitoring their development during periodic tastings. The magic happens through our matching of the right whisky, cask and aging period.

Falkland, in Fife, Scotland, where the company is based - Photo: Saltire Rare Malt
"Whisky couple” Hans and Becky Offringa (left) with Saltire Rare Malt founders Keith Rennie (third from left) and Nigel Heywood. Heywood will be the main presenter at the tasting event. - Photo: Saltire Rare Malt

Above all, the character of the spirit is what guides us. The details matter, from barley yields to regional rainfall levels and cask types. These variables shape the tone, taste and character of a dram that makes each Saltire Rare Malt release its unique flavors and communicate the experience, patience and good judgment that goes into making it.

All our whisky is selected and curated by Hans and Becky Offringa, internationally known as the “whisky couple” and a critical part of the Saltire family. Hans is an international whisky expert who has worked in the industry for over 30 years. An inductee of the Whisky Hall of Fame and A Keeper of the Quaich, Hans is a judge at the Scottish Whisky Awards and the World Whisky Awards, and serves as Director on the Advisory Board of The Council of Whiskey Masters. He has also written more than 40 books about whisky. Becky is a Keeper of the Quaich and a well-respected judge at the Scottish Whisky Awards and the World Whisky Awards, and co-author of numerous whisky books.

Over the years, our collection has grown and matured. Now, the time has come to share these rare spirits – a unique range of single cask, single malt whiskies, bottled and ready to be enjoyed for the very first time. We are pleased to present several to FCCJ members and their guests.

The FCCJ tasting will comprise premium whisky originating from five of Scotland’s most famous distilleries:

  • Caol Ila 17-year -old
  • Royal Brackla 17-year-old
  • Craigellachie 17-year-old
  • Benriach 14-year-old
  • Speyside 14-year-old

In addition, everyone will be able to enjoy a welcome drink of single malt whisky crafted exclusively for highballs - a luxurious blend of malt whisky from a prestigious Speyside distillery matured in five types of sherry casks sourced Jerez, Spain, that offers both structure and complexity.

Reserve now at the FCCJ reception (03-3211-3161; front@fccj.or.jp) as drams (and seats) are limited. The event will be held 6:30-7:30 pm on June 20. Doors open at 6 p.m. Additional drams will be available to buy for members who wish to continue “sampling” after the event. Tickets are ¥2,750 for members and ¥3,300 for guests.