Verifying the authenticity of whisky can be difficult. But labels and packaging can reveal a lot about its authenticity. QR codes, alcohol content, beading, and tasting can further help confirm authenticity. Buying authentic whisky ensures value for money and safe consumption.
Whether you order with your own money or redeem alcohol gift packs, ensuring that a drink is authentic will get you the right value for your money. The standards set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) define what can be considered authentic Japanese whisky. But verifying authenticity can still be difficult if you don’t know what to look for. This article will help you understand how to know if a Japanese whisky is authentic.
Why is Authenticity Important?
When it comes to Japanese whisky, authenticity is important for both producers and consumers. Authenticity safeguards the brand reputation for producers, thus also preventing the loss of revenue, customer trust, and premium pricing opportunity.
For consumers, authenticity ensures that the whisky you are buying is of the original, high quality. So, authenticity warrants the premium price of limited-edition or aged products. It means that customers get what they pay for. Moreover, authenticity also ensures that there is no safety risk to consumers.
Areas to Examine for Authenticity
Inspect these to understand product authenticity when buying Japanese whisky online.
Visual Inspection: Packaging, Label & Seal
Check if the labels are crisp and clear. Make sure that the font and printing are consistent. Look for spelling mistakes, smudges, and signs of tampering. As per the labelling standards of JSLMA, authentic Japanese whisky can be spelt with or without the ‘e.’ But most of the top Japanese brands tend to use the Scottish spelling “Whisky.”
You should also check if the bottle mentions the product as authentic Japanese whisky. JSLMA requirements must be met for a bottle to be labelled as so. It has to be made entirely in the country. And it has to be made using malted grains and true Japanese water, with no additive other than caramel colouring. Also, check if there is any mention of ageing in wooden casks for at least 3 years.
Looking for market-specific variations in packaging can also help. For example, the volume should be 750 ml if meant for the US market, and 700 ml for the domestic market of Japan.
You should also check the seal. Apart from indicators of meddling, also inspect the finish. Check if the colour, design, or material of the seal is as same as authentic ones. For example, there should be straight-angle marks for Yamazaki seals. Slanted angles may be a sign that the bottle is not of an authentic Japanese whisky.
Online Verification: Holograms & Qr Codes
Look for hologram stickers on bottles. Also, look for QR codes. When buying online, check if you can access the hologram and QR. Scanning them can take you to a website where you can verify the authenticity of the whisky.
Scanning can also disclose unique serial numbers that will help you verify authenticity. You can cross-reference information like serial numbers with the distillery’s database. Additionally, you can also visually inspect the hologram with authentic examples.
Post-purchase Confirmation: Alcohol Content (ABV)
After you order a Japanese whisky online, you can confirm its authenticity more precisely with an alcohol content test. You can find the information on ABV when making the purchase online. But you cannot confirm that the actual alcohol content matches the mentioned ABV until you get your hands on the bottle.
You can use an alcoholmeter to check if the match between the actual and mentioned ABV. Authentic brands will have the same ABV as mentioned on the label. But the mentioned alcohol content can be inaccurate in the case of counterfeit products.
Remember that under the new standards, authentic Japanese whisky must be distilled to no more than 95% ABV. And it should be bottled at a minimum 40% ABV.
Bottle Opening Test: Beading & Tasting
Once you receive your order, try shaking the bottle gently and observe the bubbles. The speed of the bubbles and the duration for which they stay are great indicators of ABV. And the accuracy of ABV reveals the authenticity of Whisky.
Bubbles must last for over 20 seconds if the alcohol content is high. They dissipate quickly if the content is low. If you are an experienced whisky taster, you will be able to spot the subtle differences in aroma and taste between authentic and counterfeit whiskies.
Final Check: Comparison With Official Source
You can always visit the official website of the distillery to find details about the products. You can find product information and images. You may also find guidelines to verify authenticity.
Tips for Buying Online
Remember these tips when buying Japanese whisky online.
- Research the seller before buying. Check the ratings and reputation.
- Read customer testimonials and reviews about the seller and specific products.
- Avoid falling for scams. Don’t order from sites that don’t include detailed information and pictures.
- Request for additional information from the seller. Ask for videos, photos, or specific details that will let you verify the whisky’s authenticity.
- Order only from trusted or reputable online retailers with a brand image and track record.
Ready to Order Japanese Whisky Online?
Before you buy or order a bottle of whiskey, you should try to understand if it is authentic. Authentic, high-quality whiskey will ensure that you have a safe and memorable experience. It will also get your money or alcohol gift packs spent on the product you desire.
In this world where counterfeiting is a major concern, being able to verify the authenticity of products is almost a life skill. So, if you are feeling confident about your ability to judge a bottle, order Japanese whiskey online today and test its authenticity!
