REGULARS SPY DISPATCHES 6 The pick of the news and happenings PHOTO CHALLENGE 10 The hunt is on for the 2012 winner in the second Whisky Magazine challenge sponsored by Bowmore DAVE BROOM 12 His take on life, the universe and the spirit we love THOUGHTS FROM... 14 Tim Forbes on changing tastes THOUGHTS FROM... 15 Jihane Miller on the Asia Pacific markets

INSIDER PRODUCTION 38 Ian Wisniewski delves into how barley strains are developed and approved DISAPPEARING BLENDS 40 Gavin D. Smith looks at the world of blends TRAVEL RETAIL 41 Joe Bates reports from Cannes COCKTAILS 42 Naren Young investigates the rise and origins of the Pickle back, which is taking NYC bars by storm WHISKY TRAVELS 44 Sandeep Aurora takes us to some of his favourite Indian bars DISTILLERY FOCUS 48 AMRUT DISTILLERY Davin de Kergommeaux finds out how this Indian distillery is taking on the world

FLAVOUR FOOD 76 A part of our Japanese focus the Whisky Magazine Japan team explore Hokkido NEW RELEASES 80 A round up of the latest bottlings with tasting notes from Gavin D Smith and Rob Allanson

NIGHTCAP LITERATURE 94 Jefferson Chase reviews another whisky tome PEAT AND JACK 95 Whisky cartoon times from Serge Valentin JOHN ROSE 96 Your questions answered and investment ideas WHISKY MAGAZINE INDEX 98 The movers and shakers at the auctions contents

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FEATURES

100 greatest whisky people 16 A look back at the people who have left a lasting mark on the whisky industry

Survivors’ stories 58 Six months after the Tohoku earthquake, Whisky Magazine Japan visited the affected zone

100 greatest bottles 24 Jonny McCormick rounds up the 100 greatest auction bottles of the 21st century

100 greatest distilleries to visit 30 Our writing team give you the lowdown on the best places to visit and why

The Orcadian Fire 54 Neil Ridley catches up over cocktails with this whisky loving Canadian band

Japanese oak 64 We have an in depth exploration into the different types of oak and their effects

Ichiro Akuto 68 We talk to this doyen of the Japenese distilling scene as his whisky becomes legal

Drinkers’ guide to Sapporo 70 The Whisky Magazine Japan team take us to the perfect places in Northern Japan

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