{"podcast":{"title":"Bourbon Lens","slug":"bourbon-lens-1160749","podcast_index_feed_id":1160749,"rss_url":"https://rss.pdrl.fm/70904b/feeds.libsyn.com/158291/rss/?redirect=false","website_url":"http://bourbonlens.libsyn.com/site","image_url":"https://hosting-media.riverside.com/media/imports/podcasts/5911a848-085d-46f7-a1c3-4d20292a1706/490C3A3D-505F-4F4C-8EC0-FC93B6F3CCB8.jpeg","author":"Bourbon Lens","episode_count":437,"summary":"Bourbon Lens is the podcast for every whiskey drinker. During this project, we look to explore the whiskey and bourbon industry, learn more about our favorite spirit, and interview industry insiders, makers, entrepreneurs, and business people. We welcome you on this journey with us. Bourbon Lens was founded by Jake and Scott from Louisville, Kentucky. We have grown our appreciation for Kentucky's native spirit and look to learn all that we can about every type of whiskey. We welcome you to pour a glass of whiskey and join us. We are always looking for show topics, discussion starters, and new whiskies to try. Contact us on social media or send us an email to: Info@BourbonLens.com with ideas, comments, or questions.","last_synced_at":"2026-07-24T20:19:23.707970+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/bourbon-lens-1160749"},"episode":{"title":"385: The Art of Japanese Whisky: Savoring Suntory & The Perfect Toki Highball!","slug":"385-the-art-of-japanese-whisky-savoring-suntory-the-perfect-toki-highball","published_at":"2026-06-01T01:16:27+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/bourbon-lens-1160749/385-the-art-of-japanese-whisky-savoring-suntory-the-perfect-toki-highball","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/bourbon-lens-1160749","url":"https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/097fd0517eb98d603159c3da395a43b50e9247d8a4784c8fd4b3add973559614/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiIxNDcxMWI5Yi02YjZjLTQ4YzAtYjU2Mi0yMDNkODlhYjc1OTAiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiI1OTExYTg0OC0wODVkLTQ2ZjctYTFjMy00ZDIwMjkyYTE3MDYiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2ODI4YjkwMzQ1Y2QwY2M3ZDY2NGRkOWUiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNmExY2Q5MWEzZGExZGU1Y2ZjZGVlYTZkL2pha2UtbGV3ZWxsZW5zLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTYtMV9fMi01OC0yLm1wMyJ9.mp3","audio_url":"https://api.riverside.com/hosting-analytics/media/097fd0517eb98d603159c3da395a43b50e9247d8a4784c8fd4b3add973559614/eyJlcGlzb2RlSWQiOiIxNDcxMWI5Yi02YjZjLTQ4YzAtYjU2Mi0yMDNkODlhYjc1OTAiLCJwb2RjYXN0SWQiOiI1OTExYTg0OC0wODVkLTQ2ZjctYTFjMy00ZDIwMjkyYTE3MDYiLCJhY2NvdW50SWQiOiI2ODI4YjkwMzQ1Y2QwY2M3ZDY2NGRkOWUiLCJwYXRoIjoibWVkaWEvY2xpcHMvNmExY2Q5MWEzZGExZGU1Y2ZjZGVlYTZkL2pha2UtbGV3ZWxsZW5zLXN0dWRpby1jb21wb3Nlci0yMDI2LTYtMV9fMi01OC0yLm1wMyJ9.mp3","summary":"Step into the fascinating world of Japanese spirits as we explore the artistry, heritage, and meticulous culture behind Japanese whisky. In this episode of Bourbon Lens, we sit down with House of Suntory's Advocacy Manager, James Bowker, to celebrate Toki Highball Week and deconstruct over a century of liquid craftsmanship. We track the incredible evolution of Japanese whisky, starting from Shinjiro Torii and the founding of the legendary Yamazaki Distillery. Discover how Japan's early isolation and cultural philosophies like kaizen (continuous improvement) and ichigo-ichie (treasuring the unrepeatable moment) shaped a production style distinctly different from Scotch and American whiskey. We break down the new strict labeling standards and regulations implemented to combat \"fake\" Japanese whiskies, giving you the knowledge to shop authentically. Plus, James guides us through a side-by-side tasting of the approachable Suntory Toki Classic versus the rich, smoky Toki Black expression. Finally, you'll learn the master techniques required to craft the perfect Japanese Highball at home, from precise water-to-whisky proportions to ice manipulation. Stream now and elevate your highball game! Episode Chapters & Timestamps: 00:05 — Welcome and Overview of the Episode 01:06 — The History of Japanese Whisky and Cultural Background 02:32 — Shinjiro Torii and the Origins of House of Suntory 03:57 — Craftsmanship and Blending Techniques in Japanese Whisky 05:35 — Artistic and Cultural Influences: Hibiki, Hakushu, and Yamazaki 08:17 — Suntory's Product Tiers and Core Portfolio Profiles 10:42 — Fighting Counterfeits: New Japanese Whisky Standards and Certifications 17:48 — Celebrating Toki Highball Week & the Ichigo-Ichie Philosophy 19:17 — Masterclass: How to Craft an Authen…","meta_description":"Step into the fascinating world of Japanese spirits as we explore the artistry, heritage, and meticulous culture behind Japanese whisky. In this episode o…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":2526,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/bourbon-lens-1160749/episodes/385-the-art-of-japanese-whisky-savoring-suntory-the-perfect-toki-highball/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/bourbon-lens-1160749/385-the-art-of-japanese-whisky-savoring-suntory-the-perfect-toki-highball.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}