Announcement of the 2025 'Master of Whisky' Passers: 3 New Masters Emerge After Clearing Japan's Hardest Whisky Certification Exam

The Whisky Cultural Research Institute (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Representative: Mamoru Tsuchiya) announces the successful candidates for the 2025 'Master of Whisky' examination, which boasts the highest difficulty level among the Whisky Connoisseur Certification Exams.

The Master of Whisky exam is the most difficult test in the certification system hosted by the Whisky Cultural Research Institute, evaluating comprehensive knowledge and tasting abilities related to whisky. Candidates are certified only after passing a primary essay exam, followed by a secondary exam consisting of written tests, an oral exam, and a sensory evaluation.

This year, 9 candidates who passed the primary exam took the secondary exam held on Friday, March 20 (a national holiday), resulting in 3 successful candidates.

2025 'Master of Whisky' Passers We would like to introduce the names and profiles of the three individuals who passed the 2025 Master of Whisky exam.

2025 Passers:

MW020 Hiroshi Yoshida Owner-bartender of 'BAR Rinku no Ki' in Kawasaki Ward, Kawasaki City. He utilizes his knowledge and experience to dedicate himself to communicating the appeal and culture of whisky.