Release of Exam Questions for "Master of Whisky" Certification! "Connoisseur Club" Vol. 12 to be Published April 30
The Whisky Culture Research Institute will release "Connoisseur Club" Vol. 12 on April 30, 2026, featuring the first public release of the "Master of Whisky" certification exam questions. The issue includes a special feature on new Scotch distilleries and an interview with Yuriko Yamamoto, the 12th Master of Whisky and the third woman to achieve the title.
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Mamoru Tsuchiya, a leading figure in whisky journalism, serves as the editor-in-chief of "Connoisseur Club," a specialized magazine delivering high-level information to advanced whisky enthusiasts. The latest issue, Vol. 12, continues the special feature "New Scotch Distilleries: Part 2," focusing on the Islands (Isle of Skye), Highlands, and Speyside.
Note: "Advanced enthusiasts" refers to holders of the "Whisky Connoisseur" certification, possessing comprehensive knowledge and appraisal abilities.
Published by the Whisky Culture Research Institute (Director: Mamoru Tsuchiya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo), "Connoisseur Club" Vol. 12 will be released on April 30, 2026. It is available for purchase at the institute's online shop and sent free of charge to Connoisseur Club members.
Highlights of Vol. 12:
Special Feature: "The Unstoppable Momentum of New Scotch Distilleries" (Part 2)
This issue introduces new distilleries in the Islands (Isle of Skye), Highlands, and Speyside. Notably, it covers the revival of closed distilleries, such as the famous Dallas Dhu Distillery, known as the "Whisky Distillery Museum." Rare archival photos of these revived distilleries are featured.
Portrait of a Master of Whisky: Episode 12 - Yuriko Yamamoto
This popular series focuses on the pinnacle of connoisseur certification, the Master of Whisky. Yamamoto, the 12th person and the third woman to pass, shares her journey. After being inspired by the Whisky Professional certification, she began teaching courses and now works nationwide. Editor-in-chief Tsuchiya interviews Yamamoto about blossoming her "previously unrecognized" talent.
Other Featured Content
The results of the 2025 Master of Whisky secondary examination have been finalized. This issue specially discloses the written exam questions. The series "Bars with Whisky Connoisseurs" features "Whisky Lecturers" who have completed the training for whisky seminar instructors. The lineup is diverse, ranging from a 26-year-old bartender to local liquor store owners. Additionally, the latest "List of Whisky Distilleries in Japan" is included.
Bibliographic Information:
- Title: Connoisseur Club (Vol. 12)
- Release Date: April 30, 2026
- Frequency: Quarterly (4 issues per year)
- Price: 1,100 JPY (tax included)
- Format: A4, 20-30 pages
- Editor/Publisher: Mamoru Tsuchiya
- Publishing House: Whisky Culture Research Institute
- Website: https://whiskyconnoisseur.jp/club/
- Sales: https://www.scotchclub-shop.org/
About the Whisky Culture Research Institute:
Founded in March 2001 by whisky critic Mamoru Tsuchiya, the institute is dedicated to the research and dissemination of whisky and spirits culture. It publishes "Whisky Galore," organizes "Whisky Festivals," and manages certification systems like the "Whisky Connoisseur" exam and the "Whisky Kentei." Since 2019, it has also operated the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC).
Note: "Advanced enthusiasts" refers to holders of the "Whisky Connoisseur" certification, possessing comprehensive knowledge and appraisal abilities.
Published by the Whisky Culture Research Institute (Director: Mamoru Tsuchiya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo), "Connoisseur Club" Vol. 12 will be released on April 30, 2026. It is available for purchase at the institute's online shop and sent free of charge to Connoisseur Club members.
Highlights of Vol. 12:
Special Feature: "The Unstoppable Momentum of New Scotch Distilleries" (Part 2)
This issue introduces new distilleries in the Islands (Isle of Skye), Highlands, and Speyside. Notably, it covers the revival of closed distilleries, such as the famous Dallas Dhu Distillery, known as the "Whisky Distillery Museum." Rare archival photos of these revived distilleries are featured.
Portrait of a Master of Whisky: Episode 12 - Yuriko Yamamoto
This popular series focuses on the pinnacle of connoisseur certification, the Master of Whisky. Yamamoto, the 12th person and the third woman to pass, shares her journey. After being inspired by the Whisky Professional certification, she began teaching courses and now works nationwide. Editor-in-chief Tsuchiya interviews Yamamoto about blossoming her "previously unrecognized" talent.
Other Featured Content
The results of the 2025 Master of Whisky secondary examination have been finalized. This issue specially discloses the written exam questions. The series "Bars with Whisky Connoisseurs" features "Whisky Lecturers" who have completed the training for whisky seminar instructors. The lineup is diverse, ranging from a 26-year-old bartender to local liquor store owners. Additionally, the latest "List of Whisky Distilleries in Japan" is included.
Bibliographic Information:
- Title: Connoisseur Club (Vol. 12)
- Release Date: April 30, 2026
- Frequency: Quarterly (4 issues per year)
- Price: 1,100 JPY (tax included)
- Format: A4, 20-30 pages
- Editor/Publisher: Mamoru Tsuchiya
- Publishing House: Whisky Culture Research Institute
- Website: https://whiskyconnoisseur.jp/club/
- Sales: https://www.scotchclub-shop.org/
About the Whisky Culture Research Institute:
Founded in March 2001 by whisky critic Mamoru Tsuchiya, the institute is dedicated to the research and dissemination of whisky and spirits culture. It publishes "Whisky Galore," organizes "Whisky Festivals," and manages certification systems like the "Whisky Connoisseur" exam and the "Whisky Kentei." Since 2019, it has also operated the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC).