Nishida reflects, “If it weren’t for Mr. Koshimizu, the value that Japanese whisky holds today might never have been realized.”

Mr. Koshimizu established the role of the blender as one of great importance—earning the respect of countless whisky makers and blenders across the industry. The very fact that one can taste a whisky and immediately picture “Koshimizu” as the hand behind it speaks to the unique value he brings.

Though Koshimizu humbly says it was simply a matter of timing that he served as a blender during that pivotal era, he also believes that recognizing the needs of the time and personally seeking feedback cultivates the desire to create something even better.