In 1924, Shinjiro Torii founded Yamazaki distillery and hired Matesaka Taketsuro, an experienced distiller who had learned his craft in Scotland. Japanese whisky has since blossomed. Distilled and matured in a similar way to Scotch whisky, while there few Japanese distilleries their product is in very high demand. Some Japanese Whiskies, such as Karuizawa, are among the rarest and most sought-after in the world. Characterised by harmony of flavour, the occasional use of native Mizunara oak casks has given some Japanese whiskies a distinctive style.