The Whisky Story You Don't Hear About... Rita Cowan

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

More about Scots in Japan kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6iaaqGsl92MgaM Upcoming Live shows www.brucefummey.co.uk/shows.aspx Buy me coffee at www.buymeacoffee.com/ScottishBruce

[@rjromanowski]

Bless you for visiting the gravesite. This was a wonderful story, but that visit at the end was touching and respectful. I don't know exactly what it moves inside of me, when people visit the dead. but, it's comfort for sure, and warming.

[@Liquid_Alchemy]

Bravo Bruce! I'm so happy to see you do an episode devoted to Rita Cowan Taketsuru (The Mother of Japanese whisky) I use to represent Nikka whisky here in the United States for a few years, and will always be honored to have the opportunity to tell Rita's story. Cheers Rita!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Wonderful!

[@carolmccormack2381]

Being Glaswegian I had heard about Rita before but not in such and in-depth and compassionate way. What a brave thing she did to leave your family God thousands of miles to a different culture wow. Why isn't she better known...

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Good question

[@phillipallen3259]

I've been to Japan several times. The Japanese take alcohol very seriously. If you pick up a bottle of Pilsner beer, it's a good Pilsner. When someone wanted a specific type of alcohol made, they would send a trainee with lots of potential to the source for training. I'm pretty sure this is still happening today. Great story Bruce!

[@ForrestDweller]

Its a place I'd love to visit one day, fascinating...

[@danielcarter5537]

It's basically ingrained into their culture to seek perfection in all they do, and to learn everything they can about all things. It's considered honorable if they do and disgraceful if they don't.

[@fayelawless2625]

what an incredible journey she went on! Rita you're famous!

[@KathrynSpaulding]

😢That was beautiful. I grew up American, but my father called me a wee Scottish lass from the first moment when I fell in love with the sounds of a bag pipe (he said he’d put on the record to agitate my mother but it put me to sleep and I’d giggle from my crib or playpen), and took a taste of Scottish whiskey, the whiskey was to numb my sore teething gums, but I loved it. This is a bittersweet story, and I thank you so much for sharing the history of a land that’s always been in my heart but that I’ve never been able to visit.

[@joanr3189]

This story is different, and fascinating. Wow! Would be a beautiful film. Rita is the central figure, but as the story unfolds, I am struck by the depth of character of her husband. I imagine his appeal as central to her story. A great love story, non pareil. God bless the story tellers.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I totally agree!

[@arisajanemoon]

There was an NHK television series about the beginnings of Nikka Whiskey in Japan a few years ago. A great dramatisation which turned out to be rather historically accurate when visiting the factory. An awesome little factory to visit.

[@vallovesnature8449]

I saw that too. NHK World has very good shows

[@tessat338]

My father was stationed in Japan with the US Air Force in 1960. I remember growing up, there was a bottle of Suntory whiskey in the liquor cabinet.

[@gerryphilly53]

Thank you for introducing me to the story of Rita and Masataka. Hopefully, I’ll be able to raise a glass of Nikka in their honor.

[@gavinmajor4109]

Great story, and an incredible lady.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Yes indeed!

[@adidog6243]

Bloody hell Brucey, dazzling foot work on those steps 'ol son. The Genuine Fred A-stair.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

🤣

[@JR-bj3uf]

For such a small country to have such an enormous impact on the world is amazing.

[@Gaudacorte]

I was lucky to visit many ports in Japan while working in the Merchant Navy My favourite whisky was Suntory.

[@GiovannaSessantaSei]

Fascinating story!Thank you for highlighting a woman’s adventure. These are not as well-documented. 🥃 to Rita

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Aye, to Rita

[@musingwithreba9667]

I've seen a documentary some time ago about this, but it didn't really talk much about Rita. Thank you for telling her story.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You are so welcome

[@conchit1916]

As I watched this video today, in Baltimore Maryland, I reached to my nearby spirits shelf and grabbed a bottle of Nikka Single Malt Miyagikyo,. On the label is a photo of Matsataka Taketsuru that I had paid no attention before. Thanks to him and Rita for fine whiskeys. Thanks to you Bruce Fummey for educating me about this, and so much more about Scotland. Tha mi an dochas gum bi latha math leibh

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Sgoinneil

[@marblehead2500]

This is a great story, well told!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Ah thanks

[@craig8542]

fantastic as ever Bruce. I'm astonished, but never surprised, at the Scots contributions and doggedness in the wide world. superb!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

True dat

[@tomwillis3089]

Every day's a school day with Bruce. I spent most of my life in hospitality in California and then Scotland and never heard Rita's story. Both our sons are also working in the booze industry. It'll be of great interest to them. Thanks again.

[@jennyskeen3826]

Good morning Sir; Domo arigato! What a beautiful way to wake up... A wee dram of Bruce and glorious scenery, to boot! I love traveling with you vicariously through your interesting and enlightening stories and landscapes. I raise my bonney mug of Taylors of Harrogate Scottish breakfast tea to you. Slainte Mhath!!

[@nikkigraham7494]

Nevermind the vid... How nice it was to see you on the breakfast telly this morning! Go Fummey!😃

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Breakfast telly? In Scotland, right?

[@nikkigraham7494]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours well.. no I'm on the English side of the border 😪 You -were with Nick Nairn. Making something nice to eat!

[@WHISKYMIKEY]

Scottish history, whisky history, Japanese history and a great story about the life of a powerful woman…Bruce I think this might be the best video yet… 👏👏👏

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Ah thanks

[@missachurch5998]

🥰🤟I JUST LOVE LISTENING TO BRUCE!!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Yaaaay

[@kurtvanderweg9147]

You discover the best stories and make them come alive - thanks!

[@rabby-u]

Dammit Bruce, my beard is full of drops of amber tears 😢 listening to you and this story! Slainte a charaid.🍻

[@norbertmoore509]

Thank you for the interesting scottish stories and history! It's always a pleasure!👍🏼

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@norbertmoore509]

Good Evening, escuse me, perhaps you mai mentioned it, but I'd like to know if you organice touristical tours yourself and if yes, when are going they to be. If you don't, I ask you to excuse my cuestion. Thanks!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

@@norbertmoore509 Yes, you'll get some info at www.scotlandhistorytours.co.uk/tours/

[@kaitlyn__L]

The delivery on “and I, eh, like that one quite a bit too” was so cute honestly. Rita was so pretty! She must’ve had immense fortitude to put up with everything for the sake of their shared craft. I suspect given you were the first footsteps, the locals know not to bother trying to go up the hill when it’s snowy!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😅😅

[@elendil7]

I love this story. Thank you for telling it. That was some deep snow you had to get through. Now I want to try that whiskey. Cheers to Rita. ♥️

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Brilliant

[@djonfonsteen6331]

🥃🥃 乾杯 / Cheers. Been looking forward to this. (watching you wade through those snow covered steps 🤣😂) Bless the story.. and your good self man.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks

[@hollish196]

Absolutely fascinating. Thanks for the wonderful story of this amazing woman. And for the story of Scots whiskey in Japan.

[@joegroves1519]

Raising a class right now!!! AWESOME Story!!!

[@melissavancleave8686]

You Sir are a true treasure to the people and places you talk of and the people who get to watch and hear your stories. Thank you.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

So nice of you

[@casieperry9047]

When I was first in Japan, the culture shock was so intense that I was dizzy and nauseous. What helped me was the seafood ramen. Highly recommended.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Ah nooooo. I hate seafood. When I went into a sushi restaurant and asked if they had anything without fish, you should have heard them laugh

[@junesmith852]

This is a fascinating story bruce 👏 👌 this is what I love about history and people, there is always something new to learn about ❤

[@lithafox]

a great story, told excellently! i hope to go on one of your tours someday

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Please do!

[@TheTimelord62]

Another great story Bruce, am looking good in my new hoodie as well.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Brilliant

[@sarimento1]

Lord Bruce! Congratulations on an epic tale taking you across the globe!! As usual, marvelously woven, researched, filmed and narrated! Enjoy your visit!! Thanks!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank you kindly

[@cossi499]

I'm from Kirkintilloch, great to see the town mentioned in one of your great videos Bruce. Love going on these little journeys with your fantastic story telling.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks I'm delighted 👍

[@Liquid_Alchemy]

"Japanese Whisky, Scotch Blend" by the great Scottish professor and author Olive Checklund, is the definitive biography of Rita Cowan and Masataka Taketsuru. A must read.

[@systemSkynet]

Absolutely outstanding effort put into this video. I'll drink to that

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Slainte

[@acmcbride-olson9320]

Loved this episode. And so was incredibly glad it didn’t follow the plot line of The Ginger Tree!! I was afraid it might a few times.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Now I need to find out about The Ginger Tree

[@charlesarmstrong5292]

Good One Bruce!! I`ve come to expect the unexpected from you - don`t change. One of my sons, particularly enjoys a good Japanese Whiskey. I`ve never managed to bring myself to take a dram. However, your story about Rita may just lure me to do so.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

There ye go

[@KonradTheWizzard]

If you haven't done so yet: Japanese Whisky is really good. If you don't get told it is Japanese before you try you'll swear it is one of the better Scotches you've tried. Of course once you are told what it is and you really explore the taste you'll find a little bit of that sea aroma that is typical for Japanese cuisine. If I may be so bold - I'd recommend that you try one of those small artisanal bottles of Nikka Whisky. While Suntory is certainly a great product worthy of the prices it won, it is a bit overpriced now and Nikka represents the product Matsataka Taketsuru really wanted to make. Quite appropriate for a dram to toast a great Scottish woman like Rita!

[@frankgellenthin3733]

Thanks for another wonderful video Bruce. The compassion you show for those caught in the whirlwinds of history is much appreciated. Cheers!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Many thanks!

[@lisamckay5058]

Fascinating. Thank you, Bruce!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Very welcome

[@melissamybubbles6139]

Rita must have been an amazing woman. I hope her children and grandchildren ended up alright given the trauma of those years.

[@adamobrien4088]

Awesome bud. Well done. Hope you enjoy the stay in Australia. Cheers.

[@mikhailabunidal9146]

🍻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🍻!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

What's not to like?

[@adamobrien4088]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours Agreed mate. Well get ready for warm weather on the east side!

[@alansmithee8831]

A'reyt Bruce. Och I do enjoy these videos that you go to such lengths for and I got to use my pun for the right island at last. When younger, I ended up at a party with a couple where the wife was Japanese and had done that trip in reverse. Japanese drinks were served. It was obvious how much effort had been put into every aspect of production, even to the shape of the can of beer, like a pint glass.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

👌

[@therabbithole-sn5yb]

I do love your videos Bruce, wow 😲 I haven't seen snow that deep since I was a kid growing up in New Jersey... It doesn't snow like that much anymore here.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

It certainly snos in Hokaido

[@scottmcfarland2149]

Extremely interesting.

[@terencegamble4548]

A really interesting story Bruce. Thank you.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Very welcome

[@peterkelly1665]

truly excellent presentation.! A tale that holds the viewer till the end well done Bruce one of your best.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank you kindly!

[@archivegirl]

I love your stories, man!

[@Johntequila-x3p]

Amazing I had no idea the story of Japanese Whiskey went this deep

[@richardwhite2629]

Thanks!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Ah thanks Richard

[@dougzirkle5951]

Fascinating story, told very well. Thank you.

[@jetwrench2854]

Another brilliant story Captain my Captain, Bruce. We're eagerly anticipating another one of your history adventures. Here's mud in your eye! Jamais Arriére

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Yay

[@scottywaddles]

Im part Scott on my dads side last name Suggs I'm in Chicago and love to listen to you your a great man as far as i can tell thanx for your passon

[@geowidman]

As expected, you outdo yourself every week! Thanks very much for a smart and interesting and, at the end, very touching story.😯

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RoberttheFox0001]

Another excellent video Bruce. Thank you.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Very welcome

[@douglasherron7534]

Great story Bruce. I've passed by those parts of Kirkie often as the kids go to school near the Peel Park but knew nothing of Rita - could be a case of lobbying for a blue plaque?

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Good idea

[@VanhA-db3kz]

Fascinating. I love Nikka whiskey. I think after Scotland, the Japanese whiskeys come second place.

[@telam1744]

Travelling for stories.... Awesome!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

More to come!

[@jacobfrayer3836]

Thanks Bruce, I always enjoy your videos. I see you have good taste in pubs as well, havin a wee dram at Bar Bliss!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

It would have been Rira's local

[@GabrielForth]

Bit of a surprise seeing you wander round Kirky, hope you got a chance to nip into the Aulk Kirk museum while you were there. Quite a small place but I recall it being alright last time I was by.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Maybe next time. I had a flight to catch😁

[@AlexBurneslives]

Looking forward to seeing you in Perth at the Fringe

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Yay! Spread the word

[@stewartfenwick3658]

What a great trip Bruce - I took the local train and bus service out to the distillery I hope you had a better plan!

[@o.mcneely4424]

I wrote a post about Rita and Masataka for my living history group’s page. It was part of a series on famous, influential and interesting Scottish couples, and they definitely fit the bill!

[@katsomeday1]

That was a good story, well told!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks

[@vickiepower6201]

You always tell a great story, thank you so much, Perth Australia

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks Vickie

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

In February I'll be visiting Perth WA with my live show Scotland Made the World. It would be great to see you. Get info at www.brucefummey.co.uk/shows.aspx

[@vallovesnature8449]

I had known of Japanese whiskey from NHK World. Now I know the backstory. They must’ve been an amazing couple. Thanks for sharing this with us Bruce 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Our pleasure! It was a bit cold though

[@ewenmacleod15]

Wow, what an interesting story

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I know, right?

[@AslamGreyFox]

have a wee dram from me too bruce....

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You know I will😎

[@perceivedvelocity9914]

Thank you for sharing this story. I've never heard about it

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks for listening

[@lindamccaughey6669]

Wow that was fantastic. Such an awesome bit of history. I so enjoyed that. Thank you for taking me along

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks for watching

[@whamsdram]

So pleased you made this - fantastic - thanks!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@airtexaco]

I really do love your content, you are such an informative and wonderful story teller. Awesome work ❤️

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank you so much!

[@craigevans6156]

Excellent as always 😊

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@craigjohnstone3855]

As always very interesting and superbly presented

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks again!

[@ImMigra1047]

Hello Bruce-San. I am Japanese. Thank you for sharing the story of Masataka Taketsuru and Rita Taketsuru. Masataka Taketsuru is from Takehara City in Hiroshima Prefecture, which is my mother's hometown. When I was a child (more than 40 years ago), my grandmother told me that Masataka-san of the Taketsuru family (who produced Japanese Sake) had founded whiskey manufacturing company, the famous Nikka Whiskey. If you have a chance to come to Japan, please come to Takehara City. Takehara is known for its old townscape and is known as Little Kyoto, but it has also been used as a filming location for many movies, and is loved by movie people. Takehara is also the sacred place of the anime `Tamayura'.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Oooh, I look forward to that next trip

[@ruiseartalcorn]

Great story! Mòran taing a charaid :)

[@ruiseartalcorn]

I love your videos. You're a great historian and story teller, and a bloody funny bugger! ;)

[@dianahenderson]

And now I'm thinking...my next bottle...may be Japanese. Thanks for the story, as always...fascinating!

[@guardcharlie2576]

Really interesting, than k you

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You're welcome

[@roberthunter5398]

You left whisky sitting? Lol loved the story Bruice.

[@proudsnowtiger]

Aye, but he had to go back for the camera.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Don't worry. It got finished

[@rustyrocks69]

Just found yoyr channel. Awesome channel, cheers for the work you are doing

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Welcome aboard

[@pholland6643]

Loved your stint in Perth the other day. Survived the heat? I bumped into a Scot in Albany who said, next time , come to Albany in the South. ( Better climate too).

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

If there's a big enough audience I'd travel

[@raydriver7300]

What a lovely story about romance and love, tinged with hardship overcome. As alway, Bruce, thank you for sharing. I bet the snow made you feel right at home. How do I buy you a whisky? 🌞

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I'll turn the coffee into whisky www.buymeacoffee.com/ScottishBruce

[@BlazingMichael]

some strange happenings going on with youtube as of recent, It's meant to tell me when you upload, Bruce!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

last month or two this has happened and view counts reflect it

[@helensharpe2293]

My father in law loved Suntory whiskey

[@myparceltape1169]

Kirkie used to be dry but on a Saturday night the surrounding towns became full of strangers, all drunk.

[@jacqueline4905]

When it hits home it does. Hard

[@davidarchibald50]

Aye, Bruce maybe they do, and maybe they have travelled into the void from which we all came, where there is no single malt, not even the dream of it...which goes to prove that we should partake of as much of it now...while we are still blessed to receive it. Aroha

[@richardparsons7012]

That's a good story. I've tried a few Nikka whiskys, and they're great. Be careful trying the Amrut whisky from India! It'll clean your paint brushes a treat though.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I'll give it a bye

[@KonradTheWizzard]

Which specific Amrut did you try? The ones I've tried were quite nice (Fusion and Peated) - comparable with Highland Park 10 or 12. The one that is sold in India is reported to be pretty bad, but you can't get it on the European continent.

[@richardparsons7012]

@@KonradTheWizzard I had to ask a friend on this one. And, it turns out that I was slandering a good whisky there. Oops! Our club tried a Amrut (nine years ago, I add!) which we enjoyed, so someone decided to get another, and a special bottling by Richard Paterson for the Indian market. Here's a link to the promo. We called it the Star Wars whisky. Unlike the films, this was truely aweful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJWufXiOaayFfdE Quite funny and short. Sorry for link to other material Bruce.

[@ForrestDweller]

Are those Scots Pine trees next to that water ?

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Sorry, I doubt it

[@ForrestDweller]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours lovely looking trees

[@reginaldinoenchillada3513]

Aw Bruce, give over. Stop making me cry at the driving range.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Sorry

[@elainebezuidenhout162]

Thank you great video as always😄 can I ask you a question? Is Johnny walker whiskey really scottish? I heard that the Walker surname is actually English. (I have family with the Walker surname)

[@mikhailabunidal9146]

@🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Scotland History Tours w /Bruce Fummey صباح الفول يا بروس، كيف الأحوال لعندك يا زلمه ؟ Madainn mhath, a Brus, Ciamar a tha thu, a dhuine? 1:57 هادا كنير صغير . طب لا كبير ولا صغير لاكن نوعا ما صغير. tha sin òg, uill chan eil sean no òg ach dòigh air choireigin òg

[@ianbrodiesmith4085]

An amazing person. Both went against the grain as we say. Love this real Scottish History and not those fairytales lol

[@boag46]

Fit a fine wee dram.