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

Japanese scotch? How could that have happened? Scottish history tour guide, Bruce Fummey tells the story of Rita Cowan and how whisky came to Japan with a woman from Kirkintilloch.
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Videography by Matt Ward at www.visualsofscotland.co.uk
Scotland History Tours is here for people who want to learn about Scottish history and get ideas for Scottish history tours. I try to make videos which tell you tales from Scotland's past and give you information about key dates in Scottish history and historical places to visit in Scotland. Not all videos are tales from Scotland's history, some of them are about men from Scotland's past or women from Scotland's past. Basically the people who made Scotland. From April 2020 onward I've tried to give ideas for historic days out in Scotland. Essentially these are days out in Scotland for adults who are interested in historical places to visit in Scotland.
As a Scottish history tour guide people ask: Help me plan a Scottish holiday, or help me plan a Scottish vacation if your from the US. So I've tried to give a bit of history, but some places of interest in Scotland as well.

[@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

[@theuglyhairmonster2]

The world just wouldn't be the same without the Scots and their intuity. It always irks me somewhat that when people talk about "British inventions" it's rarely mentioned they were largely made by Scots. At least the country gets the Whisky credit!

[@grendel_nz]

Good education and access to it, is sooo important.

[@Oldleftiehere]

That’s what comes from Scotland still being a part of England. To get proper credit, Scotland has got to figure out how to become its own country. Try again guys.

[@theuglyhairmonster2]

@@Oldleftiehere well I’m one Englishman that will give the Scots credit!

[@ronaldronz4599]

​@sarahwall6307 No, YOU try again 😂😂 many people outside the UK view Scotland as a totally different country & people to the English, its only 'on paper' they both fall under the same umbrella, yes that includes England coming under the United Kingdom 🇬🇧legal umbrella of British nationhood. Try again b*tch 😂😊

[@ronaldronz4599]

​@@Oldleftieherealso Scotland has never been conquered entirely, unlike England when the Romans turned up & gave England civilisation, at least the Scottish invented their own & contributed immensely to the world.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@MultiDrew83]

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.

[@YourMamaCat]

Amazing. I was not among those who knew this story before this. All hail our Rita!! ❤🥃

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Yes indeed

[@melissamybubbles6139]

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

[@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.

[@JR-bj3uf]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@GiovannaC266]

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

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Aye, to Rita

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@Gaudacorte]

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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@adidog6243]

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

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

🤣

[@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

[@kurtvanderweg9147]

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

[@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.

[@myparceltape1169]

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

[@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

[@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]

😅😅

[@gavinmajor4109]

Great story, and an incredible lady.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Yes indeed!

[@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

[@VanhA-db3kz]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@lithafox]

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

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Please do!

[@hollish196]

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

[@TheTimelord62]

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

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Brilliant

[@joegroves1519]

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

[@junesmith852]

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

[@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!

[@missachurch5998]

🥰🤟I JUST LOVE LISTENING TO BRUCE!!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Yaaaay

[@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 👍

[@systemSkynet]

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

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Slainte

[@bigschoolgaming8002]

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

[@dianahenderson]

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

[@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!

[@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]

👌

[@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!

[@user-rf8ri2oy3l]

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

[@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

[@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

[@marblehead2500]

This is a great story, well told!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Ah thanks

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@dougzirkle5951]

Fascinating story, told very well. Thank you.

[@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

[@scottmcfarland2149]

Extremely interesting.

[@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

[@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

[@archivegirl]

I love your stories, man!

[@peterkelly1665]

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

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank you kindly!

[@lisamckay5058]

Fascinating. Thank you, Bruce!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Very welcome

[@AslamGreyFox]

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

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You know I will😎

[@telam1744]

Travelling for stories.... Awesome!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

More to come!

[@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!

[@jimmythejock4376]

Excellent. Thanks again Bruce.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Very welcome

[@terencegamble4548]

A really interesting story Bruce. Thank you.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Very welcome

[@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

[@vickiepower6201]

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

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks Vickie

[@reginaldinoenchillada3513]

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

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Sorry

[@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

[@RoberttheFox0001]

Another excellent video Bruce. Thank you.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Very welcome

[@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! ;)

[@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

[@helensharpe2293]

My father in law loved Suntory whiskey

[@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😁

[@eamonnclabby7067]

Slainte....DYDD GWYL DEWI HUPUS...Happy saint David's day to all your Welsh subscribers...E..

[@whamsdram]

So pleased you made this - fantastic - thanks!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@perceivedvelocity9914]

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

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks for listening

[@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

[@katsomeday1]

That was a good story, well told!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks

[@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

[@craigjohnstone3855]

As always very interesting and superbly presented

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks again!

[@ewenmacleod15]

Wow, what an interesting story

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I know, right?

[@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

[@jacqueline4905]

When it hits home it does. Hard

[@craigevans6156]

Excellent as always 😊

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@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.

[@ianbrodiesmith4085]

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

[@richardwhite2629]

Thanks!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Ah thanks Richard

[@guardcharlie2576]

Really interesting, than k you

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You're welcome

[@rustyrocks69]

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

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Welcome aboard

[@MultiDrew83]

Are those Scots Pine trees next to that water ?

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Sorry, I doubt it

[@MultiDrew83]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours lovely looking trees

[@mozartjpn137]

Rita-san is the most famous Scottish person in Japan. She is more famous than Sean Connery!

[@oldsilver6035]

Another family name Cowan, American Revolution ancestry, Kentucky history too.

[@olive7831]

Interesting to note that japanese whisky laws permit foreign whisky to be blended and labeled as japanese whisky. That nikka from the barrel has scottish whisky in it (apparently)!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

🙄