A Japanese whisky has been named the "best in the world," upstaging traditionally favored Scottish brands, which did not make it into the top five, according to a new ranking. Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 was awarded the title by whisky connoisseur Jim Murray, whose 2015 edition of the Whisky Bible will be published next week, the Daily Mail reported.

Described as "near incredible genius" for its "nose of exquisite boldness" and finish of "light, teasing spice", Murray gave the drink 97.5 marks out of 100. Yamazaki is Japan's first and oldest distillery, established in 1923 by Suntory's founder Shinjiro Torii. For the first time, no Scottish distillery was ranked in the top five, according to the Daily Mail, which got an advanced copy of the guide. Varieties of Scotch whisky have been crowned best in the world in two of the last three years - Old Pulteney's 21 year-old single malt in 2012 and Glenmorangie Ealanta in 2014.The Whisky Bible, launched in 2003, provides detailed tasting notes on 4,500 whiskies.

SOCIAL

Japan's Yamazaki claims best whisky title... as Bushmills is sold to Cuervo. What's going on in the Whisky world? http://t.co/RPhoDuQFJu — Fine Wine Brokerage (@EliteFineWines) November 4, 2014

"Thy strong heart's blood"--is Japanese? Japan's whisky 'best in world' in 'wake up call' to the Scottish industry http://t.co/5eahdOlpVs — Peter Bornstein (@spidadoc1) November 4, 2014

-- Ansuya Harjani, CNBC