Among the numerous types of whisky available, you can experience Japan's unique characteristics through Japanese whisky. Japan boasts many distilleries and brands, including the well-known Suntory and Nikka. However, the types and characteristics of Japanese whisky vary from product to product, such as single malt or blended malt.
In this guide, we will introduce recommended Japanese whisky products in order of popularity and provide insights on how to choose Japanese whisky. You can use this as a reference to find your favorite Japanese whisky!
What is Japanese Whisky?
When it comes to whisky, Scotch whisky and American bourbon whisky are among the most famous. However, Japanese whisky is considered one of the world's top five whiskies, alongside Ireland, Scotland, the United States, and Canada. Japanese whisky is known for its light and dry character, making it suitable for pairing with meals.
Japanese whisky shares a similar style with Scotch whisky and offers a pleasant taste that can be enjoyed alongside food. Moreover, Japanese whisky comes in a variety of styles, allowing you to choose one that suits your palate.
Nikka's founder, Masataka Taketsuru, brought the methods of Scotch whisky production to Japan, which is why Japanese whisky shares many similarities with Scotch whisky.
How to Choose Japanese Whisky?
When choosing Japanese whisky, it's important to consider the following three points:
① Select within Your Budget and Drinking Style Range
The first step in choosing Japanese whisky is to select a product that fits within your budget range. If you're looking for budget-friendly options, you can find whiskies priced below 1,500 yen, while those for regular consumption fall within the 1,500 to 3,000 yen range.
If you're looking for a gift or a special treat, you may want to explore Japanese whiskies priced above 3,000 yen. Keep in mind that single malt whiskies generally start at 3,000 yen or more, and the price tends to increase with longer aging periods.
② Understand Flavor Variations Due to Ingredients and Production Methods:
Whiskies can be broadly categorized into three types based on their ingredients and production methods: single malt whisky, grain whisky, and blended whisky. Understanding the characteristics of each type and finding the one that suits your taste is essential.
Single Malt Whisky
If you're seeking a unique whisky experience, opt for single malt whisky, which has distinctive flavors unique to individual distilleries. You'll taste the original character of the malt used as the primary ingredient, and the differences between distilleries are often quite noticeable. However, many single malt whiskies have unique flavors and can be relatively expensive.
For beginners, it might be a bit challenging to start with single malt whisky, and you may want to try longer-aged products to experience their rich flavors. Popular single malt distilleries include "Yamazaki," "Hakushu," "Yoichi," and "Miyagikyo." "Miyagikyo" offers a luxurious fruity taste, "Hakushu" is known for its refreshing character, and "Yamazaki" has an interesting personality.
Grain Whisky
Grain whisky, while relatively limited in variety, offers a mild and easy-to-drink flavor profile. If you prefer whisky with a less intense taste, this is the type for you.
Japanese grain whisky has gained popularity and is relatively easy to find nowadays. However, it's primarily used as the base for blended whisky, and only a limited amount of grain whisky is commercially available as standalone grain whisky.
Blended Whisky
Blended whisky is a mix of malt whisky made from malted barley and grain whisky made from cereal grains. Because it combines multiple spirits, blended whisky tends to have a more balanced flavor compared to single malt whisky.
Blended whisky is suitable for those who are not accustomed to drinking whisky or are trying it for the first time. Since it doesn't have an overpowering flavor, it's also great for use as a whisky base in cocktails.
③ Checking Flavor Profile to Match Your Preference
To find a Japanese whisky that suits your taste, it's crucial to check the flavor profile. Before purchasing, pay attention to the taste, aroma, and characteristics of each distillery.
For beginners, it's often recommended to start with whisky that doesn't have a peaty flavor.
Determine whether or not you enjoy the taste of peat and then select a brand that aligns with your preference. Additionally, the flavor profile can also vary based on the type of barrels used. If you like vanilla notes, opt for whisky aged in bourbon barrels. If you prefer the scent of dried fruits and raisins, choose whisky aged in sherry casks. If you enjoy the aroma of wine, look for whisky aged in wine casks.
Choosing Based on Distillery Characteristics
Compared to Scotch whisky, American whisky, and others, there are fewer distilleries in the Japanese whisky landscape, which means fewer options to choose from. It's advisable to remember the characteristics of each distillery, producer, and product, and then explore the Japanese whisky that resonates most with you.
"Yoichi" offers rich alcohol quality with a peaty aroma, "Yamazaki" is opulent and full-bodied, "Hibiki" maintains Yamazaki's charm but is also easy to drink, and "Hakushu" is refreshing with a hint of smokiness. Consider referencing reviews and trying products you haven't tasted before, as this will open up new doors for your whisky journey.
Top 20 Recommended Japanese Whiskies Based on Popularity Rankings:
1. Suntory Whisky | Hibiki | Hibiki Japanese Harmony
This product embodies the concept of Hibiki whisky, created using Japan's four seasons, emotions, and craftsmanship. It features a rich aroma, deep and smooth taste, with clear sweetness of honey, hints of orange peel chocolate, and a gentle, lingering finish.
- Suntory Whisky | Hibiki
- Type: Blended Whisky
- Flavor: Clear sweetness of honey, orange peel chocolate
- Aroma: Rose, lychee, rosemary, aged oak, sandalwood
- Alcohol Content: 43%
- Price: 1,999 yen
2. Nikka Whisky | Black | Black Nikka Clear
This malt whisky doesn't use peat during the malt drying process, resulting in a smoother taste without the smoky notes. It's versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or with water. Its affordability and easy availability make it a great choice for everyday drinking or gatherings.
- Nikka Whisky | Black | Black Nikka Clear
- Type: Blended Whisky
- Taste: Refreshing
- Aroma: Malty
- Alcohol Content: 37%
- Reference Price: 724 yen
3. Single Malt Japanese Whisky Fuji
This is a blended whisky that offers a magnificent, silky, and harmonious taste with a rich fruity aroma that lingers pleasantly. Every step, from preparation to distillation and bottling, takes place at the base of Mount Fuji, where unprocessed sake blends with the craftsmanship of nature.
- Single Malt Japanese Whisky Fuji
- Type: Blended Whisky
- Taste: Bright, silky, harmonious
- Aroma: Sweet fruity and silky notes
- Alcohol Content: 43%
- Reference Price: 4,680 yen
4. Yamazaki | Suntory Single Malt Whisky
A blend of malted barley aged in barrels and traditional Japanese mizunara oak barrels. Yamazaki whisky offers a luxurious aroma reminiscent of strawberries and cherries, along with a smooth and sweet taste. The bright red tones create a sense of luxury.
- Yamazaki | Suntory Single Malt Whisky
- Type: Malt Whisky (Single Malt)
- Taste: Smooth and sweet
- Aroma: Gentle and luxurious
- Alcohol Content: 43%
- Reference Price: 12,799 yen
5. Suntory Whisky | Suntory Whisky Toki
A long-selling brand with an impressive tortoiseshell pattern on the bottle, inspired by samurai armor. It's a well-balanced blend based on the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries' bourbon barrel whisky. Suntory Toki offers a rich taste, sweet aroma, and dry finish, making it perfect for highball whisky cocktails.
- Suntory Whisky | Suntory Whisky Toki
- Type: Malt Whisky (Single Malt)
- Taste: Thick texture, dry finish
- Aroma: Fresh and fragrant
- Alcohol Content: 40%
- Reference Price: 1,677 yen
6. Yamazaki | Yamazaki 12 Years
This single malt whisky was introduced in 1984, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the completion of the Yamazaki Distillery, the birthplace of Japanese whisky. Carefully selected mature malt from Yamazaki's precious malt barrels aged for over 12 years, it features layered aromas of sweet vanilla and ripe fruits.
- Yamazaki | Yamazaki 12 Years
- Type: Malt (Single Malt)
- Taste: Deep sweetness, thick texture
- Aroma: Ripe persimmons, peaches, vanilla
- Alcohol Content: 43%
- Reference Price: 10,834 yen
7. Fuji Single Grain Japanese Whisky
A blend of three grain whiskies, each with its unique flavor profile. Fuji whisky fully utilizes the characteristics of each grain, including bourbon-style, Canadian-style, and Scottish-style spirits. It's a whisky with a rich, spicy style and a pure, lingering taste.
- Fuji Single Grain Japanese Whisky
- Type: Grain Whisky, Blended Whisky
- Taste: Spicy
- Aroma: Fruity
- Alcohol Content: 46%
- Reference Price: 4,370 yen
8. Suntory Whisky | Chita | Suntory Whisky Chita
Chita whisky is a single grain whisky that cleverly blends various unmalted sakes produced at the Chita Distillery in Aichi Prefecture. It has a slightly sweet and smooth taste. When used to make highball whisky cocktails, it leaves a delightful aftertaste and pairs easily with delicately flavored dishes.
- Suntory Whisky | Chita | Suntory Whisky Chita
- Type: Single Malt
- Taste: Light taste
- Aroma: Mild sweetness
- Alcohol Content: 43%
- Reference Price: 3,993 yen
9. Nikka Whisky | Single Malt Miyagikyo
As a single malt whisky, it has a bright, fruity, and smooth taste. The sweet and magnificent aroma reminiscent of apples and pears blends harmoniously with the gentle vanilla fragrance from the casks, delivering sweet fruitiness and a smooth texture. It features a mild aftertaste with subtle malt sweetness and oak aromas.
- Nikka Whisky | Single Malt Miyagikyo
- Type: Malt Whisky
- Taste: Sweet, like dried fruits
- Aroma: Sweet and magnificent aroma reminiscent of apples and pears, with gentle vanilla fragrance from the casks
- Alcohol Content: 45%
- Reference Price: 4,620 yen
10. Nikka Whisky | From The Barrel
This whisky uses the blend-and-marry method, where malt and grain whiskies are blended and aged for several months in wooden barrels. The distinct characteristics of the original spirits blend deeply, resulting in harmonious aromas and flavors. With an alcohol content of 51%, it requires only a minimal amount of water for a captivating drinking experience.
- Nikka Whisky | From The Barrel
- Type: Blended Whisky
- Taste: Rich and flavorful
- Aroma: Sweet and magnificent aroma reminiscent of apples and pears, with gentle vanilla fragrance from the casks
- Alcohol Content: 51%
- Reference Price: 4,268 yen
11. Single Malt Japanese Whisky Fuji | FJ-70012
A single malt whisky blended only with malt whisky from the Fuji Gotemba Distillery. It boasts a rich fruity flavor created from a variety of malt whiskies. The aftertaste is sweet, complex, and the aroma is pleasant and long-lasting.
- Single Malt Japanese Whisky Fuji | FJ-70012
- Type: Malt Whisky
- Taste: Rich and flavorful
- Aroma: Fruity
- Alcohol Content: 46%
- Reference Price: 4,668 yen
12. Japanese Kumano Blended Malt Whisky
A blend of Scottish malt whisky and Japanese malt whisky, aged in Mizunara oak casks. It features malt aromas reminiscent of the original strength of whisky and apple-like fruitiness, enveloped in sweetness from Japanese oak, offering a refreshing and slightly spicy taste.
- Japanese Kumano Blended Malt Whisky
- Type: Blended Malt Whisky
- Taste: Slightly spicy, refreshing
- Aroma: Malty
- Alcohol Content: 43%
- Reference Price: 3,850 yen
13. World Blended Whisky
Designed with the keyword "Pygmalion," inspired by the song of UVERworld, this whisky captures the profound worldview of the song. The label and box feature maple trees from Shiga Prefecture, with a contrasting black and gold color scheme against the whisky's beautiful liquid color.
- World Blended Whisky
- Type: Blended Whisky
- Alcohol Content: 47%
- Reference Price: 3,850 yen
14. Chita | Chita Pure Malt
Made solely from unique malt whiskies, this pure malt is easy to drink. Chita Pure Malt combines various malt whiskies produced at the Yoichi Distillery by the cold seaside and the Miyagikyo Distillery nestled in the pure forests. The fresh fruit aroma and gentle peatiness are captivating.
- Chita | Chita Pure Malt
- Type: Malt Whisky
- Taste: Fruity
- Aroma: Smoky, woody
- Alcohol Content: 43%
- Reference Price: 10,499 yen
15. Suntory Whisky | Suntory World Whisky Ao
This whisky brings together the major whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Japan. Skilled blenders evaluate the unblended whiskies of these five major whisky-producing regions.
Suntory World Whisky Ao is a new and diverse flavor with sweet, magnificent aromas and a pleasant smokiness. Try different ways of enjoying it, such as drinking it neat or with ice, and experience the flavor and personality variations.
- Suntory Whisky | Suntory World Whisky Ao
- Type: Blended Whisky
- Taste: Smoky
- Aroma: Fruity, woody
- Alcohol Content: 43%
- Reference Price: 1,780 yen
16. Horned Owl | 146748
A down-to-earth bottle that suppresses peatiness and emphasizes the sweet aroma of vanilla. Its flavor is enjoyable and doesn't become tiresome, and you can feel the spiciness and intense alcohol taste. Each bottle contains 700mL with an alcohol content of 37%.
- Horned Owl | 146748
- Type: Blended Whisky
- Aroma: Vanilla, white flowers
- Alcohol Content: 37%
- Reference Price: 880 yen
17. Nikka Whisky | Single Malt Yoichi
This is a Japanese single malt whisky born from the northern lands and produced by the historic Yoichi Distillery, founded in 1934. The base spirit, distilled using pot stills with direct coal firing, has a rich and fragrant aftertaste. Aged and blended in an environment similar to Scotland's natural surroundings, it features a harmonious blend of malt sweetness and fruity notes.
- Nikka Whisky | Single Malt Yoichi
- Type: Single Malt Whisky (Single Malt)
- Taste: Sweet oaky and intense peaty notes
- Aroma: Smoky, intense fruity aroma
- Alcohol Content: 45%
- Reference Price: 5,478 yen
18. Suntory Whisky | Hakushu | Single Malt Whisky Hakushu
A single malt whisky with rich fruity flavors and a crisp taste. The light peaty malt brings a fresh and subtle smokiness reminiscent of tender leaves in the forest, along with various unblended clear spirits, showcasing Hakushu's typical complexity and depth. It's characterized by sweet and gentle smoky notes, fresh green fragrance, and a refreshing fruity aroma.
- Suntory Whisky | Hakushu | Single Malt Whisky Hakushu
- Type: Single Malt Whisky (Single Malt)
- Taste: Refreshing, light, crisp
- Aroma: Fresh
- Alcohol Content: 43%
- Reference Price: 10,998 yen
19. Nikka Whisky | Nikka Meeting of Music
A musical whisky made from aromatic Scottish malt, rich Miyagikyo malt, and robust Yoichi malt, each with its own personality. It features a slowly spreading, slightly bitter peaty aftertaste. For those looking to expand their palate, we recommend drinking it with soda water.
- Nikka Whisky | Nikka Meeting of Music
- Type: Blended Malt Whisky
- Taste: Mild flavor
- Aroma: Bright aroma, maltiness, woody
- Alcohol Content: 43%
- Reference Price: 2,850 yen
20. Kirin Whisky Riku
Centered around various base spirits from Kirin Fuji Gotemba Distillery, it aims for a flavor that suits the Japanese climate and culinary culture, achieving a gentle sweetness and a clear taste. Of course, highballs made with Kirin Whisky Riku are incredibly delicious, offering a clean taste and beautiful aroma.
- Kirin Whisky Riku
- Type: Grain Whisky, Malt Whisky
- Taste: Rich flavor, rich layers
- Aroma: Subtle sweetness of yellow peaches, oranges, and apples
- Alcohol Content: 50%
- Reference Price: 1,261 yen
