When it comes to Japanese whiskies, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re buying a bottle for yourself or as a gift, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the numerous brands and expressions available. To help you out, I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best Japanese whiskies that would make excellent choices for any whiskey enthusiast.
1. Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky: This grain whisky from Nikka is a great starting point for those new to Japanese whiskies. It offers a smooth and fruity profile with notes of tropical fruits and vanilla. It’s an excellent choice for those who appreciate a lighter style of whisky.
2. Hibiki 17 Years Old: Hibiki is a well-known and highly respected brand in the Japanese whisky industry. The 17 Years Old expression is a blend of malt and grain whiskies, resulting in a harmonious and complex flavor profile. It offers a balance of sweet and spicy notes with a long, smooth finish.
3. Suntory World Whisky Ao: If you’re looking to explore beyond traditional Japanese whisky, Suntory’s World Whisky Ao is a fantastic option. It’s a blend of whiskies sourced from around the world, including Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the United States. This unique expression brings together the best of different whisky styles, offering a rich and complex flavor profile.
4. Four Roses Super Premium: While not a Japanese whisky, Four Roses Super Premium is a bourbon that deserves a spot on this list. It’s a limited edition release that combines Four Roses’ 10 unique bourbon recipes, resulting in a rich and flavorful whiskey. If you’re looking to surprise someone with a unique and high-quality bourbon, this one is worth considering.
5. Nikka Whisky Single Malt Yoichi: If you’re a fan of Scotch whisky, Nikka’s Yoichi is the perfect Japanese alternative. Made in a traditional Scottish-style pot still, this single malt offers a rich and smoky profile reminiscent of peated Scotch whiskies. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy bold and robust flavors.
6. Suntory Old Whisky: For those on a budget, Suntory Old Whisky is an excellent option. Despite its affordable price tag, it still delivers a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience. It’s a blended whisky with a light and mellow profile, making it a versatile choice for casual sipping or mixing into cocktails.
7. The Yamazaki: Considered one of Japan’s most prestigious distilleries, The Yamazaki offers a range of exceptional whiskies. From their 12-year-old expression to their limited edition releases, each whisky showcases the distillery’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality. If you’re looking to splurge on a truly special bottle, The Yamazaki is a reliable choice.
8. Hakushu 12 Years Old: Another distillery under the Suntory umbrella, Hakushu is known for its fresh and vibrant whiskies. The 12 Years Old expression is a great example of their style, offering a delicate and crisp profile with notes of green apple, mint, and citrus. It’s a perfect choice for those who enjoy light and refreshing whiskies.
9. Mars Komasa Jyuku: Mars Whisky is a lesser-known distillery in Japan, but it’s been gaining recognition for its high-quality releases. The Komasa Jyuku is a blended whisky that combines malt and grain whiskies aged in a variety of cask types. It offers a complex and well-rounded flavor profile with hints of dried fruit, spice, and oak.
10. Chichibu The First: Chichibu is a relatively young distillery but has quickly gained a reputation for producing exceptional whiskies. Their flagship expression, The First, is a single malt whisky aged in a combination of different cask types. It offers a rich and flavorful profile with notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, and spice.
When it comes to choosing the right Japanese whisky, it ultimately comes down to personal preferences. Whether you prefer a light and fruity profile or a bold and smoky flavor, there’s a Japanese whisky out there that will cater to your tastes. Explore different distilleries and expressions, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Cheers!