8 Must-Try and Must-Buy Japanese Whiskies

The history of Japanese whisky

Japan was first introduced to whisky in 1853, when naval officer Matthew C. Perry traveled to Japan to force the country to open its ports to trade and diplomatic relations with the United States. During that visit, local magistrates and interpreters were welcomed aboard Perry’s ship, where they were served whisky.

Treaty ports were opened in 1859, and foreign settlements were established in Japan, leading to the import of whisky for foreign residents. From 1871, however, whisky was also imported for Japanese consumption.

Domestic whisky production began in 1924, when Shinjiro Torii, the founder of brewing and distilling company Suntory, established Japan's first distillery, known as the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery. Masataka Taketsuru, who had traveled to Scotland to study whisky production, served as the director. In 1929, the first domestically produced whisky, Shirofuda (white label,) went on sale.

In 1934, Taketsuru Masataka and Torii Shinjiro went their separate ways, resulting in the two whisky giants, Nikka and Suntory. Although Japanese whisky has only a century-old history, Japan continues to produce top-notch whisky thanks to its diverse natural environment, meticulous production methods, and unique technological skills honed through sake and shochu production.

The three types of Japanese whisky

While following the tradition of Scotch whisky, Japanese whisky has developed its own unique style, utilizing the abundant natural environment of Japan to create a variety of delicate spirits.

The whiskies produced in Japan can be categorized into three types: Single Malt Whisky, which is made in a single distillery using only malted barley as the main ingredient; Grain Whisky, which incorporates malted barley alongside other grains like wheat and corn, and is produced using continuous stills; and Blended Whisky, which is a fusion of multiple malt and grain spirits.

Japanese whisky is distributed worldwide, but if you want to explore various options, visiting Japan is your best choice. Below, you’ll find eight of the most popular Japanese whiskies, produced by the two dominating brands, Suntory and Nikka.

Suntory: Hibiki

Hibiki was created in 1989 to commemorate Suntory's 90th anniversary. Aimed at creating a Japanese whisky worthy of being called the best, it’s a blended whisky that embodies the essence of the technology cultivated over the years to pursue the ultimate flavor.

The master blender, who ultimately determines the taste of the whisky, is a descendant of the founder's family, ensuring the quality and complex flavors are maintained. By blending various long-aged malt and grain whiskies, there are now lineups such as Hibiki 21 Years Old, Hibiki 30 Years Old, and Hibiki Japanese Harmony based on differences in aging and blending.

Official website: https://house.suntory.com/hibiki-whisky

Suntory: The Yamazaki

Yamazaki is the name of the land selected by Suntory's founding generation to establish Japan's first distillery. Located on the outskirts of Kyoto, Yamazaki is known as the region of pristine water, ideal for creating complex flavors and rich malt spirits. The warm and humid climate also provides excellent conditions for whisky maturation.

The Yamazaki was created by the second-generation master blender to create a single malt whisky that represents Japan. Despite being a single malt, Yamazaki has a deep and complex flavor as various malt spirits are combined in exquisite balance. It is one of the Japanese whiskies known around the world, having won multiple awards in international competitions.

Official website: https://house.suntory.com/yamazaki-whisky

Suntory: The Chita

The Chita Distillery, located on the Chita Peninsula that extends south of Nagoya and overlooks Ise Bay, specializes in crafting grain whisky. Chita is light and pleasant to drink, yet it retains a distinct sense of maturity. The master blender has infused complex flavors into the simple grain base, resulting in a product you'll never tire of enjoying.

Chita Distillery is one of three distilleries within Suntory's domestic operations, specializing in producing grain whisky primarily from corn. The distillery also plays a vital role in creating a range of grain spirits and serves as an important source for numerous blended whiskies.

Official website: https://house.suntory.com/chita-whisky

Suntory: The Toki

Toki was created to explore new possibilities in Japanese whisky. Unlike other brands, it is exclusively available overseas and not distributed within Japan. This blended whisky, inspired by the essence of the seasons from which its name derives, embodies the profound significance of seasonal change in Japan, where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously.

Toki, crafted with these principles in mind, seamlessly blends Suntory's traditions and innovative technologies. It has a pale color and is smooth on the palate. When tasted, it has a sweetness reminiscent of basil, green apple, and honey, with a spicy finish of white pepper and ginger. The recommended way to drink Toki is as a highball, a popular Japanese drink made by mixing whisky with sparkling water.

Official website: https://house.suntory.com/toki-whisky

Suntory: The Hakushu

The single malt whisky Hakushu is made from malt base spirits from the Hakushu Distillery, which was built after the Yamazaki Distillery. The Hakushu Distillery is located in the forested northwest of Yamanashi Prefecture, near the border with Nagano Prefecture, and surrounded by the Japanese Southern Alps. Forest-based distilleries are said to be rare worldwide.

Benefiting from the pure water and natural surroundings, Hakushu boasts a refreshing taste reminiscent of the young leaves of the adjacent forest. Its pleasant and invigorating flavor is attributed to the soft water with a well-balanced mineral composition. It has won multiple awards in prestigious contests worldwide and continues to attract a growing global fan base.

Official website: https://house.suntory.com/hakushu-whisky

Nikka Whisky: Single Malt Yoichi

Nikka Whisky is a well-known maker of Western-style liquors, with a focus on whisky production. Single Malt Yoichi originates from malt spirits produced at the Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido Prefecture, a location handpicked by Nikka Whisky's founder, Masataka Taketsuru. Established in 1934 as Dai Nippon Kaju, it served as Nikka Whisky's inaugural distillery.

Yoichi, chosen for its climate resembling that of Scotland, is situated near Otaru and experiences cold, humid conditions. Water from the Yoichi River is utilized in Yoichi malt production. The distillery employs a rare direct coal-fired distillation method, resulting in robust malt whisky with a smoky flavor. This single malt whisky, crafted from malt spirits, offers a unique flavor profile featuring woody barrel notes, alongside hints of peat and salt.

Official website: https://www.nikka.com/eng/brands/singlemalt-yoichi/

Nikka Whisky: Single Malt Miyagikyo

In contrast to the cold climate of Yoichi in Hokkaido, Single Malt Miyagikyo is crafted at the Miyagikyo Distillery in the Tohoku Region’s Miyagi Prefecture, known for its milder climate. Located west of Sendai City, Miyagikyo is nestled amidst two clear streams. Unlike Yoichi, which is close to the sea, Miyagikyo is inland and experiences less influence from maritime conditions.

Here, whisky is distilled gently and slowly using the steam-based method of indirect distillation. This distinctive distillation process, unlike that of the Yoichi Distillery, yields a fragrant and smooth flavor profile. The resulting Single Malt Miyagikyo offers a crisp, refreshing taste with a hint of sweetness.

Official website: https://www.nikka.com/eng/brands/singlemalt-miyagikyo/

Nikka Whisky: Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky

Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky is a blend of malt spirits from Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, excluding any grain whisky. It boasts a harmonious combination of strength and elegance, richness and lightness, with aromas and flavors that may initially appear contradictory. It offers a smooth and lustrous mouthfeel.

As you bring the glass close to your lips, fruity aromas unfold, and upon taking a sip, the sweetness and richness of malt linger gently in the throat, leaving a satisfying aftertaste. Enjoy it neat at first, then add a splash of water to unveil the unique character of each malt.

Official website: https://www.nikka.com/eng/brands/taketsuru/

Take a tour of the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery

During your trip to Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost prefecture, stop by the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery in the small coastal town of Yoichi. Opt for a private taxi tour of the Shakotan Peninsula, which not only includes a visit to the distillery but also takes you to other exciting places in the area. Enjoy a boat ride along the peninsula's coast, explore Cape Kamui, and discover other scenic locations along the way.

Discover the unique flavors of Japanese whisky

Whisky isn't merely crafted through its distillation process but also influenced by the local climate and water source. While savoring whisky is a delight in itself, taking a moment to reflect on its origins and the distillery behind it can offer a unique pleasure. During your trip to Japan, make sure to try different Japanese whisky types. Even within the same brand, you can encounter diverse flavors by exploring variations in aging. For instance, a 21-year-old whisky has a different taste profile compared to one that has matured for 30 years.

Buy more alcoholic beverages at WAmazing Shop, including a large selection of Japanese sake.

If you're a fan of Japanese sake, consider these two sake brewery tours—one in Tochigi Prefecture and the other in Kyoto Prefecture.

Explore more of Japan by using one of the many different transportation passes.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.

*Consuming alcohol under the age of 20 is prohibited by Japanese law, and these regulations also apply to international visitors and foreign residents in Japan. Please enjoy alcohol responsibly and don’t drive after drinking.

7-Hour Private Taxi Tour of the Shakotan Peninsula and Yoichi

・Explore the peninsula's Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery, Cape Kamui, and other scenic spots.
・Travel in safety and comfort, provided by friendly local taxi drivers.

Cave Brewery Tour and Sake Tasting in Tochigi

・Tour one of Japan's best natural sake cellars.
・Taste various types of cave-aged sake in the shop's VIP room.

Sake Brewery Tour and Tasting in Kyoto

・Taste and compare 22 types of local sake from Kyoto.
・Learn how sake is produced, and the differences in flavor while visiting an actual sake brewery.