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Aged to Perfection: Discover the Finest Japanese Whiskies
Famous for its delicate and precise flavors, Japanese whisky is difficult to get outside of Japan. This rare, luxurious variant of the fermented and distilled spirit is a must-try for lovers of premium alcohol. Our page offers everything you need to know about Japanese whisky, including the intricate craftsmanship behind it and the major brands in the market.
Introduction to Japanese Whisky
The Japanese style of whiskey is different from other global varieties. Their production is similar to that of Scotch, involving the double distillation of malted or peated barley. As a result, Japanese whisky is drier, more refined, peatier, more bitter, and smokier than American bourbon or American rye whiskey. Like Scotch whisky, they come in the form of single malt whiskey or blends.
Although this type of whiskey is so popular in Japan that people can get it from vending machines, the more luxurious versions are quite rare. This is because their distilleries value quality over quantity, preferring to produce fewer barrels and sell their content at a higher price. Many of these whiskey companies also export their drinks to other countries. The two biggest brands from Japan are Suntory and Nikka.
Although Japanese people started producing distilled beverages in 1870, commercial production of Japanese whisky began in 1923. Shinjiro Torii, founder of Suntory, built the Yamazaki Distillery at the time. It was Japan’s first ever distillery. His distillery executive, Masataka Taketsuru, had spent time learning whiskey-making in Scotland and brought his skills to the facility. Taketsuru would later leave Suntory and create his own whiskey company, Nikka. Today, both companies are major competitors in the industry.
In Japan, whiskey can be divided into three main types, namely:
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Single malt whiskey: It’s made with malted barley from one distillery.
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Grain whiskey: It’s made with other types of grains besides barley.
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Blended whiskey: Blended whisky is made with a combination of malt whiskies and grain whiskies from multiple distilleries.
The Craftsmanship Behind Japanese Whisky
Much like everything else in Japan, the production of whiskey focuses on the cultural philosophy of precision, balance, and harmony. The meticulous processes still follow the same five basic steps of whiskey-making: sourcing, mashing, fermentation, distillation, and aging. However, there are some aspects of those steps that make the style of Japanese whisky so unique. Let’s take a closer look at this craftsmanship below.
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Sourcing: Whiskey makers source the finest barley and other grains from the local farms in Tochigi Prefecture and other areas.
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Mashing: Malted barley is ground, mixed, and cooked with pure waters sourced from the abundance of streams and rivers in the country.
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Fermentation: The whiskey makers patiently allow the mash to ferment for longer periods than foreign whiskey. The fermentation typically takes place in washbacks made of stainless steel or wood.
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Distillation: Japanese whiskey is typically distilled twice to ensure a cleaner and more refined taste than single-distilled whiskey. However, some Japanese brands can distill their drinks up to four times.
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Aging the whisky: Distilled whiskey is typically aged in a cask made out of Japanese Mizunara oak. This oak variant is indigenous to the country. It gives the local whiskey a distinct fragrance and subtle spice.
Major Players in the Japanese Whisky Market
Many prominent distilleries and brands have shaped the reputation of Japanese whiskey both domestically and internationally. In this section, we’ll explore each of them and their flagship products, starting with the company that started it all.
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Suntory Holdings Limited: The brewing and distilling company is one of the oldest distributors of alcoholic beverages in Japan. Suntory is responsible for the first distillery and commercial whiskey in the country. They produce all kinds of whiskey, but their most famous Japanese whiskey brands are Hibiki, Chita, Kakubin, Toki, Hakushu, and Yamazaki.
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Nikka Whisky Distilling: It was founded by a former employee of Suntory and one of the pioneers of Japanese whiskey. Nikka is currently an international giant in the alcoholic beverage industry. Their best Japanese whiskey brands include Yoichi Single Malt, Taketsuru Pure Malt, Miyagikyo Single Malt, From the Barrel, Nikka Days, and Super Nikka. Nikka is currently owned by Japanese multinational beverage company Asahi Breweries.
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Shinshu Mars: This company has a famous distillery in Miyada, Nagano, Japan. It stands at 800 meters above sea level, making it the highest distillery in the country. Top whiskey brands from Shinshu Mars include Tsunuki, Komagatake, and Mars Maltage Cosmo.
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Kirin Holdings Company: The renowned makers of beer and beverages produce and distribute Japanese whiskey through the Kirin Distillery Company. Its most popular Japanese whiskey brands are Kirin Single Malt and Kirin Fuji.
Understanding Japanese Whisky Labels
According to official laws set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association, any product carrying a Japanese whiskey label must have been fermented, distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan. It must contain malted grain, and the water used in its mashing must have been sourced from Japan.
When you get your hands on a bottle, you may struggle to decode the information on its label. Let’s help you make sense of some of the common terms:
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Pure Malt: This is a term popularized by Nikka. It signifies that the whiskey mash is made with 100% malted barley.
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Haiboru: Usually appearing on canned drinks, it means “highball,” a combination of whiskey and soda.
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Ji-Whisky: This term refers to regional Japanese whiskey. It’s only available in specific areas and is not subject to the restrictions of the official laws. Some may not even contain grain.
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Number (Age Statement): A number used in the name of the product often signifies how many years have passed since the whiskey was produced. In blends, it is the age of the youngest whiskey in the combination. The older the whiskey, the better its quality. Examples are Yoichi Single Malt 15-year-old and Hibiki 21-year-old.
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Single cask: The drink was aged and stored in a single barrel. It’s often associated with limited edition whiskey.
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Cask strength: Whiskeys with this label are in their most potent form. They were transferred from barrel to bottle without dilution.
The Rise of Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Japanese distilleries have been known to craft some of the best single-malt whiskey drinks in the world. Recently, the industry has seen a sharp rise in the demand for this variant. Unlike distilleries in other countries that trade their single malts to create blends, Japanese companies don’t do whisky exchange and only use malt whiskey from their own distilleries.
Nikka’s Yoichi Single Malt is one of the most notable bottles of whisky produced in Japan. It won the Whisky Magazine award for "Best of the Best" in 2001. Other popular Japanese single malts are Miyagikyo Single Malt, Akashi 5-Year-Old, and Yamazaki 12-Year-Old.
How to Taste Japanese Whisky Like a Connoisseur
Tasting Japanese whisky requires you to engage multiple senses. You need to observe the color of the drink after pouring it in a glass. Swirl the glass to release the aroma of the drink. It typically gives off the scent of vanilla, fruit, or caramel.
Next, take a sip to assess the flavor. Signature flavor notes include fruity-floral, sweet-woody, and peaty-smoky. Remember to savor the delicious aftertaste of the whiskey.
Getting the right glassware will also enhance the tasting experience. You can’t go wrong with a Glencairn whiskey glass. It amplifies the natural aroma of the drink and dispels the alcohol vapor that might cloud it. If you’re serious about whiskey tasting, you can document your findings in a journal.
Pairing Japanese Whisky with Food
Food pairings can enhance the enjoyment of Japanese whiskey. Whether it's traditional Japanese cuisine or international dishes, your choice of pairing should depend on the flavor notes of the drink. For fruity-floral notes, dishes made from seafood or vegetables perfectly complement the delicate tastes. Chocolate is the ideal option for drinks with sweet-woody notes. If you have whiskey with a peaty-smoky undertone, we recommend grilled meat.
Affordable Gems: Best Budget-Friendly Japanese Whiskies
You don’t have to burn a hole through your wallet to enjoy high-quality Japanese whiskies. Granted, many of them can be expensive. However, the following are perfect for beginners or those looking to explore without breaking the bank:
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Super Nikka
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Iwai Tradition
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Chita (Suntory)
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From the Barrel (Nikka)
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Sunshine Whiskey Premium
Exploring Japan's Lesser-Known Whiskey Distilleries
Earlier, we mentioned four of the biggest whiskey distilleries in Japan. Now it’s time to shed some light on smaller, lesser-known distilleries in the country. You may not yet know about the following companies, but they offer exceptional whiskeys:
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Saburomaru Distillery: This single malt whiskey maker is based in Toyama prefecture. They’re the makers of Sunshine Whiskey Premium, one of the most affordable blended Japanese whisky bottles on the market.
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Akkeshi: Only founded in 2013, the Hokkaido-based distillery is relatively new to the market. However, it has already impressed with excellent products such as Shosho, Daikan, and Shoman.
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Karuizawa Distillery: Makers of the famous Karuizawa 17-Year-Old pure malt bottle, this Nagano Prefecture distillery has undergone lots of changes in the last few years.
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Venture Whisky: Although one of the smallest distilleries, the brand is steadily gaining popularity abroad.
A Toast to Tradition: The Global Impact of Japanese Whisky
Japanese whisky has introduced the world to a new variant of luxurious alcoholic beverages. Scarcity and high demand have driven up the prices in the international market, thanks to the increased popularity of the drinks among modern whisky lovers. Nevertheless, you can explore this sophisticated spirit on your own or on your next trip to Japan.
You may rely on us for quality treats to pair with your whiskey. We keep up with the latest in Japanese seasonal snacking and offer a curated box of treats every month. If you want in, simply get a Bokksu Snack Box Subscription today.
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