Japanese whisky is comparatively new in the drinks division in the West, taking off during the 2000s thanks to a few award-winning bottles. The Japanese have appreciated these excellent blends and single malts for countless years.
The style is typical in its clarity & crispness that comes from pure water sourced from some of the most stunning locations. Moreover, with very local distilleries around, producers must rely on skillful craftsmanship & blending.
However, the results are refined flavors that show everything from subtle florals and fresh fruit to peatiness and even a mild saltiness. Japanese grain scotch whisky pairs well with snacks, exclusively Japanese cuisine, and is most amazingly taken neat, on the rocks, or with a classic Highball.
Japanese Whisky Brands
1. Suntory
Shinjiro Torii originated Suntory, the brand that established the Art of Japanese whisky, founded on Shinjiro’s vision of a spirit that embodied the spirit of his country. Taking motivation from Scottish whisky and the learnings of Masataka Taketsuru, he chose Yamazaki for its landscape & climate. While the Suntory label has numerous brands beneath it, comprising Yamazaki and Hukushu, it does have its own called the Suntory Whisky Toki.
2. Hakushu
Hakushu whisky comes from high in Japan’s Southern Alps, snuggled deep in the forest at Mt. Kaikomagatake. Suntory retains the brand, and the distillery was built in 1973 by Keizo Saji, son of Suntory Founder Shinjiro Torii. Hakushu is another single-malt whisky from the company and was initially released in 1994.
3. Hibiki
It’s all about Harmony at Hibiki. It’s another brand under the Suntory umbrella and is a beautiful, smooth blend of malt and grain whiskies. The brand is vastly awarded and showcases the art of mixing and fine whiskey, which you can also get on online portals of Japanese whisky online.
One of the primary things you will notice is the elegant 24-sided bottle signifying time. When it comes to the expressions, there are four on offer. Japanese Harmony manifests a honey-like sweetness blended with candied orange peel & white chocolate.
4. The Chita
The Chita distillery is founded on the hazy shores of the Chita Peninsula, in the south of the Aichi Prefecture. A blend of corn grain and continuous multiple-column distillation permits the distillery to make three types of whisky (clean, medium, and heavy).
5. Nikka
Masataka Taketsuru is the forefather of Nikka Whisky and learned the art of whisky-making with apprenticeships at multiple Scottish distilleries in the early 1900s.
Over all,
There are the most loved and appreciated Japanese liquor brands; however, if you look forward to more information, you can even check out online whisky shops.
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