The best Japanese whisky brands are finally getting the attention they deserve. The first time I ever had a Japanese whisky was at a bar in New York City in 2016. As I sipped the Yamazaki 18 year old on ice, I felt like I’d discovered some secret treasure that nobody else knew about. Little did I know that would soon change when GQ magazine named Suntory’s Hakushu single malt one of the top ten whiskys in the world for 2019. Now there are plenty of excellent Japanese whiskys to try, but with so many options available, it can be hard to narrow down which one is right for you. So here’s everything you need to know about these amazing bottles and why they’re worth seeking out:
Japanese whisky is finally getting the attention it deserves, so now’s your chance to try the best.
The Best Japanese whisky is finally getting the attention it deserves, so now’s your chance to try the best.
Whisky is a drink that can be enjoyed by everyone, and there are plenty of good Japanese whiskys out there for you to try.
Suntory Yamazaki 12 Year Old
- Suntory Yamazaki 12 Year Old is a single malt whisky from Japan.
- This whisky has been aged for 12 years, and it’s quite a bit smoother than its younger counterparts.
- It has a rich, sweet flavor that makes it perfect for sipping on the rocks or mixed with soda water.
Hanyu 18 Year Old
Hanyu 18 Year Old is a limited edition whisky, produced by Suntory. It is the oldest Japanese whisky and has been aged in American oak casks for 18 years. The result is a smooth, full bodied taste with hints of sweetness and spice that linger on your tongue after each sip.
Hanyu 18 Year Old is made from a single malt which means it’s purer than most other whiskies out there; this makes it ideal if you want something light but still flavorful enough to enjoy on its own or mixed into cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan
Nikka Yoichi 15 Years Old
If you’re looking for something a bit different, try the Nikka Yoichi 15 Years Old. This whisky is made from 100% malted barley and aged in a combination of Mizunara oak and American oak casks. The result is a rich, creamy taste with hints of vanilla, honey and coconut–a perfect example of how Japanese whisky can be both smooth and complex at once.
If you’ve tried some other brands on this list already but are still looking for something new to try out (or if you just want another reason to get excited about Japanese whisky), this might be just what you need!
Tokyo Distillery Hakushu 12 Year Old
Hakushu 12 Year Old is a blended whisky that comes from the Hakushu distillery. The flavor profile of Hakushu 12 Year Old contains notes of caramel, vanilla and spice along with some sweeter fruit flavors like cherry, mango and pineapple.
This whisky is best enjoyed neat or over ice as it can be a bit hot when served warm in my opinion.
Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky 18 Year Old
Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky 18 Year Old is the oldest Japanese whisky on this list, but it’s also one of the most approachable. The 18-year-old blend combines malts from three distilleries, with a lighter body than some other blends and a complex taste that will appeal to fans of both Scotch and American whiskey. This is also a good introduction to Japanese whisky because many people find it easier to drink than some of the other varieties on this list (and if you don’t like it at first, give it some time; there are plenty of others!).
The Yamazaki 18 Year Old has a smooth finish that will leave you wanting more–and luckily for us all, there’s plenty available!
There are plenty of good Japanese whiskys to try.
There are plenty of good Japanese whiskey in ireland to try. The best ones include Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Nikka Taketsuru. These whiskys have been made with the utmost care, using traditional methods and natural ingredients that produce clean flavors with no artificial additives or coloring.
If you’re looking for something special to drink with your friends or at a party, then look no further than this list of delicious Japanese whiskys:
- Yamazaki 12 year old
- Hakushu 12 year old
- Hibiki 21 year old (rotates through several different expressions)
These bottles are available at most liquor stores around the world and can be bought online as well (although shipping costs may vary). If you want something more unique than just plain ol’ whisky though–perhaps one infused with ginger or sakura blossoms? Well then I’ve got good news because…
Conclusion
The Japanese whisky industry has come a long way in just a few decades, and it’s exciting to see what the future holds for this delicious drink. With so many different brands available, there’s bound to be one that suits your tastes whether you’re looking for something sweet or dry with notes of fruit or even smoke! Whether you’re new to drinking Japanese whisky or an experienced connoisseur who wants something new from their favorite brand – here are some recommendations on where to start:
