Sep
Whisky
Best Japanese Whiskies to Drink Right Now
Less than a 100-years old and having just a few distilleries, Japanese whisky has progressed and blossomed at an exceedingly fast pace, developed its own inimitable style and has earned fabulous accolades as well. Japanese whisky has been manufactured for practically a century now; however, it was only when the Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2013 took home the label of World’s Best Whiskey in 2015, that Japanese Whisky was put in the spotlight!
Being rich and silky-smooth with floral notes, to oaky and having the merest suggestion of smoke, partially mirroring the Islay style, Japanese whisky has become quite a rage! Fortunately, with a large collection of liquor online, it’s extremely easy to buy Japanese whisky online in Hong Kong! Liquidz has been providing customers around the Hong Kong with old, exquisite, limited, unrivalled and rare brews from Japan!
While the style of the Scotland distilleries does reverberate in the Japanese whisky, the country most definitely produces eclectic whiskies with an unrivalled identity of their own.
Let’s Journey Back!
Masataka Taketsuru and Shinjiro Torii controlled and reigned over the early years of whisky making. Taketsuru travelled to Scotland in 1918 to study about the manufacture of whisky, and acquired some hands-on experience. He returned to Japan armed with all the knowledge, along with a Scottish wife!
Trail-blazing Spirit!
Taketsuru wished to set up a distillery on the island of Hokkaido which somewhat resembles Scotland. On the other hand, Torii considered Hokkaido far-off from the main markets and in 1923 built Yamazaki on the outskirts of Kyoto. Not too happy, Taketsuru agreed to work for a short while, before leaving in 1934 to eventually realize his dream of having the Yoichi distillery on Hokkaido.
Today, the Suntory founded by Torii and Nikka established by Taketsuru continue to exercise tremendous control over the Japanese whisky industry. They have only four distilleries between them.
An A to Z for the Thirsty! And the Interested!
1. Hibiki 21 Year Old Japanese Blended Whisky 700mL
A fantastic Japanese whisky, the Hibiki 21 was given the title World’s Best Blended Whisky at the 2013 World Whiskies Awards and was awarded 96 points in Jim Murray’s 2014 Whisky Bible. It’s been on a roll, and has been awarded the World Whiskies Awards in 2015, 2016 and 2017 as well! Absolutely brilliant whisky, it’s hard to describe just how balanced, smooth and delicious it is!
Nose: Sweet, nutty, zesty lemon, blackcurrants and pears with vanilla, dark toffee and rich sherry spice.
Palate: Oak, dark cherry and sweet caramel notes, buttery with a wisp of smoke and some wood spice; all balanced in wonderful proportion.
Finish: Long, with a hint of smoke.
Every bit as excellent as its repute, unfortunately it’s virtually impossible to find it in a liquor store these days, here’s where you could treat yourself to a glass, and you won’t be let down!
2. Miyagikyo 15 Years Old Single Malt Whisky 700mL
This 15 year old whisky is absolutely delightful! The smoke and sweetness of this malt along with a smooth-satiny body, a hint of caramel, and a wisp of smoke make this completely perfect! As you explore the Miyagikyo range, you will experience the gorgeous fruity, floral balance. Jim Murray accorded this whisky 92 points!
Nose: Very sweet with vanilla, toffee apple and spice.
Palate: Malty, toffee-like, and basically fruity
Finish: Malty, a dash of spice and a suggestion of granary toast.
3. Nikka Taketsuru 21 Years Old Pure Malt Whisky 700mL
Taketsuru was accorded World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky at the 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015 World Whiskies Awards. A fabulous whisky, which offers a lot of richness and a hint of chocolate and coffee. A remarkable amalgamation of oak, smoke and toffee sweetness!
Nose: Oak influence with notes of prunes and soy sauce. Coffee beans, cocoa, a smidge of anise.
Palate: Black pepper, ginger, tangy sherry, a suspicion of other spices.
Finish: Long, oaky.
This whisky is defiantly full flavoured; while everything’s in perfect balance! Supremely charming, the finish is lingering and sublime!
4. The Hakushu 18 years Old Japanese Single Malt Whisky
An impressive 18 year old whisky from the Hakushu distillery; a malty, fruity and extraordinarily well-defined with delicious cereal flavours, occasionally suggestive of the finest Irish whisky! Smooth and glossy; and a downright pleasure, this whisky is a must have for all malt lovers!
Nose: Orange, pear and a dry smokiness.
Palate: Patisserie sweet
Finish: Lingering, fruity and having an elusive smokiness.
This one is a phenomenal Japanese whisky that hits all the right notes!
5. Kurayoshi 18 Years old The Tottori Blended Japanese Whisky 700mL
Kurayoshi, 18 year old Japanese Blended Malt Whisky is crafted by the Matsui Shuzou distillery. This range is usually prepared using malt whiskies from Scotland, transported to Japan; and then blended with Japanese malt whiskies. The extraordinary complexity of flavour is truly unbelievable!
Nose: Somewhat grassy initially; then on, suggestions of buttered bread and oak evolve.
Palate: Fresh orange, cumin powder, brown sugar and black tea smokiness.
Finish: Vanilla, smoky.
6. The Yamazaki 18 Years Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky 700mL
A legendary multi award-winning single malt from Yamazaki, it was launched in 1992. 80% of the brew matured in sherry butts, whilst the remainder was in American and Mizunara oak casks. An unequivocally spectacular amalgamation of fruit, oak and smoky tones, there’s no surprise why it was accorded so many awards! It won the World’s Best Single Malt Japanese Whisky at the 2014, 2015 and 2016 World Whiskies Awards.
Nose: Truffles, sherry and raisins, followed by coffee cream chocolate.
Palate: A rich, bittersweet palate with heather roots, toffee apples, honey, and black pepper.
Finish: Long, fruity.
This is a full bodied, expertly crafted malt; warm and vibrant, with incredible complexity! A rich whisky which can be called – luxurious!
7. Suntory – 碧Ao World Whisky 700mL
Suntory – 碧Ao World Whisky is the world’s first blend of ‘world’s 5 largest whiskies’ made at the Suntory distillery. Amber colored blended masterpiece from the award winning house of Suntory, the Ao unifies the characteristics of all five major whisky-making regions viz. Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Canada & USA.
Ao, which means ‘blue’ in Japanese, symbolizes the oceans among these five regions. It is the meticulously blended end result of carefully selected malt & grain whiskies produced at Beam-Suntory owned distilleries in these five countries.
It is a whisky with sweetness & vibrancy that is smooth on the palate & rich in flavors.
Nose: Quite fruity with orange peel, plenty of banana and tropical vanilla cream. Only slightly woody.
Palate: Dash of spiciness, but overall smooth and subdued with a touch of smoke.
Finish: Spicy & woody vanilla with multi-layered complexity.
This inimitable whisky is a privilege that truly identifies the diversity captured in the bottle!
8. Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky 700mL
Coffey Grain is one of the two Nikka’s signature grain whiskies and it is made from corn, followed by distillation in the special Coffey Still which was invented in 1830 by Mr. Aeneas Coffey. This still is valued for its special feature which allows the retention of flavors of the ingredients in the whisky and also imparts a distinctive texture to it.
This delectable delight has the complex, sweet and mellow flavors that compel the whisky lover to re-discover the beauty of a grain whisky.
Nose: Sweeter and fruity with oodles of sweet spice, mango, papaya, and orange peel.
Palate: Toffee popcorn, with heady citrus and tropical fruit; quite a mouthful.
Finish: Mildly long lasting with rich oak and marmalade notes dominant.
Complex & mellow going hand-in-hand is a paradox that must surely be sipped now and then for a change!
9. The Hakushu 12 Years Old Japanese Whisky 700mL
The Hakushu 12 Years old is the Japanese whisky connoisseur’s choice. It packs the charming aroma of pears, crushed leafy bracken & a hint of citrus. It leaves subtle smokiness and flavor of the sweet poached pears on the palate.
If you are an explorer on the path to Japanese whiskies, this one is a must-try for you and unsurprisingly it will become your perennial favorite!
Nose: Fruity and sweet with ripe cherry plums, almond milk & acacia honey.
Palate: Smooth and velvety. A caressing feel, quite thick, balanced. As fruity as on the nose. Plums with a hint of prunes.
Finish: Medium, with a pleasant dry spiciness. Lingers with an almondy note.
Now here is a whisky that will resonate perfectly with your thoughts!
10. The Yamazaki 12 Years Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky 700mL
If you like the peated Scottish single malts, then this one will blow you away. From the globally renowned house of Suntory, this 12 year old single malt was the first seriously marketed Japanese single malt whisky. It has an excellent body with plenty of nut oils & zest, appealing floral character with a tropical fruity and rooty notes. This is a delight for the novice as well as the seasoned whisky drinker. This exquisiteness was rounded and delicate in its early days but today, it is more intense, elegant and confident.
World Whiskies Award-2017 winner under single malt category for a reason!
Nose: Soft and spicy character owing to maple syrup, white grapes and honeysuckle.
Palate: Spice starts, fading beneath caramel, sweet orange and cinnamon toast.
Finish: Grape skin and pineapple.
The flavor is closely compared to Highlands Scotch but the detail that lies within is the meticulous pursuit of perfection by Japanese distillers.
11. Hibiki Harmony NAS Blended Japanese Whisky 700mL
From the house of Suntory (estd. 1923), the Hibiki Harmony NAS is a blend of meticulously handcrafted whiskies, and it is the true representative of the Japanese harmony. This exemplary whisky comprises Japanese malt and grain whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu & Chita. It is light & approachable with tempting notes of orange peel and white chocolate. An absolute delight!
Nose: Aromas of apricots, orange blossom and marmalade, bolstered by subtle spiciness, as well.
Palate: The abundance of oranges & apricot lingers on the palate with hints of peppery spice. Well balanced & nicely crafted.
Finish: The little barrel char lingers with spiciness taking over from the fruit.
With traces of honey, orange, herbaceous touch or two and the light oak, this is an elegant expression worth possessing.
12. White Oak Akashi Single Malt 500mL
Located in the city of Akashi in Hyogo prefecture, White Oak Distillery has been brewing whisky since 1984. An excellent expression produced from slightly peated barley and then aged in ex-bourbon casks followed by finishing in ex-sherry casks, this whisky is the brand’s flagship malt. Lots of yellow apple, powder sugar, angelica fruits with hints of sea air make this whisky deliciously smooth.
A rather honey-forward nose boasting notes of fresh orchard fruits & a subtle smokiness.
Nose: Fruit, spice, candy, malt, vanilla & dried apricot.
Palate: Malt, toffee, fruit herbal & spicy with earthly aroma.
Finish: Short fade of spice, malt.
Japanese whiskies have, over a considerable time of around 2 decades, carved a niche for themselves. At any global whisky award, Japanese whiskies never fail to leave their mark, often snapping many awards under different categories. If you are a whisky connoisseur on the quest of savoring as many Japanese expressions as you can, Liquidz is a one stop solution for your whisky cravings. Feel free to browse our whisky collection and don’t wait to grab your dram!
Keep it flowing …
