The nation's oldest distillery, Yamazaki, started out mainly producing Scotch, mimicking the Scottish production methods and often sourcing ingredients and base spirits from there as well. The first commercial production of the stuff occurred less than century ago, in 1924. The history of Japanese whiskey can be written in a single, relatively short book. Most of the stuff coming out of Japan these days offers exactly that. We love a peaty Islay that tastes like a chimney sweep's broom, but sometimes you just crave balance and finesse in a whiskey. Fans of bourbon and Scotch have flocked to the category, and for good reason, drawn to a style that, generally, tends to be a bit lighter and more inviting. Take the time to read over the list of Japanese whiskies below, and give each one due consideration.JAPANESE WHISKY is riding its mightiest wave yet, powered by a new generation of producers and new regulations that solidify its uniqueness. The dynamic temperature changes are reflected in the whisky, with a faster maturation time and deeper, more complex flavors. Japan’s temperatures are more extreme than Scotland’s, with hotter summers and colder winters. Rather than mass-producing whisky, Japanese distilleries place an emphasis on quality and elegance, constantly refining their processes to ensure a more luxurious, delicate product. Mizunara barrels infuse the whisky with flavors reminiscent of coconut and sandalwood, utterly unique to Japanese whiskys. During World War II, the shortage of sherry casks drove the Japanese to fashion barrels from mizunara wood, a type of Japanese oak. Many Japanese distilleries use mineral waters collected from special wells that add a unique depth of flavor to the whisky. For example, the Yamazaki Distillery sources their water from mountains near Tokyo, which are rumored to be “fabled” or “mythical”. Other elements unique to Japanese whisky include:
These whiskies are then blended together to make a lighter, more fragrant whisky that is heavier on the fruit and floral notes than the peat-heavy Scotch whiskies. The casks are then stored in a number of warehouses around the country-some cold and humid, others hot-to ensure a variety of aroma and flavor profiles as they mature. One fascinating element of Japanese whisky is that the whisky is often aged in casks previously used for sherry, bourbon, or other liquors. Unlike the pot-stilled Scotch whiskey from which they originate, Japanese whiskey is distilled in a continuous still. Japanese whiskies are typically heavier in barley than Western whiskies.
A world whisky is any whiskey made in Japan that doesn’t quite fit the specifications listed above-the ABV is too low, the whisky is made, bottled, or matured elsewhere, etc. The whisky must be bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV, and, finally, it must spend at least three years maturing in (unspecified) wood casks in Japan.Ī lot of Japanese whiskies are single malt and blended whiskies, but you’ll also find “pure malt” and “world whisky” uniquely in Japan.Ī pure malt whisky is a blended whisky made using whiskies pulled from a distiller’s various locations around Japan (a common practice among the Japanese). Certain elements of the process-including fermentation, distillation, and bottling-also have to take place in Japan (though, as you’ll see below, some Japanese whiskies source their mash from outside the country). Japanese whisky is (no surprise) a whisky produced in Japan, using malted grains and water extracted in Japan. I guarantee that once you have your first sip, you’ll be hooked! Even if you’re not fully converted to drinking only Japanese whisky, you’ll agree that it’s worth always having a bottle (or three) in your bar for those nights when you want a fancy cocktail or a sipper that prioritizes smooth flavor over potency. But when it comes to delicate elegance and the precise perfection of craft, you can’t beat Japanese whisky!īelow, we’ll walk you through what makes these Japanese-made whiskies so divine, and what sets them apart from all the other whiskies produced in Ireland, Scotland, the U.S., and Canada.Īnd, for your sampling pleasure, we’ve curated a list of the 15 best Japanese whiskies you can find today. Oh sure, we all hear about how wonderful Scotch is, how bourbon is the real man’s drink, and how rye whiskey will put hair on your chest.
If you’ve never tried Japanese whiskies, have you even really lived?
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