Best japanese whisky to invest in - can
Bill Murray famously repped it in Lost in Translation, Jay Z has rapped about it, and it’s lauded for its exceptional quality worldwide. If you’ve been snoozing on the unrivalled smoothness of Japanese whisky, it’s time to catch up.
Distilleries have been struggling to keep up with demand for a superior dram, resulting in a scarcity of age statement whiskies, but now is still a good time to get involved.
When Japan first started producing whisky, led by Suntory in 1923, it was heavily inspired by Scotch. However, with notable differences in climate, the use of native woods and ever greater experimentation with production and ageing processes, the country has since developed its own style.
Have a read of our guide to buying Japanese whisky, including our favourite tried and tested bottles.
What defines a Japanese whisky?
That may sound like a trick question, but the rules surrounding what defines a Japanese whisky are changing. Spoiler alert: currently, not all whiskies labelled as Japanese are distilled in Japan.
Current laws allow producers to import whisky from around the world. And, while the unscrupulous use this loose regulation to pass entirely imported products off as Japanese, many reputable brands use foreign-produced whisky in their blends. Look out for the ‘world whisky’ label when purchasing.
However, new rules from the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association state that a Japanese whisky must be made from malted barley, use local water and be fermented, distilled, aged and bottled in Japan. It must be aged for a minimum of three years in wooden casks and clock in at no less than 40% ABV.
That sounds great in theory, but these new regulations are not set to be introduced until 2024, when they will be voluntary, making it likely that the practice will continue.
Types of whisky
Taste-wise, Japanese whiskies run the spectrum from light and fruity to luxuriously rich. Expect sweet honey notes, a hint of fruit such as orange, some toffee and a characteristic smoothness. You’ll often enjoy a warming sherry heat, plus a little smoke where a peated malt is involved.
Most styles will be blends, made with malt and grain whiskies sourced from different distilleries. Single malts are produced at a single distillery, and pure malts are a blend of malt whiskies from multiple distilleries owned by the same producer (Japanese distilleries are fiercely competitive and tend not to trade their liquids).
Grain, a much lighter style, is commonly used to balance out a blend. However, with a shortage of mature malts, Japanese distillers have embraced the style in its own right; some of the most revered Japanese whiskies are, in fact, grain. Distilled from cereal grains rather than malted barley, expect floral, fruity notes.
Cask type
Barrels are key to the finished taste of a whisky; after all, malt, water and yeast can only do so much on their own.
With no rules on which wood must be used, Japanese producers tend to use a wide variety of casks, each imparting their own specific flavour. American oak, sherry casks and those made from an indigenous wood called mizunara are the most common.
Look out for wine, bourbon and re-charred barrels, and even ex-umeshu (plum wine) and ex-shochu casks, alongside a small number of distillers experimenting with Japanese cherry (sakura), cedar and chestnut woods.
How to drink Japanese whisky
That’s entirely up to you. But may we make some suggestions? There are a few drinking rituals surrounding Japanese whisky that it’s only right to give ceremony to.
You can sip it neat, of course; the best whiskies need little else than a tumbler. But if you want to dial down some of the hotter, boozier notes in a lively whisky, add a little ice or water to open it up and mellow it out.
Or try a Highball. This simple serve combines three to four parts soda to one part whisky. It's best consumed alongside your favourite Japanese food.
How we test
Our panel of WSET-qualified experts and whisky drinkers tried 11 Japanese whiskies neat, before adding some water to dilute and soften the alcohol and bring out its core flavours.
These are their 11 most highly rated drams, with a whisky for all palates:
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Best Japanese whisky
Suntory Chita Single Grain Japanese Whisky£44.49
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70cl, 43% ABV
A great option whether you’re a whisky aficionado or novice, Suntory’s single grain offering is packed with all the things we love about a Japanese whisky.
Grain whiskies are known for being lighter in flavour than malts, but this is satisfying and complex.
Matured in a combination of sherry, bourbon and wine casks, you’ll find a mix of tropical fruits, caramel and vanilla with a hint of toasted rye style grain. It’s delicious, and we’re confident you won’t find better.
Best single malt Japanese whisky
Suntory Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky£82.84
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70cl, 43% ABV
Dust off your best tumbler and prepare some ice; Suntory’s flagship single malt is produced at Japan’s oldest malt distillery, and it demands your undivided attention.
Made from whisky aged in six different cask types, including Bordeaux and American oak, for varying amounts of time, the overall result is fruity. Alongside leather, smoke and spice, you’ll find strawberry, cherry and toasted nuts. Add a little water to open it up.
Best grain Japanese whisky
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky£48.50
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70cl, 45% ABV
Have a sweet tooth? Nikka produces this grain whisky, made mainly from corn, using a Coffey still imported from Scotland in 1963. This imparts some notably sweet, mellow notes into the liquid, resulting in a whisky that stands out for its incredibly smooth taste, peppered with delicious caramel, banana, toasted coconut and a little dried fruit.
Best blended Japanese whisky
Suntory Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky£69.95
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70cl, 43% ABV
Combining malt whiskies from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries and grain whisky from Chita, you’ll find a balanced but varied array of flavour notes in this blend.
Aged in five different cask types, from American white oak to sherry casks, it’s punchy at first. Throw in an ice cube to open up and mellow its full taste of rich red fruit, honey, orange and lingering pepper, minus a little of the heat.
Best Japanese whisky for food pairing
White Oak Akashi Japanese Single Malt Whisky£70.31
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50cl, 40% ABV
Produced by the sea by Japan’s White Oak Distillery, you’ll find both salty and sweet notes in this rich, complex dram, making it an ideal pairing for anything from sushi to chocolate.
With a hint of smoke, some savoury notes and a sprinkling of spice, we recommend preparing a Highball and ordering some salmon sashimi.
Best Japanese whisky for beginners
Aldi Kyasuku Japanese WhiskySHOP
70cl, 40% ABV
This blend from Aldi is a serious contender. It’s got all the flavour notes you want when buying Japanese whisky; think honey, apricot, orange peel and a floral finish.
Backed by a little toasted oat and a hint of spice, there’s plenty to keep your interest. Light, bright and approachable, it’s a great way to start your collection.
Best Japanese whisky for a Highball
Suntory Toki Blended Japanese Whisky£29.49
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70cl, 43% ABV
As you’ll know by now, Suntory is a big player in Japanese whisky. This blend combines liquids from Hakashu (single malt) and Chita (grain) as its main components, with a little Yamazaki. Thick and luscious, there’s green apple, honey and a little dried fruit, followed by a fresh herbal finish. All of which work incredibly well in a refreshing Highball.
Best Japanese whisky for an Old Fashioned
Kaiyo Mizunara Oak Japanese Whisky£87.21
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70cl, 43% ABV
With no place to hide, only a quality whisky will work in an Old Fashioned. Due to the unique way Kaiyo ages this whisky – out at sea for three months, where the movement of the waves means every drop makes contact with the barrel – there’s a lot of bold wood notes from the mizunara casks. Accompanied by notes of toffee and sweet figs, it works perfectly in the classic serve.
Best Japanese whisky for smoked notes
Enso Japanese Whisky£55.95
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70cl, 40% ABV
If you like your whisky with a touch of char, step forward. Balanced by caramel and a tang of lemon zest, the hint of oak and smoke reminded some of our panel of a summer barbecue. Sipped neat, it’s one to take your time over. Added to a Highball, it packs a punch.
Best light flavoured Japanese whisky
Hatozaki Pure Malt Japanese Whisky£47.00
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70cl, 46% ABV
Remember we spoke about global blends? This whisky may be made with 100% malt, but alongside some from Japan, there’s also imported stock.
Though aged in bourbon, sherry and mizunara casks, the result is something discernibly light, but flavourful. There are hints of seaweed, salt, a splodge of honey and some toasted cereal.
Best Japanese whisky for bold flavours
Mars Kasei Blended Japanese Whisky£44.80
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70cl, 40% ABV
Hailing from Japan’s highest distillery, located at 2,625ft in the Central Alps, this is one bold whisky. The Mars Shinshu distillery uses glacial water to create its whiskies, while heavy snowfall and hot summers help develop bold flavours as the liquid interacts with the wood, which includes bourbon and sherry casks. Look out for spiky heat, dried fruit and burnt sugar in this rich yet clean spirit.
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The 9 Best Japanese Whiskies in 2022
What to Look for in Japanese Whisky
Blends
Japanese whisky is special for a few reasons, and one of them has to do with the taste. Japanese styled whiskies are known for the way they blend spirits from different barrels to achieve a more complex taste. This creates a unique tasting experience that will leave you experimenting with how you use it—neat, on the rocks, in a cocktail, and so forth.
Aging
Another factor in the appeal of Japanese whisky pertains to the fact that it's aged in casks made from lots of different materials and that have aged other types of whisky, whether it's American bourbon, for example, or sherry on oak, or the rare mizunara. The latter is a type of oak tree that is indigenous to Japan and that has long been used in whisky making.
Tasting Notes
The bottle of whisky should indicate some notes about how the whisky tastes. In the case of Japanese ones, they can vary widely. Because it is often made from different blends, this impacts the taste. This can result in flavors that range from vanilla, spice, malt, nuts, and fruit to smoke, herbs, citrus, and honey.
FAQs
Why is Japanese whisky so expensive?
In short, it's a supply versus demand situation. There is an increasing demand for this most unique expression of the spirit, and not enough distilleries to meet the demand.
How many times is Japanese whisky distilled?
Japanese whisky production takes its cues from Scotch, insofar as that it relies heavily (although not always exclusively) on malted barley that's mashed and distilled twice.
How do you drink Japanese whisky?
You can drink this type of whisky in various ways, none of them dissimilar to how you'd drink Scotch or bourbon. Try it straight, on the rocks, in a highball glass, or slightly diluted as in the style of mizuwari (with water), or oyuwari (with warm water).
Why Trust The Spruce Eats?
Nicholas McClelland is a passionate whisk(e)y drinker who has written about spirits for Men’s Journal, Fatherly, and Inside Hook. His bar is deep with rare single malts, hard-to-find bourbons, and ryes, but he doesn't believe there's anything too precious to share with friends.
The Best Whiskey Bottles to Buy for Your Collection
Ever since Suntory opened the first whisky distillery in Japan in 1923, distillers across this Asian nation have been raising the whisky-making bar.
Though initially inspired by Scotch, Japanese producers have developed their own style. This, of course, is aided by the climate’s fluctuating temperature and the use of native woods to help the whisky barrel age to a complex flavour.
Lauded for its exceptional quality, Japanese whisky has recently become a go-to for fans of a superior dram.
The Good Housekeeping Institute set about finding the best Japanese whiskies for sipping, mixing, food-pairing and savouring. Let's raise a glass to our top tried and tested tipples:
Best Japanese whisky 2022
- Best Japanese whisky:The Chita Single Grain Japanese Whisky
- Runner-up Japanese whisky: Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
- Best for sipping over ice: Hibiki Japanese Harmony
- Best for sipping neat: Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve
- Best Japanese whisky for beginners: Kyasuku Japanese Whisky
- Best for food pairing: Akashi Single Malt Whisky
- Best for a Highball: Suntory Toki
- Best for bold flavours:Mars Kasei Blended Whisky
- Best smokey whisky: Enso Whisky
- Best light-flavoured whisky:Hatozaki Pure Malt Japanese Whisky
- Best for an Old Fashioned: Kaiyo Mizunara Oak Blended Malt Whisky
What makes a good Japanese whisky?
According to fresh guidelines from the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association, a Japanese whisky must be made from malted barley, use local water and be fermented, distilled, aged and bottled in Japan. It must be aged for three years in wooden casks and clock in at a minimum of 40% ABV.
However, it’s worth knowing that not all liquids labelled as Japanese whisky are distilled in Japan. In fact, the most reputable brands use foreign-produced whisky in their blends – a practice that looks set to continue. Though banned under the new rules, these are not set to be introduced until 2024, when they will be voluntary.
Taste-wise, sweet honey notes are characteristic of the Japanese style, but whiskies run the spectrum from light and fruity to luxuriously rich. All are known for being exceptionally smooth. You’ll often enjoy a warming sherry heat, plus a little smoke where a peated malt is involved.
Japanese producers tend to use a wide variety of barrels, from American oak to an indigenous wood called mizunara. Each impacts a specific flavour, whether charred or previously used to contain sherry, bourbon or wine. However, a rapid rise in popularity, combined with limited supply, means age statement whiskies are currently hard to find.
How should I drink Japanese whisky?
As with any good spirit, how you consume Japanese whisky is entirely up to you, but there are a few drinking rituals surrounding this versatile drink.
Simply sip, like the true connoisseur that you are. Add ice, or open up the flavour with a little ice and water. Or try a Highball; delicious for consuming alongside your favourite Japanese food, this serve of spirit and soda brings out the flavour of your chosen whisky.
How we test
Our panel – made up of WSET-qualified experts and whisky drinkers – tried 11 Japanese whiskies neat, before adding some water to dilute and soften the alcohol and bring out the core flavours.
These are the bottles they’ll be adding to their bar trolley...
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Best Japanese whisky
The Chita Single Grain Japanese WhiskyBuy now
Score: 81/100
Having produced whisky for the past 40 years, Suntory’s Chita Distillery on Japan’s south coast knows a thing or two about how to produce a great dram.
Using only single grain – commonly used alongside malt to create a blended whisky – and matured in a combination of sherry, bourbon and wine casks, this uplifting offering is brimming with the sunny notes of tropical fruit. Think sweet vanilla, rounded out by banana, for a complex yet summery sip.
Runner-up Japanese whisky
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky£56.95
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Score: 79/100
Proving that making fine whisky is a labour of love, this seriously smooth sipper is made on Coffey stills imported from Scotland in the 1960s.
Though tricky to operate, they produce flavour-packed whisky with a distinctive creamy texture. Expect notes of dried fig and prune, warming caramel, ripe banana and fresh coconut, all backed by that lush smoothness.
Best for sipping over ice
Hibiki Japanese HarmonyBuy now
Score: 77/100
Complex, lively and crammed with flavour, Hibiki is made with malt whiskies from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries and grain whisky from Chita.
Aged in five different cask types, from American white oak to sherry casks, you’ll enjoy hints of dried red fruit, toasted bread, a little honey and orange, with a lingering pepper spice. We loved sipping it over ice to add mellowness.
Best for sipping neat
Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve£82.84
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Score: 77/100
Hailing from one of the most awarded distilleries in the world, we were expecting good things from this signature whisky. Happily, we weren’t disappointed. Our panel praised its drinkability, enjoying the light smoke, leather, spice and grassiness on the nose, and the almost nutty toasted finish. Drink neat or on the rocks.
Best Japanese whisky for beginners
Kyasuku Japanese WhiskyBuy now
Score: 74/100
Finished in Japanese mizunara casks, Aldi’s blended Japanese whisky proves you don’t have to spend a fortune on something to savour.
Our panel loved its aromas of sweet pear, melon and apple. To sip, you’ll get bright orange peel and blossom, with some warming spice. Possessing many of the characteristics most valued in Japanese whisky, this makes an excellent exploratory starting point for beginners.
Best for food pairing
Akashi Single Malt WhiskyBuy now
Score: 73/100
With a nearly 100-year history of whisky making, The White Oak Distillery claims to be Japan’s only distillery located right by the sea.
Fittingly, our panel detected some slightly salty notes, but they were most inspired by the depth and array of flavours to explore. One tester even described it as being “perfumed like the inside of an acoustic guitar”. With its hint of smoke, some savoury notes and a sprinkling of spice, this tipple pairs wonderfully with everything from chocolate to oysters.
Best for Highballs
Suntory TokiBuy now
Score: 71/100
There are few cocktails as simple and refreshing as a Highball – just add whisky and ice to your glass and top it up with soda water – and Toki is the perfect whisky to use.
Another offering from Suntory, this again blends liquids from its three distilleries. However, unlike Hibiki, this uses Hakashu single malt and Chita grain whisky as its main components. Thick and luscious, there’s green apple, honey, a little dried fruit and a herbal finish. Delicious.
Best for bold flavours
Mars Kasei Blended Whisky£40.89
Buy now
Score: 71/100
There’s something brandy-like about this whisky from the Shinshu distillery. The cool temperatures of the Nagano Prefecture make for a slow maturation.
Smooth as silk, our panel loved its fiery but balanced boozy heat, followed by burnt sugar and a hint of caramel. With such bold flavours, you can expect this whisky to hold its own when mixed in cocktails.
Best smokey whisky
Enso WhiskyBuy now
Score: 70/100
If you like a smoky edge to your whisky, you’ll find it here. Balanced by caramel and a tang of lemon zest, the hint of oak and smoke reminded some of our panel of a summer barbeque. Sipped neat, it’s one to take your time over. Added to a Highball, it packs a punch.
Best light-flavoured whisky
Hatozaki Pure Malt Japanese WhiskyBuy now
Score: 70/100
Made with 100% malt whisky – some distilled in Japan, blended with some that has been imported – and aged in bourbon, sherry and mizunara casks, Hatozaki keeps things light.
Named after a nearby lighthouse, it makes sense that you’ll find some oceanic qualities here. Our panel loved its delicate saltiness and hint of seaweed. Pair it with your go-to Japanese dish.
Best for an Old Fashioned
Kaiyo Mizunara Oak Blended Malt WhiskyJP¥83
Buy now
Score: 70/100
All aboard! Kaiyo ages its whisky at sea for three months, where the temperature variations and movement of the waves ensure every drop of liquid comes into contact with the mizunara oak casks.
Exceptionally smooth and a little sweet, expect a young wood flavour, some fresh grass and a little nuttiness – all flavours that work exceptionally well in an Old Fashioned.
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The closed distilleries march on.
It seems that having been out of the running a few months ago, and now moving up the table, Karuizawa is moving up further. There have been some significant bottles at auction and quite a few of them giving the Japanese distillery a lift in recent weeks. Springbank and Bowmore have kept steady, and Brora has entered the fray.
Brora distillery could be an interesting prospect. Having been closed since 1983, the distillery has been rebuilt. Not just another distillery on the same site. The re-built distillery is almost an exact replica of the original. The original new make is no more, but Dr Jim Beverage can remember the profile and is certain he can recreate the magic of the past.
Whether this will bring old bottles out of the woodwork, or if people will hold onto them hoping the Brora brand will grow and grow, one doesn’t know. But my feeling is that if you can invest in old bottles of Brora, which already has cult status, you won’t do badly.
Macallan 1%
Bowmore 1%
Springbank 1.5%
Karuizawa 2.0%
The Dalmore 2%
Clynelish 3%
Brora 2%
Rosebank Official Bottlings 1%
Ardbeg 2%
Glen Grant
Bottles to Watch
The following bottles are from Brora. There are not many as Brora bottles are truly old and rare, and I would advise finding bottles at auction rather than at retail. As always, these are just suggestions but it will point you in the right direction to do your own research and introduce you to the possibilities of investing in whisky.
Brora 37 year old (Special releases 2015)
The 12 Best Japanese Whiskies to Drink in 2022
Best Overall:Yamazaki 12 Year Old at Drizly
This is a floral and fruity single malt reminiscent of scotch but in a style that is very much its own.
Best Under $100:Nikka Coffey Grain at Drizly
Made mostly from corn as opposed to barley, it has a creamy texture with a sweetness that should appeal to bourbon fans.
Best Under $50:Mars Shinshu Iwai 45 at Drizly
Notes of vanilla, baking spices, pears and quince make this an excellent summer sipper.
Best for Highball:Suntory Toki at Drizly
Toki, meaning "time" in Japanese, boasts notes of pink grapefruit, almonds and a light vanilla finish.
Best Single Malt:Hakushu 12 Year Old at Drizly
Made at one distillery from malted barley, this peated whisky has a woodsy and herbaceous nose.
Best No-Age-Statement Blend: Akashi White Oak at. Drizly
This whisky is aged in a variety of cask types, including shochu, bourbon and sherry.
Best Age Statement Blend:Hibiki 17 Year Old at Drizly
A blend of grain and malt whiskies that are aged for nearly two decades, it has a silky smooth mouthfeel and a buttery, fruit-laden palate.
Best Peated: Nikka Yoichi at Drizly
It has an ample dose of smoke, but it’s balanced out by tropical fruit and caramel flavors on the palate.
Best World Blend: Mars Maltage Cosmo at The Whiskey Exchange
Mars Maltage Cosmo tastes like a sherry casked scotch with hints of vanilla and plum.
Best for Bourbon Fans: Nikka From the Barrel at Drizly
From The Barrel holds its ground complementing an Old Fashioned, and has enough character to be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Best Rice Whisky:Kikori at Drizly
This rice whisky is aged in American oak, French Limousin oak, and sherry casks for a minimum of three years.
Best 18 Year Old:Yamazaki 18 at Drizly
It’s aged for 18 years in a combination of American, Spanish and MIzunara oak, giving the whisky a wide range of flavor notes.
Best Japanese whiskies to try in 2021 and where to buy
ith Tokyo 2021 Olympics fever high (go Team GB!), now’s the best time to add Japanese whisky to your drinks collection and toast the return of a summer of sport.
Whisky has been brewed in Japan as early as the 1850s when a few shocku and sake breweries produced it on the side. But the story of Japanese whisky really began when Suntory established the first distillery in 1923 after sending an employee to Scotland to learn the practices of their whisky distilling. This employee, Masataka Taketsuru, went on to create his own Japanese whisky brand, Nikka.
For a long time the Japanese whisky market stayed in the East, but that’s changed in the last couple of decades. Many suggested it was due to the influence of Sofia Coppola’s 2003 Lost in Translation in which Bill Murray’s character advertised Suntory’s whisky with the memorable line: “For relaxing times, make it Suntory time!”.
Global recognition and international awards followed, as well as becoming increasingly popular within Japan. The Highball, a mix of Japanese whisky and soda, is now a staple at bars across the country, and Nikka is now trying to encourage UK cocktail drinkers to explore the classic Japanese tipple. As part of this push there will be a collaboration with the likes of Milroy’s in Soho and Spitalfields, which offer Nikka Days Highballs on tap and will run a programme of events over the summer.
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Now is the time to discover Japanese whisky, but beware, as global demand grows it’s led to shortages of aged stock and consequently, skyrocketing prices. But don’t despair there’s plenty to try at great prices.
Here’s our picks of the best
Hibiki Japanese Harmony
Hibiki Whisky was launched in 1989 to commemorate Suntory’s 90th anniversary and is the country’s most awarded premium blended whisky. It was so popular that the aged 17-year and 12-year offerings had to be discontinued because of intense demand.
It’s a smooth blend of malt whiskies from Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, along with grain whisky from the Chita distillery. It also comes in a beautiful 24-sided bottle, representing time, that will stand out in your collection. Tasting notes? A delicious sweet fruity nose with hints of apricots, which along with orange continues in the palate with a slight pepper spice to finish.
£69.95 Given that lengthy aging periods are so fundamental to whiskey production, the Japanese whisky industry presently exists in an uncharacteristic state of flux. In early 2021, the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) announced a new set of labeling standards dictating what can and can’t be called “Japanese Whisky.” For the time being, the guidance remains an agreement among producers rather than law, and brands have a transitional period of up until 2024 to make sure their labels comply. Provenance and ingredients form the heart of the new standards, which will prevent producers from importing whiskey, bottling it in Japan, then selling it labeled as Japanese whisky. Nor will they be able to sell aged, 100-percent rice distillates as whisky — even though they qualify as such in countries like the United States. Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the quality of such distillates, but it’s worth pointing out that these developments are happening in Japan, and that producers appear more focused than ever on transparency. So what should you expect from Japanese whisky here and now, in 2021? Well, both of the aforementioned styles, for a start. But even more commonly: single malts, blended whiskies, and grain whiskies, all arriving with a wide range of age statements (and without), and made using a range of cask finishes. That might sound a lot like Scotch, and the similarities are numerous, but Japanese whisky holds its own distinct profile and identity — two things that bodies like the JSLMA are working hard to protect. Now that we’re up to speed on the latest happenings in the category, here are 12 of the best bottles of Japanese whisky, in ascending price order. Though created for crafting cocktails, this blended release holds its own when sipped neat, and begs to be enjoyed during summertime on a porch. Dried and fresh red berry aromas kick off the show, while the palate shows bright orchard fruits and a racy finish. Average price: $36. Made entirely from rice, this bright and floral whisky undergoes two fermentations prior to distillation, then spends three to eight years resting in American and French oak barrels, and former sherry casks. Its fruity character and slight sour funk lead to refreshing sips and make it another ideal summer dram. Average price: $44. Kaiyo isn’t afraid to experiment with maturation and all of the brand’s releases spend at least three months at sea aging in Mizunara oak barrels. This bottling spends three years and six years aging on land either side of that voyage, once again in Mizunara casks. The oak lends a perfumed character to the nose, while well-rounded fruit and malt notes set the tone on the palate. Average price: $65. Produced at the Eigashima (White Oak) distillery, this single malt ages for five to eight years in former bourbon, sherry, and brandy casks. Located in Akashi, near the Osaka Bay, the maturing single malt takes on a salty, maritime profile, which weaves in seamlessly with its rich core of malt and orchard fruit notes. Average price: $86. The definition of “pure malt” lies somewhere between blended whiskey and single malt. Produced only from malted barley, it contains distillates from more than one distillery — in this case, Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo facilities. Character-wise, we’re firmly in single malt territory, and headed toward the richer, bolder end of the spectrum. Hints of earth, smoke, and spice provide nuance and personality. Average price: $87. There’s a temptation to lament this whisky’s loss of age statement, but on the other hand, it stands as a testament to the popularity and reputation of Japanese whisky. Made using a blend of malt and grain distillates, this bottle lives up to its name and billing, with tropical fruits and flowers defining the nose, and honeyed, malty sweetness coating the palate. Average price: $94. This non-age-statement single malt undergoes a double maturation process, with the first period spent in ex-bourbon casks and the second in bourbon barrels whose heads have been replaced with sakura wood. Its light, fruity, and floral aromas point to this still being a very young single malt, but it’s not lacking concentration of flavor, nor will it leave you yearning for more time in barrel. Average price: $94. At 51.4 percent ABV, this is about as high as it gets on the alcohol front in the Japanese whisky category. Made using a blend of more than 100 different batches of malt and grain whiskies, it has a boisterous and bold profile that leans heavily into banana chips, caramel, and vanilla. Bourbon drinkers, take note. Average price: $103. A well-traveled release, this expression combines whiskeys from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the United States, while 10-year-old Japanese whisky forms the majority of the blend. On the face of it, those are some very different flavor profiles, but they come together harmoniously via precise blending. Tropical fruit and banana aromas give way to rich caramel on the palate, with peppery spice and dried cherries emerging on the velvety finish. Average price: $108. The youngest release from the Yamazaki line, this single malt is also the easiest to come by these days. Produced at Suntory’s first and oldest distillery, its aromas showcase the incense character of Mizunara oak, while also offering orchard, tropical, and citrus fruits. The texture is creamy, the flavors balanced, and the finish lengthy and intense, with an enjoyable spice. Average price: $179. Like Yamazaki 12, this is the youngest and most obtainable expression from Suntory’s Hakusu line. Distilled at the Hakushu facility, nestled in wooded mountains some 100 miles west of Tokyo, this whisky is notable for its delicate smokiness. It has clean, pure orchard and stone fruit aromas, and a savory green tea note on the palate that plays wonderfully with the hint of peat. Average price: $204. Produced at Mars’ Tsunuki distillery in southwest Japan, this is the second single malt release from this facility, which was constructed in 2016. Aged in bourbon and sherry casks, its peated character doesn’t overpower the relatively youthful distillate. Expect notes of rose petals, green apples, and honey, mixed with lightly scorched earth. Average price: $250.Mars Shinshu Iwai 45 Japanese Whisky
Kikori Whiskey
Kaiyo The Signature 43% Japanese Whisky
Akashi Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Nikka Whisky Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky
Hibiki Suntory Whisky Japanese Harmony
The Matsui Single Malt Sakura Cask Whisky
Nikka Whisky From The Barrel
Chichibu Ichiro’s Malt & Grain Whisky
The Yamazaki Single Malt Aged 12 Years
The Hakushu Single Malt Aged 12 Years
Mars Tsunuki Peated Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Remarkable message: Best japanese whisky to invest in
income statement and retained earnings example that lengthy aging periods are so fundamental to whiskey production, the Japanese whisky industry presently exists in an uncharacteristic state of flux.
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In early 2021, the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) announced a new set of labeling standards dictating what can and can’t be called “Japanese Whisky.” For the time being, the guidance remains an agreement among producers rather than law, and brands have a transitional period of up until 2024 to make sure their labels comply.
Provenance and ingredients form the heart of the new standards, which will prevent producers from importing whiskey, bottling it in Japan, then selling it labeled as Japanese whisky. Nor will they be able to sell aged, 100-percent rice distillates as whisky — even though they qualify as such in countries like the United States.
Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with the quality of such distillates, best japanese whisky to invest in, but it’s worth pointing out that these developments are happening in Japan, and that producers appear more focused than ever on transparency.
So what should you best japanese whisky to invest in from Japanese whisky here and now, in 2021? Well, both of the aforementioned styles, for a start. But even more commonly: single malts, blended whiskies, and grain whiskies, all arriving with a wide range of age statements (and without), and made using a range of cask finishes. That might sound a lot like Scotch, and the similarities are numerous, best japanese whisky to invest in Japanese whisky holds its own distinct profile and identity — two things that bodies like the JSLMA are working hard to protect.
Now that we’re up to speed on the latest happenings in the category, here are 12 of the best bottles of Japanese whisky, in ascending price order.
Mars Shinshu Iwai 45 Japanese Whisky
Though created for crafting cocktails, this blended release holds its own when sipped neat, and begs to be enjoyed during summertime on a porch. Dried and fresh red berry aromas kick off the show, while the palate shows bright orchard fruits and a racy finish. Average price: $36.
Kikori Whiskey
Made entirely from rice, this bright and floral whisky undergoes two fermentations prior to distillation, then spends three to eight years resting in American and French oak barrels, and former sherry casks. Its fruity character and slight sour funk lead to refreshing sips and make it another ideal summer dram. Average price: $44.
Kaiyo The Signature 43% Japanese Whisky
Kaiyo isn’t afraid to experiment with maturation and all of the brand’s releases spend at least three months at sea aging in Mizunara oak barrels. This bottling spends three years and six years aging on land either side of that voyage, once again in Mizunara casks. The oak lends a perfumed character to the nose, while well-rounded fruit and malt notes set the tone on the palate. Average price: $65.
Akashi Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Produced at the Eigashima (White Oak) distillery, this single malt ages for five to eight years in former bourbon, sherry, and brandy casks. Located best japanese whisky to invest in Akashi, near the Osaka Bay, the maturing single malt takes on best japanese whisky to invest in salty, maritime profile, which weaves in seamlessly with its rich core of malt and orchard fruit notes. Average price: $86.
Nikka Whisky Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky
The definition of “pure malt” lies somewhere between blended whiskey and single malt. Produced only from malted barley, it contains distillates from more than one distillery — in this case, Nikka’s Yoichi and Miyagikyo facilities. Character-wise, we’re firmly in single malt territory, and headed toward the richer, bolder end of the spectrum. Hints of earth, smoke, and spice provide nuance and personality. Average price: $87.
Hibiki Suntory Whisky Japanese Harmony
There’s a temptation to lament this whisky’s loss of age statement, but on the other hand, it stands as a testament to the popularity and reputation of Japanese whisky. Made using a blend of malt and grain distillates, this bottle lives up to its name and billing, with tropical fruits and flowers defining the nose, and honeyed, malty sweetness coating the palate. Average price: $94.
The Matsui Single Malt Sakura Cask Whisky
This non-age-statement single malt undergoes a double maturation process, with the first period spent in ex-bourbon casks and the second in bourbon barrels whose heads have been replaced with sakura wood. Its light, fruity, and floral aromas point to this still being a very young what are the best investments in south africa malt, but it’s not lacking concentration of flavor, nor will it leave you earn a lot of money jobs for more time in barrel. Average price: $94.
Nikka Whisky From The Barrel
At 51.4 percent ABV, best japanese whisky to invest in, this is about as high as it gets on the alcohol front in the Japanese whisky category. Made using a blend of more than 100 different batches of malt and grain whiskies, it has a boisterous and bold profile that leans heavily into banana chips, caramel, and vanilla. Bourbon drinkers, take note. Average price: $103.
Chichibu Ichiro’s Malt & Grain Whisky
A well-traveled release, this expression combines whiskeys from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the United States, while 10-year-old Japanese whisky forms the majority of the blend. On the face of it, those are some very different flavor profiles, but they come together harmoniously via precise blending. Tropical fruit and banana aromas give way to rich caramel on the palate, with peppery spice and dried cherries emerging on the velvety finish. Average price: $108.
The Yamazaki Single Malt Aged 12 Years
The youngest release from the Yamazaki line, this single malt is also the easiest to come by these days. Produced at Suntory’s first and oldest distillery, its aromas showcase the incense character of Mizunara oak, while also offering orchard, tropical, and citrus fruits. The texture is creamy, the flavors balanced, and the finish lengthy and intense, with an enjoyable spice. Average price: $179.
The Hakushu Single Malt Aged 12 Years
Like Yamazaki 12, this is the youngest and most obtainable expression from Suntory’s Hakusu line. Distilled at the Hakushu facility, nestled in wooded mountains some 100 miles west of Tokyo, this whisky is notable for its delicate smokiness. It has clean, pure orchard and stone fruit aromas, and a savory green tea note on the palate that plays wonderfully with the hint of peat. Average price: $204.
Mars Tsunuki Peated Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Produced at Mars’ Tsunuki distillery in southwest Japan, this is the second single malt release from this facility, which was constructed in 2016. Aged in bourbon and sherry casks, its peated character doesn’t overpower the relatively youthful distillate. Expect notes of rose petals, green apples, and honey, mixed with lightly scorched earth. Average price: $250.
Last winter, some good news for Japanese whisky fans arrived in the form of new labeling standards. Don’t get too excited: Age statement bottles are still going to be in short supply and prohibitively bitcoin mining mit eigenem pc when you can find them for the foreseeable future, ensuring that you may never get to taste the sweet nectar that is Hakushu 18. (Unless you’re Mike Pompeo, who recently made headlines for claiming he can’t find an unnamed $5,800 bottle of Japanese whisky he’d been gifted, possibly illegally, by the Japanese government in 2019.) But finally, as set forth by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association, Japanese whisky will be subject to rules that clearly define what is in the bottle. Although at this point it’s really an agreement among producers rather than a legal requirement, Eli Raffeld, cofounder of Japanese whisky importer High Road Spirits, says the intent is for these standards to become law within a few years, ensuring that Japanese whisky will be as specifically defined as scotch or bourbon.
The reason for this change is that up until now, that bottle of Japanese whisky you paid a premium for might not have actually contained whisky made in Japan. Producers could import whisky distilled anywhere in the world, bottle it in Japan, and call it Japanese whisky. They could also make “whisky” out of rice, which according to Raffeldis really considered barrel-aged shochu in Japan, but since it technically bitcoin investing canada 55 the TTB definition of whiskey best japanese whisky to invest in in the States, it can be labeled as such. “Opportunistic companies who have benefited from the lack of regulation or enforceable definition of Japanese whisky will no longer be able to deceive a consumer into buying what they believe to be Japanese whisky,” wrote Raffeld in an email. “The new JSLMA regulations allow for a more level playing field for all producers. It protects those who have invested in actual distilleries, stills, and the like, as opposed to those who are only bottling in Japan and sourcing finished spirits from other countries.”
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This is not to say that the practice of sourcing whisky from other countries to blend together is inherently a bad thing, but these rules will ensure more transparency by labeling best japanese whisky to invest in whisky as “world whisky.” Suntory has embraced this title with its Ao whisky, telling you exactly which distilleries the blend comes from best japanese whisky to invest in, America, Canada, Ireland, and Japan). Chichibu is another distillery that touts its “world blends,” which are a marriage of whisky from the same five countries as Ao. Suntory is a supporter of the new regulations, even though the bottlings from its Yamazaki, Hakushu, best japanese whisky to invest in, and Chita distilleries already meet the qualifications of true Japanese whisky. And Nikka, the other big producer in Japan, best japanese whisky to invest in, has updated its website to reflect which of its expressions can be called Japanese whiskies and which fall into the world whisky bucket.
Raffeld firmly believes that these new standards will benefit the industry as a whole. “Even though Japanese whisky is growing as a category, it is quite small compared to other global whisky categories,” he said. “As the industry matures and the regulations are recognized, there will be less brands ‘faking it until they make it.’ It will be an evolution, a curve, until we reach a level of transparency all the way to the consumer.” After all, that’s all whisky fans are asking for—just to know what exactly is in the bottle—which seems like a pretty reasonable request. Speaking of bottles, here are some of the best Japanese whiskies you can find now, in both the Japanese whisky and world whisky categories.
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Yamazaki 25
Yes, this is going to be a difficult whisky to find, and wildly expensive if you do manage to score a bottle, but it’s worth noting that Suntory recently unveiled this “reformulated” version of the quarter-century-old single malt. Unlike the original version, which was aged entirely in sherry-seasoned oak, chief blender Shinji Fukuyo uses three different cask types for the new blend: American oak, Spanish oak, and most importantly, Japanese Mizunara oak. This retooling is supposed to make the whisky more consistent with the rest of the range, which uses a variety of casks in the maturation process. The tasting notes mention sandalwood, persimmon, yuzu, and ginger, likely due to the influence that Mizunara tends to have on whisky while it ages. Yamazaki 25 is priced at $2,000 per bottle, but expect to pay more if you find it in the wild.
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Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt
Nikka, the other big player in the Japanese whisky best japanese whisky to invest in, released this blended whisky in the fall of 2020. There’s no grain whisky here; instead it’s a blend of malt whisky from Nikka’s two distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagikyo. The best japanese whisky to invest in change is the increased influence of the whisky from Yoichi, best japanese whisky to invest in, bringing a bit more smoke to the palate due to that distillery’s use of peated malt. The sherry cask influence and fruity notes from Miyagikyo are still present as well, with the intention of creating a more balanced and flavorful “pure malt,” as Nikka terms it. According to the brand, this all makes Pure Malt a “refined” version of the whisky named after Nikka’s founder, Masataka Taketsuru, and its new label design is meant to honor him.
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Akkeshi Sarorunkamuy
This distillery is a newcomer in the world of Japanese whisky, having only begun operations in 2016. Akkeshi is located in the far north of Japan on the island of Hokkaido, where the wet, best japanese whisky to invest in, cool climate is likened to that of Islay in Scotland. This whisky, whose name translates to “white crane,” is the first single malt release from the distillery, a young (at least three years old) blend of liquid aged in bourbon barrels, sherry butts, red wine casks, and Mizunara oak. It’s a fruity dram with notes of vanilla and spice, and its bottling at 96 proof provides a bit of heat that lingers on the palate as you sip. Though available in fairly limited numbers here in the U.S., it’s definitely worth a try if you are a Japanese whisky fan.
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Iwai Tradition Wine Cask Finish
The Mars Shinshu distillery is located in the Japanese Southern Alps, the same general area as Hakushu (although Mars claims to have the highest altitude of any distillery in the country, for what it’s worth). The Iwai brand from Mars is mostly made up of affordable blends of malt and grain whisky aged in ex-bourbon barrels, although other types of casks—like sherry, wine, and sakura (Japanese cherry wood)—are used in special release blends as well. The most recent of those was the 2021 limited-edition Wine Cask Finish. For this whisky, the blend that makes up Iwai Tradition was put into red wine casks from the distillery’s sister winery, Chateau Mars in the Yamanashi prefecture, for a secondary maturation period of about a year. Tasting notes include raisin, pear, honey, apricot, and sweet vanilla.
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Akashi Single Malt Sherry Cask
Akashi produces both blends and single malts, including this limited-edition annual release. If you enjoy Scottish sherry cask-matured whisky like the Macallan or the GlenDronach, this bottle is one to check out as well. The whisky spends its life maturing in two different types of sherry casks—five years in Pedro Ximenez casks followed by a finish in Oloroso casks. The two different types of sherry wood impart the liquid with a range of rich, fruity flavors, from prune to apricot to spiced vanilla.
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Suntory Whisky Toki
Toki, probably one of the easiest Japanese whiskies to get a hold of these days, is a blend of malt and grain whisky from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries. The main “pillars” of the whisky, according to Suntory, are Hakushu white oak cask malt and Chita grain whisky, with Yamazaki white oak cask and Spanish oak cask whisky thrown in for good measure. The result is an extremely light spirit that you should really be drinking best japanese whisky to invest in a highball, a very popular drink in Japan, but it doesn’t sip so badly on its own either. No, this won’t replace that bottle of Hakushu 12 that now costs $200, but times have changed, and we have to come to grips with our new reality.
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Taru 12 YR Tsutsumi Shochu
Tsutsumi is a distillery that’s not trying to hide what its product actually is: an aged shochu, not a whisky. But why not make a stop here on your whisky journey best japanese whisky to invest in see what 12 years maturing in sherry casks does to this spirit? The southern distillery has been around for almost 150 years, and it has used sherry casks to mature its shochu for about a third of that time. This is a single barrel release, with sweet notes from both the rice used in the mash bill and the sherry influence on the shochu, along with some dried fruit and spice. Consider it another one for fans of sherry bomb whiskies to try.
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Hibiki Japanese Harmony
Blending is a key component of the craft of making Japanese whisky. Great care and attention is paid to flavors and proportions, with some distilleries best japanese whisky to invest in dozens of different whiskies that are combined into a final product. Hibiki, a blend from Suntory, launched in 1989, and there are now three different expressions in the range. The 17-year-old version is probably the best, an incredibly well-rounded sipper with lovely notes of caramel and toffee. But it’s just too expensive nowadays, with bottles selling for $500 or more. Instead, try Harmony, a no-age-statement blend of malt and grain whisky from Suntory’s three distilleries aged in several different cask types. It’s no 17, but let’s enjoy the whisky we can actually afford.
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Nikka Days
This is the newest no-age-statement blend from Nikka, released in the U.S. last summer. It’s meant to be an easy-drinking whisky, as the name implies, that you can enjoy on its own, in a highball, or hell, even with some Coke, if that’s your thing. According to the brand, the blend is made up of “mellow and smooth Coffey Grain Whisky and aromatic non-peated Miyagikyo malts, along with a touch of Coffey Malt Best japanese whisky to invest in and Yoichi malts to enhance the bright sweetness and rich body.” On their own these are all good whiskies, so it comes as no surprise that they work together in harmony here as well. Try this one back-to-back with 2018’s excellent Nikka From the Barrel blend to see which you like better.
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Chichibu US Edition 2020 Peated
Chichibu, founded in 2008, was built upon the remains of the old Hanyu distillery about an hour outside of Tokyo. It is small compared to others in Japan, but the whisky makes a big statement. This US Edition is a five-year-old single malt about which the distillery provides some key information. The peat level is 30 parts per million, putting it around the level of Islay scotches like Caol Ila and Lagavulin. It’s not chill filtered, and no caramel color is added. It was matured in bourbon, wine, and Chibidaru casks (hogshead casks that have been turned into quarter casks). Just over 2,000 bottles were produced, so this is another unicorn—let us know if you score a bottle.
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Jonah FlickerJonah Flicker is a freelance writer who covers booze, food, travel, and lifestyle best japanese whisky to invest in a variety of publications.
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The 12 Best Japanese Whiskies to Drink in 2022
Best Overall:Yamazaki 12 Year Old at Drizly
This is a floral and fruity single malt reminiscent of scotch but in a style that is very much its own.
Best Under $100:Nikka Coffey Grain at Drizly
Made mostly from corn as opposed to barley, it has a creamy texture with a sweetness that should appeal to bourbon fans.
Best Under $50:Mars Shinshu Iwai 45 at Drizly
Notes of vanilla, baking spices, pears and quince make this an excellent summer sipper.
Best for Highball:Suntory Toki at Drizly
Toki, best japanese whisky to invest in, meaning "time" in Japanese, boasts notes of pink grapefruit, almonds and a light vanilla finish.
Best Single Malt:Hakushu 12 Year Old at Drizly
Made at one distillery from malted barley, best japanese whisky to invest in, this peated whisky has a woodsy and herbaceous nose.
Best No-Age-Statement Blend: Akashi White Oak at. Drizly
This whisky is bitcoin investment uk us in a variety of cask types, including shochu, bourbon and sherry.
Best Age Statement Blend:Hibiki 17 Year Old at Drizly
A blend of grain and malt whiskies that are aged for nearly two decades, it has a silky smooth mouthfeel and a buttery, fruit-laden palate.
Best Peated: Nikka Yoichi at Drizly
It has an ample dose of smoke, but it’s balanced out by tropical fruit and caramel flavors on the palate.
Best World Blend: Mars Maltage Cosmo at The Whiskey Exchange
Mars Maltage Cosmo tastes like a sherry casked scotch with hints of vanilla and plum.
Best for Bourbon Fans: Nikka From the Barrel at Drizly
From The Barrel holds its ground complementing an Old Fashioned, and has enough character to be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Best Rice Whisky:Kikori at Drizly
This rice whisky is aged in American oak, French Limousin oak, and sherry casks for a minimum of three years.
Best 18 Year Old:Yamazaki 18 at Drizly
It’s aged for 18 best japanese whisky to invest in in a combination of American, Spanish and MIzunara oak, giving the whisky a wide range of flavor notes.
Certain alcohol like wines and whisky are perfect for investments as their value can increase over time, best japanese whisky to invest in. By purchasing a limited-run edition of a premium spirit you can end up tripling or quadrupling your investment. As Japanese whiskies are in short supply and high demand they’re an excellent choice for investors.
So how to invest in Japanese Whiskey? The best way to invest in Japanese Whisky is to buy bottles that are already scarce and will only become harder to find, best japanese whisky to invest in. Bottles like the Yamazaki 18-Year-Old and the Yoichi 12-Year-Old are prime examples of whiskies that are highly prized and their cost reflects that. Older bottles are in very high demand and many Japanese whisky manufacturers are unable to meet current demand.
When it comes to newer whiskies it’s hard to predict what will and won’t become collectors’ items.
If a 12-year-old whisky is being made in 2018, that won’t be ready until 2030 at the earliest. It’s impossible to predict what the market will be like then. Japanese whiskies are world-class so they’re an obvious choice for investors with a single bottle of Karuizawa selling for over $100,000 at auction.
This article is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as investment best japanese whisky to invest in. If you are serious about investing in Japanese whisky, you should consult a professional.
Contents
What Are the Best Japanese Whiskies to Invest In?
If you’re just getting started with whisky investments then there are some excellent choices for people with the right amount of cash. These are whiskies that are already hard to come by so if you’re able to get your hands on one, the price is sure to appreciate over time.
Karuizawa
One of the best whiskies you could possibly hope to buy would be the Karuizawa, if you’re able to find a bottle this is the one to invest in. That’s because the distillery that made this ceased operating so no more bottles will ever be made. The Karuizawa whiskies are very pricey to find right now with the most expensive bottle being sold at $100,000.
You can find other bottles for a much more reasonable price but we’re still talking thousands rather than hundreds. Karuizawa bottles are truly a collector’s item as no matter what happens what’s in rotation at the moment is all that there will ever be. As people inevitably drink the whisky, it will become scarcer as time goes on
Hanyu
Another distillery that closed its doors is Hanyu, originally a family business that had been making sake since the seventeenth century, Hanyu switched focus to whisky in 1980. They produced a wonderful single malt but it failed to penetrate a market dominated by blended whiskies at the time. The Hanyu 1990 Batch II is one bottle to keep an eye out for, as only 200 were bottled.
Yamazaki
The Yamazaki distillery is still in operation, but even so, it produces some of the most sought-after Japanese whiskies in the world which means prices have soared. The Yamazaki Sherry Cask was once nominated as the best whisky in the world by renowned whisky enthusiast Jim Murray. This whisky is still on sale but it very hard to find as it often sells out during its presale.
Alongside the Yamazaki Sherry Cask, they also produce the popular Yamazaki 35-Year-Old and the Yamazaki 25-Year-Old. The popularity of these bottles has resulted in a stock shortage for the company which has helped to push their prices up. Bottles of this can be found bitcoin investment uk benefits sale, and as demand outpaces supply the prices are going to increase.
What Makes a Japanese Whisky a Good Investment?
As with all kinds of investments, you need to know what the hallmarks of a good investment are. After all, best japanese whisky to invest in, there are new whiskies released all the time that could well be the next Karuizawa, fetching over $100,000 at auction. Whisky investment needs to be done cleverly to avoid investing in a dud that ends up losing money.
Be on the lookout for whiskies that are in limited edition bottles. A whisky with a good reputation but a limited quality is one that will likely rise in price over time. This is why bottles from distilleries that have closed often sell for crazy prices.
A rare whisky with a great reputation, one that’s hard to find and very exclusive is likely to be an excellent investment opportunity. All these factors can be contributed to the price of whisky going up. Taste will always remain one of the fundamental reasons whisky is priced the way it is.
Japanese whisky with an age statement on the label is bound to be a good investment. Some Japanese distilleries have turned away from adding age statements to their bottles in an effort to keep up withholding investments in energy only markets demand. This includes Suntory who are the distillers of the Yamazaki brand.
Demand for Japanese whisky is on an upswing so now is a good time to invest if you have the capital, best japanese whisky to invest in. Prices have already seen double-digit bitcoin investment uk university over the past few years which will likely continue to increase.
Is There A Way To Invest In Japanese Distilleries?
Another option for whisky investors is to invest in a fund instead of buying individual bottles of Japanese whisky. By investing in a whisky investment fund you can outsource the entire bitcoin 2022 white paper process to professionals that will choose companies on your behalf. The Hong Kong-based Platinum Whisky Investment Fund is an option for those with a significant amount to invest.
The buy-in for this fund is just $250,000 which likely prices most people out of the idea. However, they buy up existing stock with the idea of selling it on for profit in the future, if you can afford it it’s an excellent way to get involved.
Alternatively, you can opt to invest in Japanese whisky distillers through the stock crypto invest mco. Two of the biggest companies Suntory and Nikka are available on the stock market, so shares can be purchased in these companies. Not only are you helping to support the company you will also own a neo bitcoin news bit of them as well.
Bill Murray famously repped it in Lost in Translation, Jay Z has rapped about it, and it’s lauded for its exceptional quality worldwide. If you’ve been snoozing on the unrivalled smoothness of Japanese whisky, it’s time to catch up.
Distilleries have been struggling to keep up with demand for a superior dram, resulting in a best japanese whisky to invest in of age statement whiskies, but now is still a good time to get involved.
When Japan first started producing whisky, led by Suntory in 1923, it was heavily inspired by Scotch. However, with notable differences in climate, the use of native woods and ever greater experimentation with production and ageing processes, the country has since developed its own style.
Have a read of our guide to buying Japanese whisky, including our favourite tried and tested bottles.
What defines a Japanese whisky?
That may sound like a trick question, but the rules surrounding what defines a Japanese whisky are changing, best japanese whisky to invest in. Spoiler alert: currently, not all whiskies labelled as Japanese are distilled in Japan.
Current laws allow producers to import whisky from around the world. And, while the unscrupulous use this loose regulation to pass entirely imported products off as Japanese, many reputable brands use foreign-produced whisky in their blends. Look out for the ‘world whisky’ label when purchasing.
However, new rules from the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association state that a Japanese whisky must be made from malted barley, best japanese whisky to invest in, use local water and be fermented, distilled, aged and bottled in Japan. It must be aged for a minimum of three best japanese whisky to invest in in wooden casks and clock in at no less than 40% ABV.
That sounds great in theory, but these new regulations are not set to be introduced until 2024, when they will be voluntary, making it likely that the practice will continue.
Types of whisky
Taste-wise, Japanese whiskies run the spectrum from light and fruity to luxuriously rich. Expect sweet honey notes, a hint of fruit such as orange, some toffee and a characteristic smoothness. You’ll often enjoy a warming sherry heat, plus a little smoke where a peated malt is involved.
Most styles will be blends, made with malt and grain whiskies sourced from different distilleries. Single malts are produced at a single distillery, and pure malts are a blend of malt whiskies from multiple distilleries owned by the same producer (Japanese distilleries are fiercely competitive and tend not to trade their liquids).
Grain, a much lighter style, is commonly used to balance out a blend. However, with a shortage of mature malts, Japanese distillers have embraced the style in its own right; some of the most revered Japanese whiskies are, in fact, grain. Distilled from cereal grains rather than malted barley, expect floral, fruity notes.
Cask type
Barrels are key to the finished taste of a whisky; after all, malt, water and yeast can only do so much on their own.
With no rules on which wood cryptocurrency invest 2022 be used, Japanese producers tend to use a wide variety of casks, each imparting their own specific flavour. American oak, sherry casks and those made from an indigenous wood called mizunara are the most common, best japanese whisky to invest in.
Look out for wine, bourbon and re-charred barrels, and even ex-umeshu (plum wine) and ex-shochu casks, alongside a small number of distillers experimenting with Japanese cherry (sakura), cedar and chestnut woods.
How to drink Japanese whisky
That’s entirely up to you. But may we make some suggestions? There are a few drinking rituals surrounding Japanese whisky that it’s only right to give ceremony to.
You can sip it neat, of course; the best japanese whisky to invest in whiskies need little else than a tumbler. But if you want to dial down some of the hotter, boozier notes in a lively whisky, add a little ice or water to open it up and mellow it out.
Or try a Highball. This simple serve combines three to four parts soda to one part whisky. It's best consumed alongside your favourite Japanese food.
How we test
Our panel of WSET-qualified experts and whisky drinkers tried 11 Japanese whiskies neat, before adding some water to dilute and soften the alcohol and bring out its core flavours.
These are their 11 most highly rated drams, with a whisky for all palates:
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Best Japanese whisky
Suntory Chita Single Grain Japanese Whisky£44.49
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70cl, 43% ABV
A great option whether you’re a whisky aficionado or novice, Suntory’s single grain offering is packed with all the things we love about a Japanese whisky.
Grain whiskies are known for being lighter in flavour than malts, but this is satisfying and complex.
Matured in a combination of sherry, bourbon and wine casks, you’ll find a mix of tropical fruits, caramel and vanilla with a hint of toasted rye style grain. It’s delicious, and we’re confident you won’t find better.
Best single malt Japanese whisky
Suntory Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky£82.84
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70cl, 43% ABV
Dust off your best tumbler and prepare some ice; Suntory’s flagship single malt is produced at Japan’s oldest malt distillery, and it demands your undivided attention.
Made from whisky aged in six different cask types, including Bordeaux and American oak, for varying amounts of time, the overall result is fruity. Alongside leather, smoke and spice, you’ll find strawberry, cherry and toasted nuts. Add a little water to open it up.
Best grain Japanese whisky
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky£48.50
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70cl, 45% ABV
Have a sweet tooth? Nikka produces this grain whisky, made mainly from corn, using a Coffey still imported from Scotland in 1963. This imparts some notably sweet, mellow notes into the liquid, resulting in a whisky that stands out for its incredibly smooth taste, peppered with delicious caramel, banana, toasted coconut and a little dried fruit.
Best blended Japanese whisky
Suntory Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky£69.95
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70cl, 43% ABV
Combining malt whiskies from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries and grain whisky from Chita, you’ll find a balanced but varied array of flavour notes in this blend.
Aged in five best japanese whisky to invest in cask types, from American white oak to sherry casks, it’s punchy at first. Throw in an ice cube to open up and mellow its full taste of rich red fruit, honey, orange and lingering why bitcoin is not gold, minus a little of the heat.
Best Japanese whisky for food pairing
White Oak Akashi Japanese Single Malt Whisky£70.31
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50cl, 40% ABV
Produced by the sea by Japan’s White Oak Distillery, you’ll find both salty and sweet notes in this rich, complex dram, making it an ideal pairing for anything from sushi to chocolate.
With a hint of smoke, some savoury notes and a sprinkling of spice, we recommend preparing a Highball and ordering some salmon sashimi.
Best Japanese whisky for beginners
Aldi Kyasuku Japanese WhiskySHOP
70cl, 40% ABV
This blend from Aldi is a serious contender. It’s got all the flavour notes you want when buying Japanese whisky; think honey, apricot, orange peel and a floral finish.
Backed by a little toasted oat and a hint of spice, there’s plenty to keep your interest. Light, bright and approachable, it’s a great way to start your collection.
Best Japanese whisky for a Highball
Suntory Toki Blended Japanese Whisky£29.49
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70cl, 43% ABV
As you’ll know by now, Suntory is a big player in Japanese whisky. This blend combines liquids from Hakashu (single malt) and Chita (grain) as its main components, with a little Yamazaki. Thick and luscious, there’s green apple, honey and a little dried fruit, followed by a fresh herbal finish. All of which work incredibly well in a refreshing Highball.
Best Japanese whisky for an Old Fashioned
Kaiyo Mizunara Oak Japanese Whisky£87.21
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70cl, 43% ABV
With no place to hide, only a quality whisky will work in an Old Fashioned. Due to the unique way Kaiyo ages this whisky – out at sea for three months, where the movement of the waves means every drop makes contact with the barrel – there’s a lot of bold wood notes from the mizunara casks. Accompanied by notes of toffee and sweet figs, it works perfectly in the classic serve.
Best Japanese whisky for smoked notes
Enso Japanese Whisky£55.95
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70cl, 40% ABV
If you like your whisky with a touch of char, step forward, best japanese whisky to invest in. Best japanese whisky to invest in by caramel and a tang of lemon zest, the hint of oak and smoke reminded some of our panel of a summer barbecue. Sipped neat, it’s one to take your time over. Added to a Highball, it packs a punch.
Best light flavoured Japanese whisky
Hatozaki Pure Malt Japanese Whisky£47.00
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70cl, marco baldini bitcoin ABV
Remember we spoke about global blends? This whisky may be made with 100% malt, best japanese whisky to invest in, but alongside some from Japan, there’s also imported stock.
Though aged in bourbon, sherry and mizunara casks, the result is something discernibly light, but flavourful. There are hints of seaweed, salt, a splodge of honey and some toasted cereal.
Best Japanese whisky for bold flavours
Mars Kasei Blended Japanese Whisky£44.80
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70cl, 40% ABV
Hailing from Japan’s highest distillery, located at 2,625ft in the Central Alps, this is one bold whisky. The Mars Shinshu distillery uses glacial water to create its whiskies, while heavy snowfall and hot summers help develop bold flavours as the liquid interacts with the wood, which includes bourbon and sherry casks. Look out for spiky heat, dried fruit and burnt sugar in this rich yet clean spirit.
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