Suntory Whisky Toki
Sourcing international spirits can be tricky, unless you’re looking for Suntory Whisky Toki. Suntory is the oldest whisky house in Japan, and this light whisky can easily be sipped solo to enjoy its refreshing notes of basil, peppermint and grapefruit, with a gently smoky finish. See how Japanese whisky compares to other types of whiskey.
Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
This whisky is made in a Coffey still, imported from Scotland, which helps retain the mild, silky notes of the corn from which it’s made. Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky has toffee notes complemented with the delicate hint of berries. Continue to refine your liquor cabinet with our Irish whiskey suggestions.
Yamazaki 12 Years Old
The leading single malt Japanese whisky, this delicate Yamazaki 12-year is worth tracking down. It blends spices like clove with citrus and stone fruit for a long finish punctuated by cinnamon and ginger. This bottle made our list of the world’s best whiskey, too.
Akashi White Oak Single Malt
From a distillery making liquor since 1919, this Japanese whisky is a classic, created facing the Seto Inland Sea. Some say the salt from the water can be faintly tasted along with the notes of toffee and cherries.
Taketsuru Pure Malt 17 Years Old
The middle child between the signature Pure Malt and the 21-year whisky, the Taketsuru 17-year is mellow but not mild. It has intense malt and a big finish. It’s been discontinued, though you can still find bottles available for purchase.
Suntory Hibiki 21 Years Old
Japanese whisky is expensive because it’s good—and because it’s good, it can be hard to find. But if you can find a bottle, it’s worth the price and time. Ranked the best whisky in the world, the Hibiki 21-year is an elegant medley of fruit with a dash of smoke and spice for complexity. Learn how to drink Japanese whisky neat.
Hakushu 12 Years Old
With this bottle, Japanese distillers are aiming to dethrone Scotland as the leading whisky maker. The distillery, nestled in the mountains, could easily fit in next to Edinburgh, but Hakushu 12-year evokes the crisp, woody notes of the Akaishi Mountains in Japan.
Togouchi Whisky 8 Years
Togouchi whisky has international origins. The whisky is imported from Scotland, but the maturation and blending process is performed in Japan in an abandoned railway tunnel. Its clear citrus notes conjure the world above, with minerality blended with vanilla and chocolate.
Suntory Kakubin
Kakubin has been a beloved whisky in Japan for over 80 years, known as much for its honeyed flavor as its iconic square bottle. With notes of caramel, vanilla and spice, it’s easy to drink and can work in a variety of cocktails. Find a whisky cocktail to craft at home.
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Kim Bussing