About Japanese Whisky
Japanese whisky is a type of whisky that is produced in Japan. It is based on the traditional Scottish style of whisky-making and is known for its smooth, well-balanced, and refined flavor profile. Japanese whisky is made from a blend of malted barley, corn, and/or rye, which are fermented and then distilled in pot stills. The distillate is then aged in oak barrels for several years to develop its flavor and character.
Japanese whisky is known for its unique and distinctive style, which is characterized by its lighter, smoother, and more delicate flavor profile compared to other whiskies from around the world. Japanese whisky is also known for its high quality and attention to detail, with many Japanese whisky makers using traditional techniques and premium ingredients to craft their whiskies.
History Of Japanese Whisky
The history of Japanese whisky dates back to the early 20th century, when a Japanese businessman named Shinjiro Torii founded the company Suntory in 1923. Torii saw an opportunity to create a high-quality whisky that would rival the Scotch whiskies that were popular at the time, and he hired a Scottish distiller named Masataka Taketsuru to help him achieve this goal.
Taketsuru was sent to Scotland to learn the art of whisky-making, and he eventually returned to Japan with the knowledge and skills he had acquired. He worked for Suntory for several years before leaving to start his own company, Nikka, in 1934.
In the decades that followed, both Suntory and Nikka grew and expanded, becoming the two largest and most influential whisky makers in Japan. They developed their own distinct styles of whisky-making, and by the mid-20th century, Japanese whisky had established a reputation for quality and refinement that rivaled that of Scotch whisky.
In recent years, Japanese whisky has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with many Japanese whiskies winning awards and accolades at international competitions. Japanese whisky is now considered to be among the finest whiskies in the world, and it continues to gain in popularity both in Japan and around the world.
Japanese Whisky Brands
Some popular Japanese whisky brands include Suntory, Nikka, Chichibu, and Mars Shinshu, among others. Japanese whisky has become increasingly popular in recent years, with Japanese whiskies winning numerous awards and accolades at international competitions. It is widely considered to be among the finest whiskies in the world.
The following are some of the most popular Japanese whiskies:
- Suntory Distillery
- Nikka Distillery
- Mars Whisky
- Chichibu Distillery
- Kirin Whisky
- White Oak Distillery
These are some of the well-regarded and highly sought after Japanese whiskies, known for their smooth, refined, and well-balanced flavor profiles. They are made using traditional distillation techniques and premium ingredients, and are prized by whisky connoisseurs and enthusiasts around the world.
Suntory Distillery
Suntory is a Japanese multinational beverage and food company founded in 1899. It is one of the largest distilleries in Japan and is known for producing premium quality spirits, including whisky. Suntory's whisky portfolio includes the Yamazaki, Hibiki, and Toki brands. These brands are known for their unique taste profiles, influenced by Japanese ingredients and traditional distillation techniques. Suntory's commitment to quality and craftsmanship has earned them a reputation as one of the leading producers of Japanese whisky. Suntory has received numerous awards and recognition, including being named "Distiller of the Year" at the World Whiskies Awards.
Here are the most popular brands under the Suntory Distillery parent company.
A few popular whiskies from the above brands are:
- Yamazaki 12 Year Old
- The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky - Distiller’s Reserve
- Hibiki Japanese Harmony
- Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select
- The Chita
- Chita Single Grain
- Hakushu 12 Year Old
- The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky - Distiller’s Reserve
Nikka Distillery
Nikka is a Japanese whisky distillery founded by Masataka Taketsuru in 1934. It is known for producing high-quality, premium Japanese whiskies, including single malts and blended whiskies. The company has two main distilleries, one in Yoichi, Hokkaido and another in Miyagikyo, Sendai. The Yoichi distillery uses traditional production methods and has a reputation for producing whiskies with a smoky flavor profile. The Miyagikyo distillery, on the other hand, is known for producing whiskies with a fruitier and floral flavor profile. Some of Nikka's most popular whiskies include Taketsuru, Nikka From the Barrel, Nikka Coffey Malt, and Nikka All Malt. Nikka has received numerous awards and recognition, including being named "Distillery of the Year" at the World Whiskies Awards.
Here are the most popular whiskies under the Nikka Distillery parent company.
Mars Distillery
Mars Shinshu Distillery is a Japanese distillery founded in 1985. It is located in the Nagano prefecture, Japan. It is known for producing a range of whiskies including single malt and blended whiskies, using water sourced from the local mountains. Some popular Mars whiskies include the Mars Komagatake, Mars Iwai, and Mars Maltage 3+20.
Here are the most popular whiskies under the Mars Distillery parent company.
Chichibu Distillery
Chichibu Distillery is a Japanese distillery founded in 2008. It is located in the Chichibu city in the Saitama prefecture, Japan. Chichibu is known for producing high-quality, small-batch Japanese whiskies using locally sourced ingredients and traditional techniques. The distillery is highly regarded for its innovative approach to whisky production and its commitment to quality. Some popular Chichibu whiskies include the Chichibu On The Way and Chichibu The Peated.
Here are the most popular whiskies under the Chichibu Distillery parent company.
- Chichibu On The Way
- Chichibu The Peated
- Chichibu The First
- Chichibu The Floor Malted
- Chichibu The Port Pipe
Kirin Distillery
The Kirin Distillery is a subsidiary of the Kirin Brewery Company, Ltd., a leading beverage company in Japan. It was established in 1949 and produces various types of whisky, including single malt and blended whiskies, using local barley and natural spring water. The distillery is known for its traditional methods and commitment to quality, and its products have won awards and recognition globally.
The Kirin Distillery produces Kirin Whisky
White Oak Distillery
White Oak distillery is a Japanese whisky distillery that was established in 1919 by Shinjiro Torii, the founder of Suntory. It was the first whisky distillery in Japan and is located in Hyogo prefecture. The distillery produces a variety of whiskies, including White Oak Akashi, which is a blended whisky made from malt and grain whiskies aged in ex-bourbon barrels. White Oak distillery is known for producing high-quality Japanese whiskies with a distinct character and flavor profile.
Here are the most popular whiskies under the White Oak Distillery parent company.
