Japanese Whisky: A Guide to Japanese Whisky

When it comes to whiskey, there are only a few countries that have the same caliber of production. Kentucky, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and Canada are the only countries in the world that produce whiskey. Japan is the only country that produces both whisky and shochu. They also have a wide variety of whiskeys, from the traditional Japanese whiskey, to a Japanese whiskey mixed with a Japanese plum liqueur.

Here, you’ll find a guide on Japanese whiskey, from the history of Japanese whiskies to how to choose a Japanese whiskey.

History of Japanese Whisky

Japanese Whisky is a type of whisky that is produced in Japan. The history of Japanese whisky is a long and interesting one. It is said that the first distillation of whisky in Japan was in 1869. Since then, the history of Japanese whisky has been a long and interesting one.

Japanese whisky has a long and illustrious history, although much of it is hidden in obscurity. Japanese whiskies were being made before the famous Suntory Yamazaki Distillery was founded in the early 20th century, though very little is known about them. We do know that a few shochu and sake breweries produced Japanese whisky on the side.

Whisky took a historical turn in Japan in 1923, when Suntory established the first official whisky distillery.

The first Japanese whisky distillery was founded by Masataka Taketsuru, who studied the art of whisky making in Scotland. He then returned to Japan establishing a whisky distillery at Suntory.

Taketsuru's Japanese whiskies were so successful that he eventually went on to found the Nikka Whisky Company.

From 1927, the Japanese whisky industry went through a golden age. The Japanese whisky industry was then in the hands of the large distillers. During the Second World War, the Japanese whisky industry faced many difficulties. The Japanese whisky industry was able to make a comeback in the late 1950s.

How to choose a Japanese whisky

Not all whiskies labeled as "Japanese Whisky" are, in fact, 100 percent Japanese. The country had no legal standards that define "Japanese whisky," so some Japanese whiskies are, in fact, blends of whisky from Scotland, Canada, and other countries.

The combination of such high taxes and low duties on alcohol has allowed Japanese spirits companies to import Scotch, Canadian, and other foreign whisky for blending — either to improve the product or to make it more affordable.

Now, the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association has stepped in to create a rudimentary definition of "Japanese Whisky," while not blaming previous generations of their predecessors.

In an announcement in 2021, they cited the common practice in Scotland of trading whiskies between distilleries for blending purposes as the original justification for the practice in Japan.

The new standards took effect on April 1, 2021 and require any whisky labeled as “Japanese Whisky” to be mashed, fermented, distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan. However, existing products will be allowed to remain on the market until March 31, 2024.

The industry's standards are based on self-regulation and have no legal status in Japanese law. However, most of the major whisky producers in Japan, including Suntory and Nikka, are members of the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association.

So how is it made?

Like Scotch, Japanese whisky relies heavily on malted barley (often peated and even imported from Scotland) that’s mashed and distilled twice in pot stills, yielding more residual congeners (which it’s up to the distiller to incorporate, or cut, skillfully).

Other (column-distilled) grain whiskies may be blended in, if it’s a single malt. And, like Scotch, Japanese whisky is wood-aged, sometimes in American oak, sometimes in Sherry casks, and sometimes in Japanese Mizunara oak, which imparts unique characteristics (think citrus, spice, incense).

How can japanese whisky be classified?

There are different ways to classify Japanese whisky.

• First, the classification system is based on "five main types of Japanese whisky":
• Single Malt: Single malts are made from malted barley and are unblended.
• Single Grain: Single grains are made from a single type of grain.
• Blended Malt: Blended malts are made from malted barley and malted barley, and are blended with other grains.
• Blended Grain: Blended grains are made from malted barley, malted barley, and other grains.
• Blended Malt and Grain: Blended malts and grains are made from malted barley, malted barley, and other grains.

Japanese whiskies can also be classified by their production method. The two methods are pot still and column still.

Pot still whisky is a type of whisky that is made using a pot still. Pot stills are used to produce a more flavorful whisky than what is produced by a column still.

Column still whisky is a type of whisky that is made using a column still. Column stills are used to produce a less flavorful whisky than what is produced by a pot still.

Whiskies from Japan can also be divided into regions. The most famous Japanese whisky region is Hokkaido, home to the Nikka Whisky Company. Other Japanese whisky regions include Kyushu and Honshu. Each region has its own unique climate and terroir, which imparts different flavors to the whiskies produced there.

Japanese whiskies can also be classified by their distiller. The three largest types of distillers are Suntory, Nikka, and Yamazaki.

How to Choose a Japanese Whisky

Now that you know a little bit more about Japanese whisky, it’s time to learn how to choose a Japanese whisky.

When choosing a Japanese whisky, the first thing to keep in mind is that they can be made from any type of grain, but the most common grains used are wheat, rye, and barley.

Japanese whiskies are typically distilled twice and aged in wooden barrels for at least three years. Japanese whiskies can be classified by their production method, type of grain used, region of production, or distiller.

When choosing a Japanese whisky, there are three main factors to consider: price, flavor, and occasion.

Price

Japanese whiskies can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. The price of a Japanese whisky will depend on the age, type, and distiller of the whisky.

Flavor

Japanese whiskies can be divided into three flavor categories: sweet, smoky, and dry. Sweet Japanese whiskies are typically made with sherry cask aging, while smoky Japanese whiskies are typically made with peated barley. Dry Japanese whiskies are typically made without any added flavors.

Occasion

Japanese whiskies can be enjoyed on any occasion. However, some Japanese whiskies are better suited for certain occasions than others. For example, single malt Japanese whiskies are best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, while blended Japanese whiskies are best enjoyed mixed with soda or water.

Finding Real Whisky at a Reasonable Price in an Authentic Way

Shopping for Japanese whisky may be perplexing. As previously noted, there are a variety of reasons why this is the case: fake imports, koji whisky, and a dwindling supply of well-known brands.

The best place to start shopping for Japanese whisky is online. There are tons of delivery options available these days, which is a trend that will continue to increase. Spiritory offers you a platform that you can trust 100%.

Once you’re familiar with the range of prices for your desired whisky, you can make a better decision on what you’re willing to pay.

Japanese whisky brands and producers

There are a variety of Japanese whisky brands and producers to choose from. Some of the most popular Japanese whisky brands include Suntory and Nikka.

Suntory is a Japanese distiller that was founded in 1899. They are most well-known for their Yamazaki and Hakushu Japanese whiskies.

Nikka is a Japanese distiller that was founded in 1934. They are most well-known for their Yoichi and Taketsuru Japanese whiskies.

Suntory Whisky

The following is a list of the Suntory distilleries, including Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki: Suntory would be the first to create genuine Japanese whisky. They would help to popularize whisky in Japan before spreading it around the world.

Suntory began with Shinjiro Torii and his goal of producing genuine Japanese whisky. Torii built Suntory into a major corporation over the course of his long career. Masataka Taketsuru was hired to assist develop Yamazaki, one of Torii's most important decisions. The distillery opened in 1923.

Taketsuru would go on the found Nikka, but his expertise surely helped Yamazaki become a success.

The Yamazaki whiskies are now among the world’s elite.

Nikka Whisky

Nikka is a Japanese whisky brand based in Suntory's home turf of Nikka. Masataka Taketsuru founded the company, which would later compete with Suntory in terms of reputation. Their whiskeys are equally coveted, which is no easy accomplishment.

Nikka's first was the Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido, which was founded by Nikka's founder, Taketsuru. In 1934, he established Taketsuru. For its resemblance to Scotland, he picked the chilly and maritime location.

From the start, Yoichi pot stills have produced malt whisky in smoky Scotch-inspired style. Similar to Yamazaki, Yoichi stills are also often direct-fired for a rich character.

Japanese whisky as investment

Japanese whisky is a popular investment choice due to its rarity and unique flavor. These whiskies are made differently than other whiskies, and they have a flavor that is unlike any other whiskey.

Because of this, Japanese whiskies are becoming increasingly popular and are becoming more difficult to find. This makes them a wise investment choice, as they are likely to increase in value over time.

If you’re looking to invest in a premium spirit and make a significant return, Japanese whisky is a great option. Japanese whisky is in high demand and can be quite expensive, so it’s important to know how to buy and sell it correctly. By following these tips, you can increase your returns on your investment.

How to invest in Japanese whisky?

There are a few ways to invest in Japanese whisky. The most common way is to buy bottles that are already scarce and will only become harder to find. 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. Japanese whisky is world-class so they’re an obvious choice for investors with a single bottle of Karuizawa selling for over $100,000 at auction.

So how to invest in Japanese whisky? The best way to invest in Japanese Whisky is to buy bottles that are already scarce and will only become harder to find. 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.

If you're just starting out with whisky investments, there are some excellent choices for people who have the right amount of cash. These whiskies are already hard to come by, so if you can get your hands on one, the price is sure to appreciate over time.

For more experienced investors, there are a few different ways to go about buying a limited edition whisky. You can either buy a bottle that's already been released, or find a whisky that's in short supply and invest in it. Whisky is a very expensive commodity, so if you're able to snag one of these bottles at an affordable price, your investment will be worth it.

Expensive Whisky from Karuizawa

Karuizawa is a small town located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. It is home to the famed Karuizawa whisky distillery, which claims to produce some of the world's finest whisky.

If you can find a bottle of the Karuizawa whisky, it's worth investing in. Because this distillery no longer produces whisky, there will never be another batch made. The most expensive bottle of Karuizawa whisky is currently being sold for $100,000.

Expensive Whisky from Hanyu

Another distillery that has shut its doors is Hanyu, originally a family business that had been making sake since the seventeenth century. They switched focus to whisky in 1980 and 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.

Expensive Whisky from Yamazaki

Since the Yamazaki distillery is still in operation, their whiskies are some of the most highly coveted and expensive Japanese whiskeys on the market. However, despite this popularity, it's often difficult to find these whiskies in stores since they tend to sell out quickly during pre-sales.

The Yamazaki Sherry Cask is one of the company's most popular products, and as a result there is currently a stock shortage which has led to their prices increasing. bottles of this wine can be found for sale, and as the demand exceeds supply prices are likely to increase in the future.

What Makes a Japanese Whisky a Good Investment?

Investing in whisky is a risky business, as there are many new whiskies released all the time that could well be the next Karuizawa, fetching over $100,000 at auction. It's important to do your research and make sure you're investing in a good whisky by looking for hallmarks of a good investment such as high demand and consistent production.

Whiskies that are in limited edition bottles often have a good reputation, but they may not be of high quality. Therefore, if you want to buy one of these whiskies for your collection, wait until it goes on sale or find one from a distillery that has recently closed.

Whisky is a popular drink and its price reflects that. However, there are some rare whiskies with great reputations that can be difficult to find and even more exclusive. Because of this, these whisky varieties are likely to be in high demand and therefore have a higher value than other types of whisky.

Some Japanese distilleries have abandoned the practice of labeling their whisky with an age statement in order to keep up with demand. This includes Suntory, who produce the Yamazaki brand.

The demand for Japanese whisky is on the rise, and as a result prices are going to continue to increase. If you have the money, now is a good time to invest in this product.

Find the right Japanese whisky to invest in on Spiritory!

Conclusion

Japanese whisky has a strong following around the world and for good reason. It is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a smooth sipping whisky.

There are many types of Japanese whisky as well, from single malt to blended. The best type of Japanese whisky is a blended whisky that is made from a variety of grains.

Japanese whisky is a great choice for those who are looking for a whisky that is light and refreshing.

It is also a fantastic choice for those who are looking to try something new.

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide was helpful in learning about Japanese whisky.

Japanese whisky FAQ

What whisky distilleries are there in Japan? As of 2011, when the Shinshu Mars distillery reopened, there were around nine active whisky distilleries in Japan. Active distilleries as of 2020 include:

• Yamazaki: owned by Suntory.
• Hakushu: also owned by Suntory.
• Yoichi: owned by Nikka.
• Miyagikyo (formerly Sendai): also owned by Nikka.
• Fuji Gotemba: owned by Kirin.
• Chichibu: This is the new Chichibu distillery, founded by Ichiro Akuto, grandson of the distiller at Hanyu. It opened in 2008.
• Shinshu Mars: owned by Hombo Shuzo Co., Ltd.
• White Oak: owned by Eigashima Shuzō
• Chita: owned by Suntory.
• Akkeshi: owned by Japanese grocery wholesaler Kenten Co. Ltd.
• Kurayoshi: owned by Matsui Shuzô.

How to drink Japanese whisky? The best way to drink Japanese whisky is to pour it over ice or mix it with soda water, club soda, or ginger ale. You should also try a Japanese whisky sour cocktail. You can use fresh lemon juice and sugar for a lemon-sugar syrup, which you can then mix with the whisky and top with soda water. Another great drink is the whiskey sour, which is made by mixing the whiskey with lemon juice, sugar, and a bit of ginger ale to give it a slightly spicy taste.

What is the most popular whiskey in Japan? The most popular whiskey in Japan is Nikka Yoichi. It is a blended Japanese whiskey that is made from a variety of grains, including malted barley, corn, and rice. It has a smoky flavor and is best enjoyed on the rocks or neat.

Why is Japanese whisky so good? Japanese whisky is so good because it has a unique flavor that is unlike any other whiskey. Japanese whiskies are made in a different way than other whiskies, and they have a flavor that is unlike any other whiskey.

Because of this, Japanese whiskies are becoming increasingly popular and are becoming more difficult to find. This makes them a wise investment choice, as they are likely to increase in value over time.

Japanese whiskies are also a good choice for those who enjoy drinking whisky and want to try something new. Japanese whisky is a smooth, sophisticated drink that has a unique flavor. It is perfect for sipping on its own or for mixing in cocktails. If you are looking for a new whiskey to try, Japanese whisky is a great option.

What is different about Japanese whiskey? There are many different types of Japanese whiskies, so there is sure to be one that you will enjoy. When choosing a Japanese whisky, it is important to consider the type of whiskey, the age of the whiskey, and the price.

Japanese whiskies can range in price from very affordable to very expensive. The type of Japanese whisky you choose should be based on your personal preferences and budget. If you are looking for a Japanese whisky that is rare and unique, you will want to choose an older Japanese whisky.

Older Japanese whiskies are more difficult to find and are often more expensive. If you are looking for a Japanese whisky that is affordable and easy to find, you will want to choose a younger Japanese whisky. Japanese whiskies can be enjoyed on their own or mixed in cocktails. If you are looking for a new cocktail ingredient, Japanese whisky is a great option.

What is Japanese whiskey called? Japanese whiskey is often called "sake whisky." Japanese whisky is made from a variety of different grains, including barley, corn, and rice. It has a unique flavor that is unlike any other type of whiskey.

Japanese whiskies are becoming increasingly popular and are becoming more difficult to find. This makes them a wise investment choice, as they are likely to increase in value over time. Japanese whiskies are also a good choice for those who enjoy drinking whisky and want to try something new. Japanese whisky is a smooth, sophisticated drink that has a unique flavor.

It is perfect for sipping on its own or for mixing in cocktails. If you are looking for a new whiskey to try, Japanese whisky is a great option.