Japanese whiskies

From a trendy curiosity a few years ago to an essential reference, Japanese whisky has become a staple in the world of spirits and whisky in particular.

Japanese Whisky: Born in Scotland!

Though Japan is now one of the world's major whisky producers, its story began in Scotland with Masataka Taketsuru. A Japanese sake producer’s son, Taketsuru traveled to Scotland to specialize in organic chemistry, working in several distilleries during his studies. In 1923, he partnered with Shinjirō Torii to found Japan's first distillery, Yamazaki, which later became part of Suntory.

A Scotch-Inspired Whisky, But Distinctly Japanese

Japanese whisky adheres to traditional Scotch methods but has developed its unique identity, benefiting from pure water sources, rich peatlands, and a specific climate with hot summers and cold winters that enhance the aging process. Japanese whiskies are known for their iconic blends, such as Nikka from the Barrel, Nikka Super, and Hibiki.

A Period of Shortage in Japanese Whisky’s History

The 1980s saw a challenging economic period for the Japanese whisky industry, leading to the closure of several distilleries due to declining demand. Some small distilleries, such as Hanyu and Karuizawa, shut down. Despite this, Suntory and Nikka survived by focusing on quality and export markets, setting the stage for the industry’s later revival.

Major Japanese Whisky Distilleries

Suntory - Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki, and Chita

Suntory stands as a cornerstone of Japanese whisky with distilleries like Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki, and Chita. Yamazaki, founded in 1923, is Japan's oldest distillery, known for its complexity and finesse.

Nikka - Yoichi and Miyagikyo

Nikka Whisky features Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, embodying excellence in Japanese whisky. Founded in 1934, Yoichi creates powerful single malts, while Miyagikyo produces fruitier whiskies.

Chichibu - Ichiro's Malt

The Chichibu Distillery, founded in 2008, is a rising star in Japanese whisky, known for artisanal methods and unique cask selection.

Mars Shinshu

Situated in the Japanese Alps, Mars Shinshu produces distinctive whiskies at 798 meters altitude, blending tradition with innovation.

Key Japanese Whisky Regions

Japan's world-renowned whisky owes part of its success to diverse climate conditions across its production regions. Hokkaido, with Yoichi, resembles Scotland’s cool, maritime climate, producing rich, smoky whisky. Meanwhile, Yamazaki in Honshu benefits from a more temperate climate near Kyoto, creating soft, complex whiskies.

FAQs

What is the difference between Scotch whisky and Japanese whisky?

While production methods are mostly similar, Japanese whisky is distinct due to its pure water, unique peat, and Japanese expertise in blending for a balanced, harmonious taste.

How is Japanese whisky enjoyed?

In Japanese culture, whisky is often enjoyed during meals, neat, or with a single large ice cube. Popular cocktails include the Mizuwari and Highball.

What are some of the best Japanese whiskies?

Some of the top Japanese whiskies include: