Introduction to Japanese Whisky
If you're a fan of whisky, you may have heard about the rise of Japanese whisky in recent years. The popularity of Japanese whisky has grown exponentially, and it's now considered one of the best whiskies in the world. Known for its unique flavor and production processes, Japanese whisky has become a favorite for many whisky lovers worldwide. If you're considering trying Japanese whisky for the first time, you might be wondering where to start. In this post, we'll discuss the best Japanese whiskies for beginners, including some of the most popular brands and expressions.
Best Japanese whisky for your first time trying
Trying Japanese whisky for the first time can be a bit intimidating, but these options are a great place to start. Yamazaki 12-Year-Old, Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky, and Hibiki Japanese Harmony are all widely available, reasonably priced, and have unique and delicious flavors. And if you're looking to explore more Japanese whiskies, there are plenty of other options to try. Whether you're a seasoned whisky drinker or a newcomer to the world of whisky, give these Japanese whiskies a try and discover a new favorite.
The Yamazaki 18 Year Old
Image Via: house.suntory.com
Ichiro's Malt Chichibu is a single malt whisky produced by the Chichibu distillery, which was founded by Ichiro Akuto in 2008. This whisky is aged in different types of casks, including bourbon, sherry, and Mizunara oak, and has a complex flavor with notes of fruit, spice, and smoke.
Ichiro's Malt Chichibu
Image Via: www.highroadspirits.com
Suntory Toki is a blended whisky that's a bit lighter and more delicate than some of the other options on this list. It's a blend of malt and grain whiskies that are aged in different types of casks, including American white oak, sherry, and bourbon. This whisky has a subtle sweetness with notes of vanilla and green apple.
Suntory Toki
Image Via: house.suntory.com
This whisky is named after the founder of the Nikka distillery and is a tribute to his passion for producing high-quality whisky. It's a blend of malt whiskies from the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries and has a rich, fruity taste with notes of berries, nuts, and spices.
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Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt
Image Via: www.nikka.com
If you've tried the three whiskies above and are looking for more options, there are plenty of other Japanese whiskies to explore. Some other popular Japanese whiskies include:
Other Japanese Whiskies to Try
Hibiki Japanese Harmony
Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a blended whisky produced by Suntory that's an excellent option for those who prefer a smoother and sweeter taste. It's a blend of grain and malt whiskies that are aged in five different types of casks, including American white oak, sherry, and Mizunara oak. This whisky has a floral and fruity taste with notes of orange, honey, and white chocolate. It's also a bit more expensive than the previous two options but is still relatively affordable for Japanese whisky. Hibiki is known for its elegant and harmonious blend of flavors.
Image Via: house.suntory.com
Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky
Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky is another popular option for those trying Japanese whisky for the first time. This whisky is produced by the Nikka distillery and is made from 100% malted barley. It has a rich and complex flavor with notes of caramel, honey, and vanilla. It's also a great introduction to the world of Japanese whisky because it's widely available and affordable. The Nikka distillery was established by Masataka Taketsuru, known as the father of Japanese whisky.
Image Via: www.nikka.com
Yamazaki 12 Year Old
Yamazaki 12-Year-Old is often considered one of the best Japanese whiskies for beginners. It's a single malt whisky produced by Suntory, Japan's first whisky distillery. This whisky has a smooth and fruity taste with notes of peach, apricot, and vanilla. It's also easy to find at most liquor stores and has a reasonable price point. The Yamazaki distillery is located in the outskirts of Kyoto, and it's known for its high-quality whiskies.
Image Via: house.suntory.com
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Conclusion
Japanese whisky is modeled after Scotch whisky, but it has its own unique character. Japanese whisky is known for its subtlety and balance, with more emphasis on the blending process than on peat smoke. This unique approach to whisky-making has resulted in some of the world's most highly-regarded whiskies. The Japanese whisky industry is relatively young compared to other countries, with the first distillery opening in 1923. However, Japanese whisky has quickly gained a reputation for quality and craftsmanship.
Each of these whiskies has its own unique flavor profile and is worth exploring for those interested in Japanese whisky.
The Yamazaki 18-Year-Old is a single malt whisky produced by Suntory, and it's often considered one of the best Japanese whiskies available. This whisky has a rich and complex flavor with notes of dried fruit, oak, and a hint of peat smoke. It's aged for a minimum of 18 years, and it's considered a luxury whisky.