Photo by Jeff Harris
Explore the flavors of Japan with this selection of delicious whiskies across the key styles—blends, single malt, and single grain. We recommend getting to know the whisky through neat pours at first, then over ice, but why not also embrace Japanese drinking culture and revisit the same whisky in a cocktail or a Highball? New to Japanese whisky or want to learn more about it? Get all of the details here.
92 points - Hibiki Japanese Harmony Blend, 43%, $100
Vanilla, peach, lemon meringue, cherry tart, blackberry jam, orange, chocolate, and oak
92 points - Kanosuke 2023 Limited Edition Single Malt, 59%, $175
Peat smoke, rolling tobacco, white grape, pear, star fruit, and vanilla essence
92 points - Mars Whisky Asagi Madara 8 year old Blend, 48%, $106
Cotton candy, rose Turkish delight, fresh linen, ripe orchard fruit, cherry sherbet, and vanilla custard
92 points - Nikka Coffey Grain, 45%, $65
Nutty oak, toffee fudge, vanilla ice cream, ripe banana, raspberry, and peach
91 points - Hakushu 12 year old Single Malt, 43%, $180
Pine needles, basil, green bell pepper, pea pod, peppermint, kiwi, and subtle smoke
94 points - Miyagikyo Peated Single Malt, 48%, $275
Sweet smoke, caramel, tarry rope, chocolate chips, raisin, baked citrus
93 points - Kaiyo - Five Wood Blend, 44%, $40
Lemon tart, melon, flowers, barley sugar, juicy orange, and ripe peach
93 points - Shizuoka Pot Still K 100% Imported Barley First Edition Single Malt, 55.5%, $260
Lemon-barley water, mandarin, candy hearts, spices, stone fruit, and oak
93 points - Yamazaki 12 year old Single Malt, 43%, $150
Light honey, orange, bubble gum, lychee, banana, and herbs
92 points - Fuji Blend, 43%, $70
Cinnamon, dry oak, rose petals, black currant, dried mango, and oak char
91 points - Mars Komagatake 2023 Edition Single Malt, 50%, $130
Tangy citrus, crystalized ginger, persimmon, orchard fruits, lime Jell-O, and chocolate
91 points - Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Blend, 43%, $80
Layered wood spices, woodsmoke, vanilla pod, star fruit, preserved lemons, and peach syrup
91 points - Nikka The Grain, 48%, $175
Peanut, tonkatsu ramen, graham cracker, golden syrup, almond sugar cookie, and mushroom
91 points - Yoichi 10 year old Single Malt, 45%, $175
Robust peatiness, crisp minerality, vanilla, lemongrass, spiciness, and a hint of brine
88 points - Fuji Single Grain, 46%, $95
Ground hazelnut, black tea, chestnut flour, orchard fruits, orange, and wood spices
WHISKIES TO TRY THAT AREN’T 100% JAPANESE
Blends that contain non-Japanese whisky. These whiskies will continue to use imported spirits. Some of them sport the term “World Whisky” or “Product of Japan” on the label, but others do not. Either way, they’re still worth trying.
94 points - Nikka From The Barrel, 51.4%, $65
Labeled as Product of Japan
Butterscotch, orange peel, poached pears, coffee, ginger, and allspice
92 points - Shinobu Pure Malt 15 year old, 43%, $195
Labeled as Product of Japan
Sandalwood, manuka honey, strawberry, apricot, and dark toffee
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91 points - Shimai, 54%, $250
Labeled as World Blended Whisky
Pecan, chocolate mousse, prune, red berries, apple pie, and gingersnap
90 points - Ichiro’s Malt & Grain (Blue Label), 48%, $236
Labeled as World Whisky
Barley sugar, aromatic spices, paprika, ginger, Creamsicle, and tropical fruits
90 points - Mars The Lucky Cat Hana, 43%, $135
Labeled as blended and bottled by Hombo Shuzo Co. Ltd, Japan
Baked apple, caramelized sugar, fresh spices, dark syrup, plum, and chocolate
90 points - Shibui Pure Malt 10 year old, 43%, $140
Labeled as Product of Japan
Dry spices, Whoppers, applesauce, chocolate-chip cookies, brown sugar, and spiced gingerbread
89 points - Nikka Days, 40%, $50
Labeled as Blended Whisky
Honeyed lemon, vanilla essence, brioche, red berries, toffee, and oak char
