From its humble beginnings in the early 20th century to its remarkable rise as a global whisky powerhouse, Japanese whisky reflects a journey of innovation, craftsmanship, and international acclaim. Rooted in traditional techniques yet always pushing boundaries, this spirit has captivated connoisseurs worldwide, earning prestigious awards and setting auction records, all while staying true to its unique Japanese essence.
Japan Whisky on the World Stage
It can be easy to dismiss Japanese whisky as merely a late to the party, East Asian facsimile of what the Scots had been producing for centuries, but that’s hardly the case. Yes, Japanese whisky lovers did have a palate for scotch, and initially, Japanese whisky was built on a scotch whisky profile, but even from the get-go, they had the desire to make it their own. As early as 1937, Suntory had released Kakubin, fueled by Shinjiro Torii’s earnest desire to take advantage of Japan’s remarkable terroir to create a whisky that suited the Japanese peoples’ more delicate palate.
The Water Source
Japan’s distilleries are also set up at superior water sources. Torii put his Yamazaki Distillery in Kyoto at the foot of Mt. Tennozan, for its high-quality natural water source where the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu Rivers meet; so legendary it has been written about since ancient times. Hakushu Distillery, in the Southern Alps, sources pure water from an underground aquifer. It is soft yet sharp in taste due to its mineral content. In Japanese culture, mizu (water) symbolizes purity and spirituality, so it’s no surprise that mizuwari, Japanese for “cut with water,” is a popular way of consuming whisky in long drinks with water added, either still or carbonated.
The Wood
Japanese whisky is distinguished by its diverse use of cask types, including the rare and esteemed Mizunara oak. While not widely used due to its scarcity, Mizunara imparts a distinct oriental flavor profile to the whisky, offering notes of sandalwood, coconut, and orchard fruits. This contrasts with the smoky peat character of Scottish whisky, showcasing the unique flavor spectrum in Japanese whisky.
The Microclimate
Japan offers a full four-season climate, giving a year-round diversity of temperature and humidity that creates ideal conditions for whisky making. The hot and humid summers and cold, dry winters accelerate aging while producing a smooth and harmonious flavor profile.
The Monozukuri Effect
Monozukuri is a philosophy deeply rooted in other successful Japanese industries, from cars to traditional crafts, and serves as a core tenet in how the House of Suntory produces whisky. It’s a hybrid approach that combines craftsmanship with quality over quantity, and it guides Suntory through every detail, from grain to glass, right through to Japanese hospitality.
Japanese Expressions to Taste
Hibiki® Japanese Harmony 100th Anniversary Limited Edition
This complex blend is luminous yet delicate, with a nose of rose, lychee, and hints of rosemary, leading into a palate offering honey sweetness backed by white chocolate and light touches of mature Mizunara wood.
Hibiki® 21 Years Old 100th Anniversary Limited Edition
This celebratory blend of several malt and grain whiskies has an aroma of kumquat and jasmine, with hints of Japanese incense. The palate is subtly sweet, floral, and perfumy, with long and deep Mizunara wood notes on the finish: sandalwood, agarwood, and barrel spice.
Yamazaki® 18 Years Old Mizunara 100th Anniversary Limited Edition
Created in honor of Suntory Whisky’s centenary, this single malt offers notes of dark cherry, ripe peach, cinnamon, and nutmeg, along with the alluring signature accents of Mizunara wood, including clove, sandalwood, and dried coconut.
Hakushu® 18 Years Old Peated Malt 100th Anniversary Limited Edition
Another Suntory Whisky 100th anniversary single malt, this one is very refined and elegant, presenting vibrant scents of sage, ripe green apple, and pineapple. The palate is complex, with hints of herbs, acacia honey, grapefruit, and fresh green citrus, leading into a long, smoky finish.
Suntory® World Whisky Ao
A remarkable blend of liquids from the world’s most celebrated whisky regions—Japan, America, Canada, Scotland, and Ireland—offers layers of balanced flavors: smoky yet sweet, with hints of vanilla and pineapple, spicy with notes of cinnamon, while creamy and lingering on the finish.
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