Price: $149.99+. Malt content can range from 25% to 75% of the blend. This Japanese blended whisky is made up of Chita grain whiskies and Hakushu malt with a touch of Yamazaki malt. This is also the most affordable Japanese whisky on this list, and it does some things that these more expensive whiskies cannot. He enjoys first-rate banter, long walks along the coast, High West, and Vonnegut. The Distillery: ABV: 48% Apple's 2nd Generation AirPods Pro Are 10% Off. Hibiki is one of the most famous Japanese blends at an affordable price. It has a combination of rose, rosemary, and wood, which creates a honey-sweet palate with hints of orange peel and white chocolate. Japan is known to have a cool climate, and it helps the whisky to mature fast than Scotch [. Price: $40-$50 Tasting notes: Notes of bourbon combine with a sweet finish from Sherry barrels, this profile has been described by experts as "candied bacon." Need we say more? 2. And there is enough supply that you should not have to overspend to get your own. This is another smaller gem you may want to get familiar with. Check out my review to get more tasting notes, cocktail recommendations, and more. Most of the ingredients used by Japanese distilleries come from Scotland. Youll see this name again, maybe even in this very article. Scotch can be derisive. Medium bodied and light copper in color, aromas of toffee and stone fruits complement a complex palate of caramel, plum and rich honey. I avoid placing fake Japanese whiskies on this list. If youre looking for true quality that wont let you down, Nikka is always a safe bet. Our top pick for best overall was the Yamazaki 12 year, and we stand by that. See a llama Our recommended and sponsored online retailers will help you shop smarter. They use 100% locally grown rice on fertile volcanic soil. BenRiach 25 Year Old Authenticus Peated . Toki is actually the Japanese word for Time. So Bills being a bit redundant here. Also, you will love its finish, which is quite sweet with a touch of oatcake and dried apricot. 40%. When it comes to Japanese Whisky distilleriesSuntory, frankly, needs no introduction. It is a pale yellow color, and is described as earthy with a bite to it. Using scores and tasting notes from the world's most renowned whisky critics we have selected the highest rated Japanese Whisky under $50 available in the United States. With an elegant flavour, complex aromas, yet simple fruity taste, the Fukano 10-year is amongst the best in my opinion. Yoichi single malt whisky expresses a delicate balance between fruity aroma, smoky and peaty with roasted malt and briny notes. Price: $84.99, Produced by the likes of Suntory distillery, a world-renowned Japanese house of whisky, Hibiki Harmony is an internationally-respected whisky praised for all that is good about it. Yoichi. Nothing on this website should be taken as professional advice and we always encourage responsible drinking. The brand celebrates the unrivaled craftsmanship of the world-renowned Suntory blenders. This is the original design for the continuous column still, and Nikka has a pair. But wait, you may be thinking, "can whiskey be made from rice?" Discover the 50 best Japanese Whiskey Brands 2022. Ichiro founded Chichibu Distillery, which began producing whiskey in 2008. This blend is made from a mash bill that is mostly corn, with some malted barley and rye as well. The Liquor Laboratory is intended for adults over the age of 21 and the legal drinking age. These are names like Yamazaki, Hakushu, Yoichi, and Ichiros Malt. Read more on that. There is, however, a level of peat that may not be for the faint of heart. A nutty nose full of almond, sawdust, and a touch or citrus fruit, a palate comprising baking spices, and a finish that comes at you hot but serenades you with vanilla sweetness. A good pour can be delightful, but if mixed drinks are more your speed, Mars Shinu's Iwai 45 is the whiskey for you. This can be an excellent whisky for all enthusiasts! Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky is the brainchild of three distilleries: the Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. We paid special attention to ingredients in the mash, and what kind of barrels they were aged in, as this can be a big determiner on the finished product. The low price and mixability make Toki super popular among restaurants, bars, and customers. The Nikka Correy Grain Whisky is another delicious and affordable selection, but the Malt makes this list as a more traditional whisky distilled from 100% malted barley. The Whiskey: Single Cask Rice Whisky Master mixer Ichiro Akuto comes from a long line of alcohol producers (via Tokiwa Imports). Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain Whisky 3. Nikka Coffey Malt is widely available, so dont overpay. The tiny White Oak Distillery (Eigashima Shuzo) makes their whiskies with a pair of copper pot stills. Japans highest distillery is known for its use of high-quality mountain water and a number of premium selections released from a surprisingly small distillery. If you want to take your Japanese whisky knowledge to the next level, check out my complete guide to Japanese Whisky. Matsui Shuzo is famed for its northwest location of Kyoto where it faces Mount Daisena mile-high volcanic mountain amidst the fertile soil of Totorri Prefucture. This tree is located only in Japan and has been described as having various aromatic properties, including spice, citrus, and incense qualities. Sign up to have our latest tipsand stories sent straight to your inbox. There are several companies producing whisky in Japan, but the two best-known and most widely available are Suntory and Nikka. Coming from the foothills of Mount Daisen, The Matsui Single Malt Sakura is as authentic as they come. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The Whiskey: Blended Malt & Grain Given the fact that they import grains from Scotland, Japanese distilleries focus on the distillation process to achieve refinement and consistency. Its surprisingly affordable price point and its sweet sherry-forward profile makes this a no-brainer for those seeking a Japanese Whisky starter pack. According to Wine Online Delivery, it won double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and two years later won Gold at the 2007 International Spirits Challenge. Japanese whiskey is fermented, distilled, and aged at a distillery in Japan. Demand is so high that bottles are scarce and prices start around $1400 US. With that said, youd be shocked to know that its taste doesnt come off as stiff. It features notes of white peach on the nose, dark fruit, raisins, and floral honey on the palate, and slightly bitter cocoa to finish everything up. And to me, thats a silver lining. The Whiskey: Blended This single malt whisky is elegant and fruity made from light peated and non-peated malted barley. Ohishi is one of the most affordable Japanese whiskies under 100, given its an authentic Japanese product! Anyways, after years of aging in casks, shochu starts to look and taste like whisky. For these reasons and more is what makes Japanese whisky differ from the rest. Purchase Akashi White Oak Whisky from Astor Wines for 49.96. Angel's Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Purchase Mars Shinu's Iwai 45 from Astor Wines starting at $39.96. $160. The former, be warned: dont be fooled by a familiar-sounding word in the name. Nikka Miyagikyo is the fruitier, softer sibling to Yoichi. Creamy, warm, and sweet, the finale of the sip is mildly intense, however, satisfying and certainly not overpowering. Suntory began by importing spirits before turning a passion for Scotish Whisky into the Japanese-made product and category that we now know and love. It's still a steal. As of May 2022, you can purchase Kikori Japanese Whiskey from Drizly starting at $48.99. Also, Japanese whiskies are better in texture as the Japanese are masters of combining complexity and subtlety, resulting in mild and smooth whiskies. Fathers is plural. You will taste the aroma of toffee and sweet caramel with hints of delicious light fruits and rich honey. Your friends will laugh at you. You have to try it out! No time like the present to join the cool kids club. The Whiskey: Single Malt Its extra time in the barrel, saturated with ruby ports, add a layer of complexity. Weve said it before and well say it again: you cant spell Japanese Whisky without S-U-N-T-O-R-Y. Presenting an all-around balanced whisky comprising all of the familiar notes a typical whiskey would (smoke, peat, wood, vanilla), this Japanese whisky is one for the books. This is not a whiskey for the novice. This independent gem was the first to obtain a license for whisky-making, but stuck to their saki expertise until recently deciding to put that ol whisky license to use. This whisky tastes similar to blended Scotch whisky as it contains some Scotch grain whiskeys in the blend. We may earn commissions for purchases through these links. Best Intro to Japanese Single Malt: Mars Whisky Iwai Tradition. This post should help enthusiasts find affordable and authentic whisky from Japan. It is no wonder that Japan has become the third largest whiskey producer in the world, lagging only behind the United States and Scotland. While I understand that this list will only be applicable to a select population who can afford it or who simply choose to indulge, its an important list to know. Finding a decent Japanese whisky with prices that compare to the lower end of the Scottish whisky range is a tough task. Your email address will not be published. Distilled at the Hakushu facility, nestled in wooded mountains some 100 miles west of Tokyo, this whisky is notable for its delicate smokiness. You can expect a modern body with hints of maturity and purity. Tasting Notes: Widely available and wonderfully affordable, this Suntory selection is the ideal introduction to Japanese Whisky. The Old Fashioned and Manhattan are two classic examples. It starts like sweet but delicate vanilla the develops into a tart bouquet of apple and orange with alcohol. Fukano releases a lot of different bottlings every year. It truly captures Yoichi malts authentic style. Its tasting notes feature nutmeg, dried fruits, cinnamon, steamed rice, and green apple. Nikka from the Barrel, a blended Japanese whisky, was released in 1985. Perfect for somewhat inexperienced sippers. The Jim Beam Devil's Cut Bourbon Whiskey is one of the best whiskey under $30, and its secret is the barrel aging that imparts the flavor of the spirit. At its finish, its long and soft, which evokes the scent of wilted rose. Thanks to its unique distillation process and production techniques, Japanese whisky produces incredibly bold, rich, elegant, yet smooth spirits, most suitable for all palates. This allows the flavor to be more specific to the place in which they are produced, and often produces a smoother whiskey. Another interesting fact to impress your friends: this whisky was aged in the town of Togouchi in an unused railway tunnel. The best affordable Japanese whiskey Smooth Some things I don't like: It does not last long Has a bitter aftertaste #5. Kiuchi No Shizuku Hitachino Nest Whisky, Distilled at Shinshu Mars Distillery, it is one of the most affordable Japanese whiskies on the market. For those just making their first foray into the world of Japanese Whiskey the Hibiki Japanese Harmony is your best choice. With the help of a few experts I've made a list of some of the top Japanese whiskey every whiskey lover should try: Best Overall: Yamazaki 12 Year Old. Yamazaki has made it to be the 1# selling single malt whiskey in Japan. Consider it for your next Manhattan, Penicillin, or Old Fashioned. In fact, this whiskey has several variations, but this one is an affordable Japanese whiskey among its kind. Toki in Japanese means time. So, weve been through the best Japanese whiskies under $50 and the best ones under $100 Now, its time to tackle the $150 price point. These makers are known for taking. Cold, cold winters and hot, hot summers mimic the extreme conditions in Scotland said to create an environment that whisky loves. Loud & Proud: 11 Best Home Subwoofers Under $250. Weve got you covered with a breakdown of the best Japanese whisky to try this year, to break your teeth on the booming categorywithout totally breaking the bank. As a bourbon and American white oak cask-type, it makes sense why its popularity is growing in western societies. Go-To Gear for a California Ceramic Artist. We told you wed see Nikka again on the list. Purchase: $150 Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky If you're wanting one of the best Japanese whiskies you can actually find (and feel good about buying), Yamazaki's 12 Year is a great place to start. But does whiskey get better with age? Owner: Nikka Founder: Masataka Taketsuru Founded: The distillery was built in 1934 Price range: from $150 AUD This is a perfect choice for your next mixed drink. This Whisky is prepared from malt whiskies of Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries. As the title suggests, this Whisky has a nice balance of blended Whisky that gives away harmony. Hakushu malt and Chita grain whiskies make up most of the blend, plus a touch of Yamazaki malt. As you can imagine, it begins to become quite pricey. If so, you are in luck. Nikka also uses some whisky from Ben Nevis of Scotland. Their 10-year is perhaps the distillerys best to date. It develops aromas of malted barley, exotic fruits, camphor, and licorice. The 12-year Yamazaki provides a nice balance of smoothness that only comes with age, without the price and pretension of an 18+ year aged whiskey. We have already covered some excellent blends here, such as Suntory's Hibiki line, and there will be one more blend coming up, but we have something special up our sleeves for the best blended pick. It has a semi-sweet profile, with grain and barrel flavors dominating. And overall, Akashi White Oak tastes like a blended Scotch whisky. Expect to experience notes of agave upon the first sip with a sweet and sour taste. One key ingredient is the water they use to make the spirit, which usually comes from the Japanese alps or mountains near Tokyo. " Yamazaki 12 Year is perhaps the most iconic Japanese whisky of all, a yardstick by which all other whiskies in Japan are compared to," Cisneros says of . Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky. They go on to praise the taste and blend of the whiskey. Check it out today! Top 20 Whiskeys Below $100. Best Japanese Whisky: Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky at Drizly Jump to Review Best Rye Whiskey: Wild Turkey Master's Keep Cornerstone Rye at Drizly Jump to Review Best Bourbon Whiskey: Booker's Bourbon at Drizly Jump to Review Best Scotch Whisky: Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old Whisky at Drizly Jump to Review Best Cheap: Here are five Japanese whiskies that all cost less than the typical Fast Cash withdrawal from an ATM: Mars Shinshu Iwai Tradition ($50) Mars is often referred to, somewhat erroneously, as a Japanese craft distillery. Yamazaki Limited Edition range By this point, you may say we're mad for Yamazaki, and you'd be completely right. It's one of the whiskies used in Johnnie Walker's blends. This whiskey is aged to near perfection and is for someone who appreciates the finer whiskeys in life. Theyre not allowed to be labeled as such due to regrettable international trade laws. Japanese whiskey is fermented, distilled, and aged at a distillery in Japan. You wont regret it. Price: $49.99 $99.99 (price ranges greatly). Toki is Suntorys flagship product and one that introduced Americans to Japanese Whisky. Purchase Suntory Yamazaki 18 Year Old Whisky from wine on delivery starting at $1,399.99. This bottle is so respected, in fact, that its often compared to the likes of Suntorys Yamazaki and other Mars series whiskies! It is the one factor that makes these whiskeys a little pricey. Other interesting factors making it special are the wood used during the aging process and the shape of the stills to produce their whiskies. While there are a couple of crossovers from the $100 list, its only because I couldnt not include them. And Mars Iwai 45 stands out in whisky cocktails that have some dilution. The answer is a resounding "yes." So it tastes more authentic and refined. This single malt Japanese whisky is bold and strong with delicate peaty notes and smokiness because of a traditional direct-fired distillation. The Hibiki brand launched in 1989 to commemorate Suntorys 90th anniversary. 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