Japanese whiskies are crafted in the Scottish style. We find they lie between Lowland and Speyside in style. Delicate and perfumed with honeyed sweetness. One regularly hears them described as being smooth, but that is doing them an injustice. Light sherry and floral notes, sometimes they have been peated for a smoky, quasi Islay style.
The burgeoning Japan whisky industry has been largely attributed to its two founding fathers: Shinjiro Torii and Masataka Taketsuru. Shinjiro established the Suntory brand, founding the first distillery in Japan in 1923, Yamazaki in the Vale of Yamazaki. Taketsuru founded Yoichi on Hokkaido eleven years later.
Today, Japanese whiskies are becoming increasingly popular and in a style of their own. Japanese whisky is a relatively new addition to the world of whisky, but it has quickly become a favourite among connoisseurs.
Due to high demand, Japanese whisky is not as widely available as other types of whisky, but if you're looking to try something new, Japanese whisky is a great option. It is made in a variety of locations across the country, each with its own climate and water source which contribute to the Japanese whisky's distinctive profile. Why not explore all our amazing Japanese whiskies below and pick out something spectacular!