Japanese Whisky, known for its meticulous craftsmanship and elegant complexity, has rapidly gained international acclaim. Drawing inspiration from traditional Scottish methods while infusing a unique Japanese perspective, these whiskies are characterized by their precision, balance, and subtlety. Ranging from light and floral to rich and peaty, Japanese Whisky often exhibits nuanced flavors with a smooth, refined texture. The meticulous attention to detail, from selecting the finest ingredients to the art of blending and aging, reflects the dedication to quality and harmony that is central to Japanese culture. Each bottle is a testament to the pursuit of perfection and the depth of the whisky-making art in Japan.
Yamazaki 12 Year Old is the quintessential offering from Japan's premier whisky producer, Suntory. Distilled in the serene town of Yamazaki, just outside Kyoto, it embodies the spiritual heart of Japanese whisky production. This expression, a harmonious blend from six casks of varying ages, places a spotlight on the influence of rich and fruity Bordeaux Casks and American Oak, offering a captivating and intricate tasting experience.
Tasting Note by Suntory:Nose: Peach, pineapple, grapefruit, clove, candied orange, vanilla, Mizunara (Japanese oak).Palate: Coconut, cranberry, butter.Finish: Sweet ginger, cinnamon, long finish.
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu is a distinctively smooth and gently smoky single malt whisky with herbal notes, representing a remarkable revelation among Japanese single malts. Crafted at Suntory's mountain forest distillery, situated deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, Hakushu Single Malt embodies the essence of Japanese whisky craftsmanship.
Tasting Note by Suntory:Nose: Peppermint, melon, cucumber.Palate: Yuzu, grapefruit, lemon thyme.Finish: Refreshing, subtle smoke.
Embrace the spirit of Japan's first and foremost whisky producer, Suntory, and discover the incredible complexity of this renowned single malt. Distilled in the picturesque town of Yamazaki near Kyoto, it's a tribute to a culture deeply connected to nature's beauty.
Tasting Note by Suntory:Nose: Strawberry, cherry, Mizunara (Japanese oak).Palate: Raspberry, white peach, touch of coconut.Finish: Sweet vanilla, clear finish with, hint of cinnamon.
Hakushu is the second Single Malt distillery brought to life by Japan's pioneering and highly acclaimed whisky producer, Suntory. Drawing inspiration from the pristine forests of Japan, Suntory dedicated 200 acres of natural sanctuary to craft the exquisite Hakushu Single Malt. Nestled in the mountainous region to the northwest of Tokyo, Hakushu Single Malt is characterized by its lively and grassy flavor profile, with a subtle hint of smoky peat. Every facet of Suntory's whisky production adheres to the principles of Japanese authenticity, influenced by the traditions of Scottish malts and executed with unwavering Japanese precision and craftsmanship.
Tasting Note by Suntory:Nose: Basil, pine needle, green apple.Palate: Sweet pear, mint, kiwi.Finish: Green tea, subtle smoke.
Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a captivating blend of Japanese malt and grain whiskies sourced from esteemed distilleries such as Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. Encased in its iconic 24-faceted bottle symbolizing the changing Japanese seasons, this whisky offers an inviting experience, characterized by notes of orange peel and white chocolate, making it a light and appealing choice for whisky enthusiasts.
Tasting Note by Suntory:Nose: Rose, lychee, hint of rosemary, mature woodiness, sandalwood.Palate: Honey like sweetness, candied orange peel, white chocolate.Finish: Subtle, tender long finish, with hint of Mizunara (Japanese oak).
Toki is a meticulously crafted blended whisky hailing from Suntory's trio of esteemed distilleries: Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. This exceptional blend offers a well-rounded and sweet character, characterized by refreshing citrus notes and a delightful spicy finish. The name "Toki" itself, which means "time" in Japanese, aptly reflects its distinct composition, setting it apart from its sibling blend, Suntory Hibiki. Toki showcases the harmonious marriage of Hakushu single malt and Chita grain whisky, resulting in a truly remarkable whisky experience.
Tasting Note by Suntory:Nose: Basil, green apple, honey.Palate: Grapefruit, green grapes, peppermint, thyme.Finish: Subtly sweet and spicy finish with a hint of vanilla oak, white pepper and ginger.
This blended whisky is crafted by combining malt whiskies, including those from the Asaka distillery, with grain whisky made from corn. It contains 20% malted barley and has been aged for three years in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks, ex-Oloroso casks, and ex-Pedro Ximénez casks, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile.
Tasting Note by Sasanokawa Shuzo:Nose: Elderflower, malt, caramel, iodine.Palate: Pear, cereals, vanilla, citrus.Finish: Iodine, vanilla, cereals.
The primary offering from the Eigashima distillery, "Akashi Blend," is a whisky composition consisting of 20% malted barley. It undergoes a three-year aging process in American oak casks, resulting in a light and harmoniously balanced character. Notably, Akashi Blend was awarded the gold medal at the 2016 International Spirits Challenge, recognizing its exceptional quality and flavor profile.
Tasting Note by Eigashima Distillery:Nose: Light – smoky & almond.Palate: Well-balanced – peach & toffee
The whisky blend known as "Yamazakura Peated" is a combination of various malt whiskies, including some from the Asaka distillery, as well as grain whisky made from corn. It contains 30% malted barley and is aged for three years in first-fill ex-Bourbon, ex-Oloroso, and ex-Pedro Ximénez casks. Notably, it remains uncolored and undergoes no chill-filtering, preserving its natural character.
Tasting Note by Sasanokawa Shuzo:Nose: Caramel, light smoke, vanilla.Palate: Peat, malt, citrus.Finish: Smoke, vanilla, yellow fruits.
The "Akashi Single Malt" is crafted entirely from Scottish barley and aged for three years in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. This exceptional whisky earned the prestigious title of "Whisky of the Year" at the 2022 International Spirits Challenge, highlighting its outstanding quality and flavour.
Tasting Note by Eigashima Distillery:Nose: Powerful – vanilla & smoky malt.Palate: Round and long – leather & red apple.
The "Akashi Blended Sherry Cask" is a recent addition with 30% malted barley in its composition. It undergoes aging in American oak casks and further matures for up to 6 months in sherry casks, adding a unique sherry-influenced dimension to its flavour profile.
Tasting Note by Eigashima Distillery:Nose: Rich – Vanilla & apricot.Palate: Sweet and mellow – spices & dried fruits.
This annual release has garnered a reputation as the pinnacle of the Shinshu style, captivating whisky enthusiasts around the world. Aged with meticulous care in a harmonious blend of bourbon and sherry casks, each sip unveils a symphony of taste that will transport your senses to new heights.
Tasting Note by Shinshu:Bright and fruit driven on the palate, with notes of plum, apricot, green apple and a touch of smoke. Vibrant barley sugar and vanilla on the palate, with some notes of marzipan, tarte tatin and tobacco leaf.
Togouchi Sake Cask Finish is the only Japanese whisky finished in sake casks. Aged in bourbon casks before a three-month finish in fresh sake casks from the Sakurao Brewery, it highlights the influence of this traditional Japanese spirit, adding a unique local character.
Tasting Note by Sakurao Distillery:Nose: Delicate — Vanilla, green apple, malt.Palate: Complex — Lactic, woody, white fruits.Finish: Long — White fruits, spices, malt.
Togouchi Premium is a blend of malt and grain whiskies, with around 10% malted barley contributing to its browned and nutty notes. Aged in bourbon barrels, it reflects Japanese craftsmanship with elegance and subtlety.Tasting Note by Sakurao Distillery:Nose: Elegant and bright — Walnut, grassy.Palate: Sweet and refined — Hazelnut, chocolate, honey, pepper.Finish: Subtle — Spices, nutmeg.
The "Yamazakura Asaka Single Malt" is celebrated as the "World Best Blended Malt" at the 2022 World Whiskies Awards. This exceptional offering is produced in limited quantities, with just 10 barrels in existence. It undergoes a three-year aging process in ex-Bourbon barrels, retaining its natural colour and remaining non chill-filtered. This single malt features malt whiskies known for their exceptional quality and a commitment to excellence, making it a standout in the world of whisky.
Tasting Note by Sasanokawa Shuzo:Nose: Citrus, malt.Palate: Floral, lemon zest, cereals.Finish: Vanilla, oak.
"Akashi Meïsei" is an exclusive Japanese blended whisky, presented as a special edition. Comprising 30% malted barley, Meïsei undergoes a 3-year maturation process in American Oak casks. This whisky offers a rich aroma, a round and floral palate, and delights with its pronounced notes of oak, vanilla, and sweet spices.
Tasting Note by Eigashima Distillery:Nose: Soft and floral – oak & candied citrus.Palate: Round – spicy oak & vanilla.
Crafted with utmost precision and care, this annual release has become a true cornerstone of the Shinshu distillery's product lineup, setting the benchmark for the renowned Shinshu style. Aged in a harmonious combination of bourbon and sherry casks, the Shinshu Komagatake 2015 Single Cask #3225 offers a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the heart of the Japanese Alps.
Tasting Note by Shinshu:Bright and fruit driven on the palate, with notes of plum, apricot, green apple and a touch of smoke. Vibrant barley sugar and vanilla on the palate, with some notes of marzipan, tarte tatin and tobacco leaf.
The "Akashi Single Malt Sherry Cask" undergoes a five-year aging process exclusively in sherry casks and maintains its natural colour and character without chill-filtering or colouring. This remarkable whisky was honoured with a Silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition, a testament to its quality and craftsmanship.
Tasting Note by Eigashima Distillery:Nose: Intense – White fruits & vanilla.Palate: Rich and silky – Dried fruits & almond.
This whisky is a discerning option suitable for enjoying in highballs or neat pours. With a minimum malt whisky content of 40%, it boasts a refined roundness complemented by a robust malt whisky foundation, which contributes cereal notes and a subtle sweetness. Aged for up to 12 years and meticulously crafted through a two-stage blending process, it maintains its natural color and undergoes no chill filtration. This unpeated whisky is characterized by its delicacy and floral qualities. It provides a harmonious mouthfeel, featuring an aromatic palate with floral undertones. Its style is elegant and light, yet it carries a remarkable depth derived from the use of malted barley.
Tasting Note by The Kaikyo Distillery:Nose: Unpeated, delicate and floral.Palate: It offers a balanced feel in the mouth, with an aromatic palate and floral notes.Finish: The style is elegant and light, carrying significant depth from the malted barley.
The first single grain whisky from the House of Suntory, crafted at the Chita distillery, continues 40 years of excellence in Japanese grain whisky distillation. Traditionally used as the “dashi” to enhance Suntory blends, Chita grain whisky has evolved through continuous research and innovation. Its refined complexity and balance now allow it to stand on its own, showcasing an unrivalled sophistication.
Tasting Note by Suntory:Nose: Crème brûlée, cardamom, acacia honey, blossoming rose.Palate: Mild and smooth, hint of mint, deep honey.Finish: Clean and clear, spiced oak with subtle bittersweet notes.
Togouchi 9 Year Old is a balanced and refined whisky, shaped by Japanese craftsmanship. A blend of 38% malted barley, it matures for nine years in bourbon barrels, developing a subtle profile with notes of white flowers, honey, and peppermint. Blended by the Sakurao Distillery, it ages in a former railway tunnel, where stable humidity and temperature create its light and elegant character.Tasting Note by Sakurao Distillery:Nose: Intense — Sweet spices, yellow fruit.Palate: Fresh and dry — Spices, citrus.Finish: Vibrant — Spices, citrus, peat, smoky.
The first single malt from Sakurao Distillery, aged for three years in bourbon and sherry casks. With a rounded, subtle body and aromas of nuts and sweet spices, it offers a warm and inviting character.
Tasting Note by Sakurao Distillery:Nose: Fresh — Vanilla, apple, orange marmalade.Palate: Rounded and sweet — Nuts, sugar.Finish: Bright and short — Sweet spices, ginger.
The "Akashi Single Malt Red Wine Cask" is a whisky that has been aged for over 4 years in cognac casks and then matured for an additional 10 months in red wine casks sourced from the Akashi vineyard in Yamanashi county. This whisky is notable for not undergoing chill-filtering or colouring, allowing its natural flavours and characteristics to shine through.
Tasting Note by Eigashima Distillery:Nose: Full – Woody & red fruits.Palate: Intense – Tannins & dried fruit.
The "Akashi Single Malt 5-Year-Old Bourbon Cask" whisky has been aged for a duration of 5 years in first-fill Bourbon casks. Importantly, it retains its natural character as it is neither chill-filtered nor coloured, offering a pure and authentic tasting experience.
Tasting Note by Eigashima Distillery:Nose: Fresh – toffee & vanilla.Palate: Gourmet – Sweet & wood.
One of the most opulent whiskies to grace the market in 2021, this particular expression was distilled at the Tsunuki Distillery before being transported to the enchanting island of Yakushima in southern Japan for its maturation. Exhibiting a seemingly accelerated aging process, it caters to connoisseurs who appreciate bold, robust flavors, delivering an immensely satisfying experience.
Tasting Note by Tsunuki:Cut grass and crème brulee, with some pineapple and Mirabelle plum on the nose, with just a touch of malted barley. Honey, vanilla and chocolate éclair on the palate, with some candied lemon. Some sweet spice on the finish, with coconut and aniseed.
Distilled and aged at the Tsunuki Distillery, this single cask whisky boasts an impressive peat level of 124ppm. Remarkably, it still retains the distillery's signature traits of freshness and floral notes, with the gentle peat providing a harmonious complement to these characteristics. Notably, this particular single cask was handpicked by La Maison du Whisky, a globally renowned whisky retailer known for their discerning taste in exceptional spirits.
Tasting Note by Tsunuki:Pepper, cinnamon and liquorice on the nose, with a touch of oiliness and oak cake. Very busy on the palate, with candied lemon, iris, bacon fat, gooseberry and vanilla pod. Some fresh herbs on the finish with sage, verbena and soft peat smoke.
