For centuries Scotland and Ireland have been the regions that produce world’s most refined whiskey. However, over the years a shift has been seen in other regions such as Japan and Kentucky producing some of the world’s remarkable whiskeys. The Japanese are artistic and a bit mysterious in most of the leading products that they produce. Although the Japanese whiskey draws its inspiration from the Scotch, they add a touch of their creativity to give their whiskey a unique and more subtle taste. Suntory and Nikka are the leading distillers of world-class whiskeys in Japan.

1.     Nikka Single Malt Yoichi

One of the top whiskey distillers in Japan, Nikka, amazed the world with yet one of their masterpieces. The presentation of the Nikka Single Malt Yoichi is skillfully done with a touch of the brand’s character. The nose is deliberating as it opens up with apples, lemon, and oranges, as the aroma fades you feel light smoke, fresh mint, and peak. In addition, the background is with salt and light spices aroma.

The palate is more distinctive with peat more dominant, and fruity flavors with light spices balance the taste of each ingredient. You get a smooth chocolate, and toffee with caramel as the palate fades. A neutral, silky feeling characterizes the breathtaking finish leaving a taste of eucalyptus and mint in your mouth. The Yoichi Single Malt has an ABV range of 45%.

2.     Suntory Hibiki 21 Years Old

Nothing looks classy and sophisticated like a glass of an award-winning whiskey on an expensive table. The Suntory powerhouse is the distillers of this golden drink that won the best-blended whiskey at the glamorous World Whiskey Awards. The nose opens up to the delicate dried fruits and light spices aroma that gives a relaxation feeling as it fades.

The Hibiki is a blend of whiskey aged in 5 different casks which include American white oak, sherry, and a rare Japanese wood- Mizunara. The playful mix brings a unique palate. Deep flavors of charred oak, followed by floral and the delicate blend of orange and citrus grace the palate.

3.     Nikka Coffey Grain

The Nikka Coffey Grain is a clear indication that the Japanese draw their inspiration from the Scottish whiskeys. The imported coffee from Scotland is used in blending this remarkable whiskey. The production of this elegant drink is done using reminiscent of a bourbon, but the dominant ingredient is corn. The nose opens up to a delighting vanilla aroma, and the palate is characterized maple syrup as it delicately blends with vanilla and leaving corn finish.

4.     Suntory Hakushu 12-Year Single Malt

This 12-years old is distilled in the Suntory’s mountain forest distillery which is in Japan’s Southern Alps. The nose fills with natural scent with fresh meadow playing the active role, but toasted barley compliments it.  In addition, the palate is a complex and crisp with a mouth coating finish.

5.     Mars Shinshu Iwai Japanese Whisky

This whiskey takes a different approach from most of the top Japanese whiskeys. And this is because it draws its inspiration from the American whiskeys. The cinnamon spice, vanilla bean, and charred oak characterize the palate. The finish is a smooth, creamy corn that is quite lasting.

Thus, the Japanese are continuously updating their distilleries to produce some of the world’s top whiskeys.