5 Reasons Why Everyone want a bottle of Japanese Whisky

Japanese whisky enjoys worldwide popularity. But what makes it so beloved? Why do collectors, enthusiasts, and newcomers reach for a bottle of Yamazaki or Nikka as if it were a golden ticket? We break it down for you.

For years, Japanese whisky has been on a quiet rise. Well, not so quiet anymore. The country has already won significant awards for various whiskies, and more and more bottles are also reaching our shores.

Japan is renowned for its precision. Consider ultra-sharp knives, meticulously performed tea ceremonies. And what about the beautifully crafted sushi in restaurants? Whisky must also find its way into our hearts and hands in a delightful manner.

Where Scottish distilleries often lean on tradition and terroir, the Japanese go all-in on control. Water is carefully selected (usually from crystal clear mountain springs), fermentation almost conducted with military discipline, and the casks in which whisky matures guarded with near-religious fervor. Perhaps a tad exaggerated, but you get the picture.

Simply put, there's not that much Japanese whisky. Compared to Scotland, which boasts hundreds of distilleries, Japan's handful of producers seem pretty modest. The sudden global demand since the early 2000s led to an absolute run on Japanese bottles – and to scarcity.

Brands like Yamazaki 18, Hakushu 12, and Hibiki 21 have become so rare that you can hardly find them in stores anymore. If you do spot them, they certainly aren't a steal. This only adds to the allure of these whiskies. People naturally desire something special.

Plus, consider this: the esteemed mizunara oak, which lends aromas of sandalwood, coconut, and incense, only grows in Japan.

The third reason for the popularity of Japanese whisky has everything to do with the taste. Japanese whisky is not an explosive flavor bomb like some Islay malts, but brings very balanced flavors.

Lightly smoky? Sometimes. Sweet and floral? Often. Layered? Always. Japanese whiskies generally have an elegant taste profile that appeals to both beginners and seasoned whisky drinkers.

Take the Hibiki Japanese Harmony: a blend with notes of honey, orange peel, white chocolate, and a hint of oak. Or Nikka From The Barrel, which combines power and finesse with spices, caramel, and a subtle kick.

The focus is often on drinkability, complexity, and harmony. And believe it or not, these traits align perfectly with Japanese culinary culture. So yes, you can indeed pair Japanese whisky with sushi or ramen.

Last but not least: talking about elegance, we shouldn't overlook the attractive bottle labels and Japanese characters. They certainly pique one's curiosity.

The history of Japanese whisky reads like a novel. It all began with Masataka Taketsuru, a Japanese chemist who traveled to Scotland in 1918 to learn the craft. He married a Scottish woman, studied at distilleries, and returned to Japan armed with knowledge.

He first worked with Suntory, but later established his own distillery. To this day, his influence is evident in the whiskies of both brands.

The story of Japanese dedication combined with Scottish tradition captures the imagination. It piques the curiosity of Scottish whisky lovers, wondering what exactly this Japanese man brought back from Scotland. The whiskies didn't just pop out of nowhere, after all. Add to this the picturesque mountain landscapes set around many Japanese distilleries, and the picture is complete.

And finally, we arrive at the last reason we mentioned at the start of this piece: awards.

The general public really started taking notice of Japanese whisky when a Japanese dram was bestowed the title "Best Whisky in the World".

In 2015, Jim Murray in his famous Whisky Bible named Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013 the number 1 – topping all Scottish, Irish, and American competitors. You could say that the whisky world was rocked to its core.

Since then, international recognition hasn't stopped. Japanese whiskies keep winning awards in London, San Francisco, and elsewhere. This recognition not only creates more demand but also instills more trust. After all, if a bottle is labeled “the best,” everyone wants a taste. Easy as that.

And with that, we come to the end of this article. We have one final question for you: what's the best Japanese whisky you have tasted?