In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 best Japanese whiskies in 2024. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the Japanese whisky exports, the ongoing major price hikes, and the recent investment in the Japanese whisky industry, head to 20 Best Japanese Whiskies in 2024.
5. Nikka From the Barrel
Insider Monkey Score: 9
This iconic Japanese expression is Nikka’s flagship whisky and is a blend of 60% Coffey Grain and 40% malts from Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. It was created to deliver full flavors and richness of whisky ‘from barrels’ which only blenders can sniff and taste.
Nikka From the Barrel has bagged multiple accolades at the World Whiskies Awards over the years, as well as winning the trophy for Best International Blend at the International Spirits Challenge 2015 awards. Owned by Asahi Group Holdings, Nikka is the second-largest distiller in Japan.
4. Suntory Toki
Insider Monkey Score: 9
Toki is a vivid blend of carefully selected whiskies from the House of Suntory’s globally acclaimed Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita distilleries. It has a different composition to another Suntory blend, Hibiki, as its main components are Hakushu single malt and Chita grain whisky.
Given its high quality and low price, Suntory Toki is one of the Best Japanese Whiskies to Gift to your loved ones.
3. Nikka Yoichi Single Malt
Insider Monkey Score: 10
Relaunched in 2016 as a permanent product that showcases the authentic style of Yoichi malts, this smoky whisky is a blend of single malts from different years and consequently does not carry an age statement.
Yoichi was Nikka’s first distillery built in 1934. Its malts are described as bold and strong with refined peaty notes and smokiness brought by the traditional direct coal-fired distillation.
2. Hibiki Japanese Harmony
Insider Monkey Score: 11
Heralded as the foundation of the Hibiki range, Japanese Harmony is a blend of Japanese malt and grain whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. This expression is superbly well-balanced and smooth, putting it among the Best Japanese Whiskies for Beginners.
Produced in Japan by Beam Suntory, the Hibiki whisky range is a harmonious blend of several malt and grain whiskies which are meticulously blended to create a full orchestra of flavors and aromas.
1. Yamazaki 12 Year Old
Insider Monkey Score: 12
This single malt is distilled in the spiritual home of Japanese whisky, in the town of Yamazaki right outside Kyoto. Introduced in 1984, the Yamazaki 12 was the first seriously marketed whisky from the Land of the Rising Sun and since then, it has acquired quite the cult following all around the globe. This wonderful and smooth expression has won a multitude of awards over the years and still continues to impress with its well-balanced fruity sweetness, something that appeals to novice and experienced whisky drinkers alike.
According to Masato Makida, an overall store manager at the secondhand store chain Liquor Off, a bottle of Yamazaki 12 now goes for around 18,000 yen ($117.6) in Japan.
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