7/29/2023 0 Comments Japanese whiskey gift![]() This is only for those that you genuinely care about. I call it my whisky of the year for its taste, but it’s also a solid collectible investment piece. This is the latest annual limited release from Suntory, but it’s not for everybody at its price point. Money is Not an Issue: The Yamazaki Limited Edition 2021 Best Budget: Suntory Old WhiskyĮasily recognizable by its bottle shape, which looks like a Daruma doll, this smooth and sweet whisky is readily available at almost all supermarkets and liquor shops in Japan. Those accustomed to Scotch who are also familiar with Japanese whisky will feel right at home with this in-between whisky. In this whisky, you’ll find elements of nature such as grass, peat, smoke and fruits. In Japan, this would be the closest relative climate. Founder Masataka Taketsuru chose Yoichi in Hokkaido because of its similarity to Scotland. Yoichi is the flagship single malt from Nikka’s first distillery of the same name. Best Scotch-like: Nikka Whisky Single Malt Yoichi With a fruit punch-like taste, buy it for its taste or exclusivity. The Kirin Brewery Company purchased Four Roses in 2002, and this is a unique Japan-only release. I bet you’re asking, “Why is bourbon on this list?” Let me explain. I prefer the Ao as the taste is comparable to Suntory’s Hibiki Japanese Harmony. While the Nikka is a blend of three distilleries’ whiskies from two countries (Japan and Scotland), Suntory’s blend is from seven distilleries located throughout five major whisky regions (Japan, Scotland, USA, Canada and Ireland). There are essentially only two world whiskies, Suntory’s Ao and Nikka’s Session. Best World Whisky: Suntory World Whisky Ao This is the Hibiki to have, but I’ve included a cheaper version on this list for the budget conscious. The appearance of this whisky in the 2003 film Lost in Translation saw actor Bill Murray’s character Bob Harris popularize Japanese whisky in real life from his famous fictional Japanese “Suntory Time” commercial. It has a grainy aroma with the taste of light fruit. Despite the name, there is no actual coffee in this which, surprisingly, fools enthusiasts of the community into thinking there is. Aeneas Coffey, this is a whisky made chiefly from corn in column “Coffey” stills. It’s so much more affordable as a daily drinker and as a gift (and it would still be appreciated to receive). Yes, the age statement variants are better, but that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the no age statement (NAS) version. The Hakushu is a whisky that evokes thoughts of nature with its floral, grassy and fruity notes. ![]() Whisky makes for an elegant gift to be given anytime, and what better time than now?Īlthough devout collectors, scarcity and high demand have driven prices up and out of reach - 100 million Yen for a bottle of 55-year-old Yamazaki - I’d like to propose a list I curated for the everyday person, with many categories to select from. These blended varieties then vaunt unique savoury notes and even slight bitterness, with finishes that rarely linger, no matter how intense.Being in the holiday season means many will undoubtedly be spending money on family and friends and, in some cases, yourself. ![]() Blenders often use a variety of whiskies to build subtle layers of flavour, generally favouring delicacy and balance over bold flavours. While single malt and single grain whiskies are commonly produced, Japan is specifically noted for its blended whisky. True, the tipples you see today still resemble Scotch far more than American or Irish whiskeys, but the country’s output has developed to appeal to its own market by reflecting Japanese tastes. Pioneers took considerable inspiration from Scotch whisky, but fast-forward 100 or so years and Japanese whisky has evolved into something unique. After winning various awards in international competitions, Japanese whisky exports increased so rapidly that demand exceeded supply.įor those not in the know, Japanese whisky was first developed during the 1870s. Over the past couple of decades, however, Japan has become widely renowned as home to some of the best whisky in the world, with suppliers even struggling to keep up with the demand.Ĭonsumption began to increase following the highball craze in 2008, then again in 2014 when the life of Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru was portrayed in a Japanese drama, Massan. Until relatively recently, Japanese whisky was generally considered a niche category, unknown by many outside the country.
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