Spend some time taking in its aroma and you’ll begin to appreciate the various elements coming together, with fruits, spices, floral and woody notes all present. Hibiki translates as ‘harmony’ and the blender’s aim is to use those various whiskies to create something harmonious on the palate, and we think it achieves this brilliantly. It contains whisky from three of Suntory’s distilleries – malt from Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain whisky from Chita. If you want to get your hands on an archetypical Japanese blended whisky then Suntory’s Hibiki is well worth investigating. Tasting notes: Soft fruit and spice with light floral notes and drier toasted oak Although no new whisky is made at the distillery, its stocks are carefully managed, resulting in a steady trickle of releases.Ĭhristmas 2023: 10 whiskies for under £60 It quickly became a ‘must buy’ for collectors, sending prices rocketing. In 2001 the distillery closed, and news spread around the world of this mystical mountain distillery with a diminishing volume of exceptional whisky. The misty mountain air and high summer humidity combined to create unique conditions for whisky making, resulting in concentrated flavours and a high alcohol content. The distillery was founded in 1955 on the slopes of an active volcano, Mount Asama, and was the smallest in Japan. Arguably no distillery has a greater cult status than Karuizawa. There’s a mystique to many Japanese whisky distilleries that generates a cult following and can bump up prices to eye watering levels. Karuizawa: why is it a cult whisky brand? Often they will use a variety of whiskies to subtly build up layers of flavour, tending to favour delicacy and balance ahead of big, bold sipping experiences, to create a style that is distinctly Japanese. Seen as an art form in Japan, the best whisky blenders are highly respected individuals. Japan is also noted for its blended whisky. It’s hard to work with, but Japan’s whisky makers have perfected the craft and it is now used by several distilleries. In turn, these unique whiskies have become much sought out around the world.įor a truly Japanese tasting whisky, look for a spirit that has been aged in Japanese Oak, known as Mizunara, that produces a taste often compared to coconut. The first whiskies produced in Japan were made along similar lines to Scotch, but over the years the country’s output has evolved to appeal more to its own market by reflecting Japanese tastes. When it comes to handing out ‘world’s best whisky’ awards, winner’s certificates regularly make their way to Japanese distillery walls.įew blends have picked up as many top gongs as Suntory’s Hibiki range, and major player Nikka, along with other producers, have been similarly inundated with accolades for a range of whiskies over the years. But before we study those whiskies in detail, we still need to deal with the doubters and answer their oft-repeated question… Is Japanese whisky any good? In this piece we’ve picked out some Japanese whisky highlights that include products from some of those artisan distillers and big businesses, and even a closed distillery. Much like traditional whisky producing nations Scotland, Ireland and America it has built a history that includes celebrated producers, big businesses, cheap imitators and distillery closures, and it has expanded to produce a wide range of styles. Japan has been firmly established as a whisky producing nation for many decades and, with new distilleries cropping up all over the world, it is now seen as one of the old guard.
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