What is Different About Japanese Whisky? Top 5 Blends to Try

Do you know what Japan is famous for? Of course, the anime and now the Olympics! But there is certainly more than that.

Yes, we are talking about their whiskies.

Geared up from the famous scotch variety, Japanese whisky is served either in blends or single malts. Its unique flavour is formed from the authenticity of the distillation method that is recognised in Japan.

They are known to be wood-aged for a relevant time period to offer that distinctive flavour. Here are some of the Japanese whisky blends that are worth a shot!

#1 Kurayoshi 18yr old Pure Malt Japanese Whiskey 

The first Japanese Whisky blend to add to your bar should be this outstanding Malt Japanese Whiskey by Kurayoshi. The brand has been soothing the palettes of whisky lovers for nearly two decades now. Kurayoshi 18YO has a combination of vanilla and honey flavour with a dash of smokey tingle on the taste buds.

It holds an alcoholic content of about 50%, which is pretty decent. To mention some of its features, Kurayoshi 18YO pure malt has been precisely created at Mt Daisen, Matsui Distillery. 

That's why you are likely to find a touch of authenticity in its production. If you have heard about Ji whiskies, this pure malt version is one of the firsts of such kind in Australia. 

#2 The Tottori Bourbon Cask Blended Japanese Whiskey 

Next in the list, we have another Ji variation called Tottori Blended Whiskey. Just like Kurayoshi 18YO, the Tottori blend has similar roots of origin from Mt Daisen, Matsui Distillery. 

The bourbon cask blend holds an alcohol content of 40%, which is less than Kurayoshi. However, it is adequate for that much-needed punch on the taste buds. 

The secret behind such relishing taste is its formation from the water of the Tottori prefecture mountains. With its root in Japan, the blend is aged for about three years in Bourbon barrels.

#3 Kurayoshi Japanese Whiskey Sherry Cask

Another addition from the Kurayoshi variant involves the Sherry Cask blend. With an alcohol content of 43%, this amber-color whisky has a taste of strawberry and lemon tart combination. 

The soothing aroma of this whisky blend seems like chocolate and sweet fruit. Usually, it's the result of being aged for about three years in an ex-sherry cask. 

Once you taste the variant, you are likely to feel fair stability of both sweet and acidic flavor. The aftertaste is more on the bittersweet side. 

#4 Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Japanese Whisky

Created by Masataka Taketsuru, Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt is that one variety you cannot miss. It is produced precisely from two different Japanese distilleries called Miyagikyo and Yoichi. 

Comimg to its feel on the palette, the blend has a juicy taste with a touch of heat on the taste buds. Likewise, on the nose, it has a nutty (walnuts, hazelnuts, and candied nuts) feel with a smokey kick. 

On consuming, you are likely to get a fruity taste of apricots and peach following vanilla and grape. The flavors are likely to turn herby and pastry-like as it spreads all over the palate.

#5 Toki Suntory Japanese Whisky

With an alcohol content of 43%, Toki Suntory Whisky is a blend that is gold in color with sweet yet spicy flavors. It has got its roots via three Japanese distilleries named Hakusha, Chita, and Yamazaki. 

With Hakashu single malt and Chita grain whisky being its primary ingredients, you can relish it with light pub meals. Besides, the variety tastes heavenly when served as a highball. You can pair it up with ice cubes, stir it up, and add sparkling water for a perfect glass. 

With all these exceptional varieties, you must be craving Japanese whisky (So, are we😅). Now that you know some fantastic blends, why not try it yourself? While we nourish our palettes with the same, get your own bottle and see which one suits your taste buds.