The best Japanese whisky brands implement a commitment to quality production, flavor innovation, and craftmanship to create expressions rivalling the traditional powerhouses of Scotch whisky.

The Japanese spirits landscape is dominated by two companies; most of the top-quality brands fall under the umbrella of global giants Suntory Whisky and Nikka.

The rapidly increasing thirst for Japanese whisky worldwide has created a momentary shortfall in whisky production, which has been a boon for the industry because independent bottlers and established leaders create interesting products blended in Japan from a wider range of source materials.

Japanese whisky also accounts for some of the most expensive bottles in the secondary, collector, and auction markets, a point which keeps whisky traditionalists from bemoaning Asian spirits creativity.

See more about – 21 of the Most Expensive Whiskies You Can Buy in 2021

The best whiskies in the UK tend towards single malt Scotch whisky, however Japan thrives on innovative blending. The following list of best Japanese whisky brands include affordable expressions from the great distillers, and a few lesser-known gems that will be great for getting to know.

Best Buy

1. Nikka Whisky from the Barrel

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Nikka Whisky From the Barrel blend packs a bold punch at 51.4% ABV and recently topped our list of best blended whiskies.

From the Barrel combines quality single malt from the Yoichi Distillery on Hokkaido with grain whiskies from the Miyagikyo Distillery on the main island Honshu.

After the whiskies are married, they are re-introduced for barrel finishing in a huge variety of casks, including bourbon barrel, sherry cask and refill hogshead. The resultant blended malt is a fine, smaller bottle (500ml) possessing distinct individuality, with full flavor characterized by solidity, depth of taste and the characteristic aroma of Japanese fruits and spices.