6. Yoichi Single Malt

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In Japan there has been a whisky shortage due mainly to the ever-increasing popularity for Japanese production.

This has resulted in single malt whisky being released or updated as Non-Age Statement (NAS) bottlings, a turn off for some traditionalists yet a positive for the whisky connoisseur happy to drink a single malt product of quality crafted from different aged barrels.

Yoichi Single Malt offers a tremendously complex peated whisky; the briny crispness of coastal Hokkaido was chosen specifically for the Yoichi Distillery by Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru for the region’s similarity to Scotland’s Islands.

This malt whisky expression offers notes of smoke, malted barley, tropical fruit and citrus on the nose, balanced by delicate cinnamon, spice, ginger, and seaweed on the tongue.

Yoichi finishes in slow waves of plum, nutmeg, peat, and just a hint more of salty brine. It’s a quality single malt offering at a reasonable price point and is a good introduction for those unused to Japanese drams.

7. Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

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Nikka decided to add their Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky to their core range in 2014 after previously being a limited-edition single cask range.

This single malt Japanese whisky is made with 100% malted barley then distilled through Coffey stills imported from Scotland at the Miyagikyo Distillery. Coffey stills are usually deployed in the production of grain whisky.

The Coffey Malt is very clean winded, and the slightly different distillation creates a fantastically spicy and fruit flavored expression. It’s an ideal bottle for the experienced whisky connoisseur looking for a more intense, uniquely individual flavored drop.

8. Kikori Japanese Rice Whiskey

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Kikori Japanese Whiskey is distilled in Japan and made from 100% rice (hence the different spelling of whiskey) to create a different tasting spirit that resembles traditional Japanese crafting.