15 Best Japanese Whiskies of 2023 to Sip or Mix in Cocktails
Japanese whisky has long suffered an identity crisis, with little formal regulation to help define it. Japanese producers imported whisky from anywhere in the world to blend and bottle as a “product of Japan”—without disclosing that not all the liquid was actually made in the country.
In 2021, the Japan Spirits and Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) announced a new set of labeling standards—which go into strict effect on March 31, 2024—to dictate once and for all what can, and can’t, be labeled Japanese whisky. Among those rules, the spirit must be fermented, distilled, and aged at a Japanese distillery. Additionally, the spirit must contain water extracted in Japan and some sort of malted grain, whether that’s barley, wheat, or rye, but other non-malted cereal grains can be added as well. Finally, the spirit must be aged for three years and bottled in Japan. Companies that continue to make blended whiskies that incorporate Scotch, Irish whiskeys, bourbon, or other types of whiskey have to be labeled as “world whiskies."
That said, some of the best Japanese whiskies you can find today diverge completely from the tradition of single malts and blends. Instead, they're based on older distilled Japanese spirits traditions, such as shochu and awamori. Those spirits—sometimes made with koji, a mold that turns starches into sugar—are often distilled from rice or barley and sold with little to no cask maturation. When shochu or awamori are aged in barrels, however, they take on many familiar whisky characteristics. Several brands have established themselves in the last few years, carving out a niche among whisky drinkers who prize their flavorful and unique character—and the fact they're 100 percent made in Japan.
However, due to the scarcity of Japanese whisky, you’re increasingly faced with two options: the younger, unmatured offerings—typically less expensive though by no means cheap—or pricier bottles. Luckily, for the 2023 Men's Journal Spirits Awards, we rounded up the best Japanese whiskies you can get your hands on. Our best overall pick, Yamazaki 12-Year, has complex notes and aromas that make it ideal for a variety of uses, whether you take it neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a number of classic or inventive cocktails.
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Related: The Best Irish Whiskey Brands to Drink in 2023
Why You Should Trust Us
A bottle of quality Japanese whisky is no small drop in the bucket, so picking out the right one you’re sure to enjoy is key. As a spirits journalist, I’ve personally tried many of the whiskies on this list, and also sought out recommendations from trusted sources in the hospitality industry. Between myself and the bar vets on this list, like beverage director Jonathan Adler of Shinji’s in New York City or whisky buyer Nima Ansari of Astor Wine and Spirits, we’ve sipped an ungodly amount of Japanese whisky—for our jobs and for research, of course. Each expert brings their own expertise from the world of Japanese whisky, ensuring you make the right purchase for your needs.
What We Look for When Choosing the Best Japanese Whisky
For American whiskey lovers brand new to Japanese expressions, it's important to remember that the two are not comparable in taste. There’s a reason why Japanese whisky is spelled without the “e,” as it's actually modeled after Scotch whisky, and for decades now has been collected like it as well.
Thus, many of the same standards of quality for Scotch can technically be applied to Japanese whisky as well. Many Japanese whiskies are produced, similarly, from malted barley, and are cask aged. Much of the beauty of Japanese whisky, though, comes from the influence of the country’s many microclimates—the distillery’s elevation, water source, grain source (if not imported), all lend themselves to the distinct flavor of Japanese whisky. The country’s philosophy of kaizen, or continual innovation, also comes into play. While the producers of Scotch whisky are oftentimes singularly focused on consistency, Japanese distillers are more keen on experimentation. This is a large factor when it comes to picking out a quality bottle that shows the unique qualities of the Japanese market—not always looking for the same consistent indicators of quality, necessarily, but something different. For Japanese whisky in particular, that might mean an expression aged in mizunara oak or sakura casks, produced with local grain, or blended as a “pure malt.”
As stated, the rising dearth of widely available Japanese whiskies means that a quality bottle is typically no small cost—though you won’t always have to shell out Benjamins for a great introductory expression. When considering whiskies for this list, I not only considered the factors above, but also price for quality, as well as the reputation of the producer.
Best Overall Japanese Whisky: Yamazaki 12-Year
Yamazaki 12-Year is a renowned expression crafted by Suntory that's aged for a minimum of 12 years. Distilled at the Yamazaki Distillery, Japan's oldest malt whisky distillery, it undergoes a meticulous aging process in a variety of oak casks—including American, Spanish, and mizunara oak, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors.
Amber-hued, it presents a smooth and honeyed sweetness along with prominent notes of red berries, dried apricots, and a touch of mizunara oak spice. The use of mizunara oak casks—a traditional Japanese oak known for imparting unique spiciness and sandalwood aromas—contributes to the whisky's celebrated complexity. The well-integrated peaty undertones add depth without overpowering the palate, making it an approachable staple in the world of Japanese whisky.
Kate Boushel, beverage director of Atwater Cocktail Club, loves Yamazaki 12-Year in a classic Japanese highball. “It's so simple yet offers a perfect combination to bring forward its delightful nose (think baked peach and pineapple with a vibrant grapefruit and orange undertone)," Boushel says. "The light salinity of the soda really complements the warm, nutty, and buttery palate, which evolves into a long, lightly spiced ginger finish that carries a little further thanks to the carbonation.”
Best Japanese Whisky for an Old Fashioned: Nikka Coffey Grain
No, there’s no coffee in Nikka Coffey Grain. Coffey refers to the name of the man who invented a continuous distillation still, an ancient way of distilling a lighter style of whisky, which Nikka still employs.
“In many ways, this is one of the standard expressions that's helped define the category,” Ansari says. Flavien Desoblin, owner of New York City bars Brandy Library and Copper & Oak, agrees: “It’s really satisfying—something you can drink every day," he says.
Thanks to its unique distillation process, Nikka Coffey Grain is prized for its smooth and velvety texture with a nose that reveals aromas of vanilla, toffee, and tropical fruits. On the palate, expect a delicate balance of sweet corn, caramel, and a hint of coconut, and a finish with lingering notes of oak and subtle spice—perfect for a spirit-forward cocktail, which allows the whisky’s nuance to shine.
“We love Nikka Coffey Grain Whiskey for its elegance and nuance,” says Reed Adelson, owner of Virginia’s in New York City. “The whisky is single grain and really has some beautiful caramel and banana notes. It's best served neat, but is also fabulous in an old fashioned.”
Best Budget Japanese Whisky: Suntory Whisky Toki
Out of all the whiskies on this list, you’re most likely to find Suntory Toki in stock at your local liquor store. It's a blended whisky from Suntory's three distilleries: Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita.
“Japanese whiskies have gained international acclaim for good reason—including craftsmanship, consistency, quality ingredients, and attention to detail," says Amir Babayoff, bar director at Ophelia Rooftop Lounge. "The meticulous craftsmanship behind Suntory Toki yields a round and sweet blend with a refreshing citrus character and a spicy finish, making it perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or as the star ingredient in sophisticated cocktails such as a Penicillin or Gold Rush.”
If you want an easy sipper, try Toki in a highball with club soda and a spritz of fruit. The cocktail is so massive in Japan, there are machines dedicated to cranking them out.
Related: 50 Best Whiskeys in the World 2023
More Japanese Whiskies We Love
Courtesy Image
Made from rice and koji at a distillery that’s been operating since 1823, this whisky offers advanced age and complex character at an accessible price. Always bottled as a single cask, exact flavors vary from barrel to barrel, but typically showcase warm spice, deep fruitiness, and chewier texture than usual for koji whisky, thanks to the dozen years in oak. Limited edition by its nature, this whisky is still such a well-kept secret that finding a bottle won’t be too tough.
Courtesy Image
If you have serious dough to drop on whisky, consider this re-release of a classic from Japan’s oldest single-malt distillery. With a new recipe by chief blender, Shinji Fukuyo, that incorporates American, Spanish, and Japanese mizunara oak casks, the whisky is a masterwork of maturation and balance. Aromas of apple blossom, sandalwood soap, and waxed lemon give way to a silky palate full of dried apricots, walnuts, spice, and gentle smoke. The days of finding extra-mature Yamazaki at everyday values are long gone, but this one gives ample reasons to merit its stratospheric price tag.
Why Is Japanese Whisky So Popular?
Ever since Suntory’s 2013 Yamazaki Sherry Cask won “World Whisky of the Year” in the 2015 edition of Jim Murray's Whisky Bible, it thrust Japanese whisky-makers—who've been around for decades—into the spotlight. That exposure was a double-edged sword, causing the demand for Japanese whiskies to dwarf the supply.
“The available reserves from the larger distillers, including Suntory and Nikka, sold out immediately,” says Ansari. With no juice left, distillers had to discontinue their oldest products and limit others while focusing on creating new, younger variants just to keep some whisky on the shelves. “This naturally raised the price for everything,” Ansari says, “especially the older expressions.”
It’s no longer possible to find a shelf full of Yamazaki 12-Year-Old priced in the double digits, or age-statement Nikka Yoichi and Miyagikyo. But a host of new brands have swept in to offer more options, opening up ideas about what makes a uniquely Japanese whisky.
Where to Buy Japanese Whisky
Dekanta is a great online resource to buy Japanese whiskies. In addition to the regular (still expensive) selection, there’s a “rare” page for ultra-exclusive finds like Hakushu 25, Yamazaki 25, and bottles from Ichiro’s Malt Card Series.
Both Desoblin and Ansari agree you’ll have to put in a little more effort to find the right bottles than you would for a Scotch or a bourbon, but you also don’t have to go broke when buying Japanese whisky. As new distilleries come online and drinkers discover the diversity that exists within the category, the landscape should continue to evolve.
