The Best Japanese Whisky Brands That'll Complete Your Bar Cart

Japanese whisky is one of the most sought-after spirits in the world. Many experts agree that it rivals Scotch and American whiskey in terms of international prestige. So if you're looking for a new whisky to add to your liquor cabinet, consider one of these Japanese options, which represent a wide range of flavor profiles and price points.

Our top picks

Why is Japanese whisky so good?

Many people think of Japanese whisky as the créme de la créme of whiskies. It shares some characteristics with Scotch, which makes sense considering its history. In the late 1910s, Masataka Taketsuru travelled from Japan to Scotland to study chemistry. Instead, he fell in love with Scotch (we probably would, too). He brought the tradition back to his home country and opened Japan's first two whisky distilleries.

Much of Japanese whisky is made like Scotch. It uses malted barley and is aged in wood, like Scotch, imparting drier and smokier flavors, unlike bourbon, which leans sweet. And it's spelled Japanese whisky without the e, as Scotch whisky is also spelled without the e.

How we chose these products

We reached out to chefs, bartenders, and restaurateurs to find out which Japanese whiskies they like to sip on and mix into cocktails. We collected their favorites and made sure we had options to fit every budget, from under $50 to $3,000.

Looking for all different types of whiskey? Check out our favorite whiskey brands. If you need some recs on bourbon, here are the best ones to try.