⚡ The Whisky World's Best Kept Secret

Understanding Japanese Whisky is a flex - even if you don’t drink it.
By Koko & Jeff Lam, hosts of the “Heavily Buzzed” Podcast

When you think of Japan, what comes to mind? Anime, J-Pop, sleek business suits, bowls of ramen, and shots of sake? Sure, but did you know Japan also produces some of the best whisky in the world? It shouldn’t be a surprise. From electronics to fashion, the Japanese have a way of taking something great and perfecting it through relentless craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The story of Japanese whisky actually begins in Scotland, where early Japanese distillers traveled to learn the art of whisky making from the masters themselves. They brought back that Scottish expertise, combined it with Japanese precision and discipline, and the result was something uniquely their own smooth, balanced, and deeply expressive whiskies that rival the best from anywhere.

My first Japanese whisky was a Hibiki 12 Year, and I’ll admit, I was still a novice whisky drinker back then. At the time, all whisky tasted like fire to me. But I remember the first nose on that Hibiki. Gentle, elegant, and welcoming. I knew right away this wasn’t some bottom-shelf bottle from the corner liquor store.

To truly appreciate Japanese whisky, you need to understand the craftsmanship behind it. It’s often considered very delicate, approachable, but complex. To be officially labeled Japanese whisky, it must be made from malted grains using Japanese water, distilled and aged in Japan for at least three years in wooden casks. Japanese whisky has it’s own signature flavor profile. 

Now, a quick word for beginners: just because a bottle has Japanese writing or cherry blossoms on the label doesn’t mean it’s authentic. There are plenty of imposters out there. If you’re starting out, you can’t go wrong with anything from Suntory, especially the Yamazaki and Hibiki lines.

And here’s my advice, don’t go straight for the most expensive bottle on the shelf. Whisky is a journey, not a race. Higher age statements don’t always mean “better.” Everyone loves to say the Hibiki 30-Year-Old is amazing, and sure it’s legendary. But you’ll appreciate it more once you’ve worked your way up to that level. Developing your palate is part of the fun. 

For those of you that want to start drinking whisky neat, Japanese whisky would be a great choice to start with. So enough of the whisky nerd talk, it’s time to pour your next dram and keep exploring.

Kampai!

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