There is an increasing demand for this most unique expression of the spirit, and not enough distilleries to meet the demand. In short, it's a supply versus demand situation.

This can result in flavors that range from vanilla, spice, malt, nuts, and fruit to smoke, herbs, citrus, and honey.įAQs Why is Japanese whisky so expensive? Because it is often made from different blends, this impacts the taste. In the case of Japanese ones, they can vary widely.

The bottle of whisky should indicate some notes about how the whisky tastes. The latter is a type of oak tree that is indigenous to Japan and that has long been used in whisky making. This creates a unique tasting experience that will leave you experimenting with how you use it-neat, on the rocks, in a cocktail, and so forth.Īnother factor in the appeal of Japanese whisky pertains to the fact that it's aged in casks made from lots of different materials and that have aged other types of whisky, whether it's American bourbon, for example, or sherry on oak, or the rare mizunara. Japanese styled whiskies are known for the way they blend spirits from different barrels to achieve a more complex taste. Japanese whisky is special for a few reasons, and one of them has to do with the taste. What to Look for in Japanese Whisky Blends While Japanese whisky aficionados may not be able to find prized bottles for less than a ticket to Tokyo anymore, there are a number of bottles from major labels and some lesser-known brands that are not only delicious, but also reasonably priced.įrom single malts to blends and even expressions made entirely from rice, here are the best Japanese whiskies. Insatiable demand from whisky drinkers worldwide has created a shortage, and since there isn’t quite enough to go around, big producers have discontinued a number of deeply aged bottles and have been scrambling to create new tastebud-tickling expressions to quench the thirst of their audience. Even if you’re lucky enough to spot one on the shelf, it will likely now command a sum that, only a few years back, would have been unthinkable. Today, varieties from the storied producers that boast an age statement are nearly impossible to find. Japanese whisky was once affordable and easy to find at any well-stocked liquor store worth its salt.

Japanese whiskey glasses