15 Best Japanese Whiskeys: Expensive & Budget Options (2024)

Japanese whiskey has captured the hearts and palates of casual drinkers and investors alike – thanks to the unique blend of tradition, innovation, and craftsmanship! 

The story of Japanese whiskey began with two visionaries – Masataka Taketsuru (the "father of Japanese whiskey") and Shinjiro Torii (the founder of the Suntory distillery.) 

Cut to today, Japan's whiskey offerings, from velvety smooth single malts to harmoniously blended ones, cater to a diverse range of preferences.

We've compiled a list of the 15 best Japanese whiskey labels, including eight luxurious options for those looking to splurge and seven budget-friendly picks if you’re more wallet-conscious.

What’s more? 

We’ll show you how to invest in whiskey casks easily (through Whiskeyvest.)

Best Japanese Whiskey: 8 Expensive Bottles (Above $200) 

If you want to treat your guests to a luxurious one for your next party or invest in one for the long term, these eight bottles should be on your list:

1. Yamazaki 18 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey ($1263)

The Yamazaki 18 Year Old Single Malt, from Japan's oldest distillery, is renowned for its rich character and depth of flavor. 

Aged in American, Spanish, and Japanese oak casks, it boasts aromas of dried fruits, raisins, and dark chocolate, with a hint of Mizunara oak. The palate offers sweet and spicy notes featuring dried berries, vanilla, cinnamon, and honey, leading to a long, oaky finish. 

A multiple award winner, including gold medals at the International Spirits Challenge, this exquisite whiskey from the Yamazaki distillery is a must-try for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

2. Hakushu 18 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey ($879)

Hakushu 18 Year Old Single Malt hails from Suntory's Hakushu distillery, renowned for its pristine water source and natural surroundings. 

Aged for 18 years, this exquisite whiskey exhibits a complex profile, with a fruity aroma hinting at pear, apricot, and citrus, alongside subtle smoky notes. The palate reveals a velvety texture, blending flavors of dried fruit, caramel, and a touch of smoke, leading to a lingering, spicy finish. 

Highly acclaimed, the Hakushu 18 Year Old has won numerous awards, including gold at the International Spirits Challenge.

3. 2020 Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 'The Peated' Single Malt Whisky ($901)

Ichiro's Malt Chichibu 'The Peated' is a highly sought-after single malt from the esteemed Chichibu distillery, founded by Ichiro Akuto in 2008. 

The 2020 release showcases a skillful balance of peat and elegance, featuring a gentle smokiness interwoven with fruity and floral notes. On the nose, experience a harmonious blend of peat, orchard fruits, and delicate flowers, while the palate delivers a satisfying marriage of smoky and sweet flavors, including custard creams, black tea, vanilla, and citrus. 

4. Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old Pure Malt Whisky ($950)

Named after the legendary Masataka Taketsuru, the Nikka Taketsuru 21 Year Old Pure Malt Whisky is a sophisticated blend from two of Nikka's distilleries, Yoichi and Miyagikyo. 

This exceptional whiskey presents a symphony of flavors, with a nose featuring dried fruits, leather, and a hint of tobacco. The palate offers a harmonious balance of fruity and smoky notes, with dark chocolate, sherry, and a touch of peat, culminating in a long, luxurious finish. 

It won the title of "World's Best Blended Malt" (World Whiskies Awards), and secured a spot as the “best Japanese whisky” in the Whisky Bible 2020 by Jim Murray.

5. ​​Hibiki 21 Year Old Blended Whisky ($1,322)

The Hibiki 21 Year Old is an exquisitely blended whiskey from Suntory, masterfully combining select grain and malt whiskies from the Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita distilleries. 

This elegant blend boasts a complex profile, with a nose presenting notes of ripe fruits, sandalwood, and honey. The palate reveals a harmonious interplay of flavors, including dried apricots, dark chocolate, and subtle oak, leading to a long, smooth finish. 

Highly acclaimed, Hibiki 21 has won numerous awards, such as the "Supreme Champion Spirit" at the International Spirits Challenge

6. Nikka Yoichi 20 Year Old Single Malt Whisky ($3,862)

Nikka Yoichi 20 Year Old Single Malt is an excellent whiskey from the esteemed Yoichi distillery, founded by Masataka Taketsuru. 

Aged for 20 years, the nose of this single malt greets you with dried fruits, floral notes, and a hint of smoke, while the palate delivers a rich symphony of dark chocolate, sherry, and a touch of peat. The finish is long, smooth, and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression. 

7. Kirin Fuji-Gotemba 'Fujisanroku' 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky ($607)

The Kirin Fuji-Gotemba 'Fujisanroku' 18 Year Old Single Malt is a premium whiskey produced at the iconic Fuji-Gotemba distillery, situated at the base of Mt Fuji. 

This exceptional single malt is aged for 18 years, imparting a unique character influenced by its pristine location. The nose offers a delightful mix of ripe fruits, vanilla, and a touch of oak, while the palate features a harmonious blend of flavors, including caramel, chocolate, and a subtle hint of smoke. 

8. Matsui Shuzo 'The Kurayoshi' 18 Year Old Pure Malt Whisky ($253)

The Kurayoshi 18 Year Old Pure Malt Whisky hails from the renowned Matsui Shuzo distillery, nestled in the picturesque Tottori Prefecture. 

This exceptional pure malt is aged for 18 years in the Kurayoshi distillery and has a rich and distinctive character. The nose is grassy at first, followed by layers of aromatic oak and buttered bread. The palate delivers a symphony of flavors, including citrus, black tea, cumin powder, and brown sugar. 

Unique to Matsui Shuzo, Tottori's famed spring water softens this whisky, adding a velvety texture. 

We’re not done yet with the best Japanese whisky bottles!

Best Japanese Whiskeys: 7 Budget Options (Below $200)

These bottles would be great additions to any celebration:

1. Suntory Toki Whisky ($39)

Suntory Whisky Toki is an innovative blended whisky that artfully combines selected malts and grains from the Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries. Toki, meaning "time" in Japanese, represents a fusion of tradition and modernity. 

The nose of this best Japanese whisky offers a refreshing blend of green apple, honey, and a hint of basil, while the palate delivers a delicate balance of citrus, sweet vanilla, and a subtle touch of ginger. Unique for its versatility, Suntory Toki is perfect for various whiskey cocktails, such as the iconic "Toki Highball" or a “Toki Old Fashioned.” 

Affordable and approachable, it's an excellent introduction to Japanese whisky.

2. Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky ($72)

The Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky – from the renowned Nikka whisky distillery – is distilled using Coffey stills traditionally used for grain whisky production. This expression highlights the distinct character and complexity of the grain itself. 

The nose presents a delightful mix of tropical fruits, sweet corn, and a touch of vanilla. The palate of this exceptional grain whisky delivers a rich, velvety texture with flavors of toffee, banana, and a hint of oak, giving you a classic Japanese whiskey experience.

3. Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve Single Malt Whiskey ($130)

This whiskey is a masterful single malt expression skillfully crafted by blending various aged whiskies, including those matured in Bordeaux wine, American oak, and Mizunara casks. 

The nose introduces a fragrant mix of red berries, tropical fruits, and a hint of Mizunara oak, while the palate offers a delightful harmony of flavors featuring raspberry, white peach, and a touch of coconut. The finish is smooth and has a lingering sweetness. 

4. Hakushu Distiller's Reserve Single Malt Whisky ($179)

The Hakushu Distiller's Reserve Single Malt is an exceptional whiskey from Suntory's mountain distillery, known for its pristine water and lush surroundings. It is expertly crafted by blending various aged whiskies, including those matured in American oak and smoky peated malts in this Japanese distillery. 

The nose reveals a refreshing mix of green apple, mint, and a hint of smoke, while the palate has a satisfying balance of citrus, light peat, and a touch of sweetness. The finish is clean and crisp, and comes with a gentle smokiness. 

5. Hibiki Japanese Harmony Blended Whisky ($113)

Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a masterfully crafted blended whiskey from Suntory that combines select grain and malt whiskies from the Chita, Yamazaki, and Hakushu distilleries – a beautifully balanced expression. It scored one of the highest points at the 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, along with the Fukano rice whisky.

The nose of this Japanese whiskey introduces a fragrant bouquet of orange blossom, honey, and a touch of oak. The palate reveals a delightful interplay of flavors, including apricot, caramel, and a hint of cinnamon. The finish of a Hibiki Harmony is smooth and lingering, with a subtle spiciness. 

6. Nikka From The Barrel Japanese Whisky ($77)

Nikka From The Barrel is a full-bodied blended whiskey, expertly marrying malts and grains from Nikka's Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries. Unique for its high proof, this expression is bottled at 51.4% ABV. 

The nose offers a rich blend of caramel, vanilla, and ripe fruits, while the palate delivers an intense harmony of flavors, including dark chocolate, orange zest, and a touch of spice. The finish is long, warming, and satisfying. 

Nikka From The Barrel is an excellent choice for those seeking a bold Japanese whiskey experience at an affordable price.

7. Mars Iwai Tradition Wine Cask Finish Blended Japanese Whisky ($73)

Mars Iwai Tradition Wine Cask Finish is a unique blended whisky from Mars Shinshu distillery in Japan's picturesque Nagano Prefecture. This expression is skillfully finished in wine casks in this Japanese whisky distillery imparting a distinctive character and depth of flavor. 

The nose presents a delightful mix of red fruits, vanilla, and a hint of oak, while the palate offers a rich combination of flavors, including dark chocolate, raisins, and a touch of spice. The finish is smooth with a gentle sweetness from the wine cask influence. 

Now, if you’re a whisky lover considering the best Japanese whisky bottles as a long-term investment, you’re on the right track!

Why Is Japanese Whiskey Investment Worthy? 

Japanese whisky has become increasingly sought-after among investors and collectors due to its rarity and global acclaim. 

As demand for Japanese whisky has surged, limited releases such as the Yamazaki 18 Sherry Cask, Hakushu 25, and Karuizawa Single Cask expressions have seen a significant appreciation in value, making them attractive investments. For instance, the 2009 Yamazaki Sherry Cask has surged in value by 93.5% from $4,859 in May 2021 to $9,383 in March 2023.

The meticulous craftsmanship, innovative techniques, and distinctive character of Japanese whiskies have also driven up prices at auctions. For example, a 55-year-old Yamazaki single malt sold for a record-breaking $800,000 in 2022. 

The growing number of international awards, such as the Yamazaki 25 winning "Best Single Malt Whisky" at the International Spirits Challenge, has further solidified their reputation.

Now, what’s better than investing in whiskey bottles of, say, a “Yamazaki Bourbon Barrels Japanese Single Malt Whisky” from a whisky exchange or online store?

Investing in whiskey casks!

Why?

Whiskey casks improve with age, which means their flavor and aromas evolve while they are in the cask. (But not when bottled.) 

They’re also more liquid, giving you many options when selling them. You can have them blended, bottled, or aged further.

But, how do you get hold of casks?

Invest in the Finest Whiskey Casks Through Whiskeyvest

Whiskeyvest allows you to invest in rare whiskey barrels. This makes buying and selling casks super-simple and secure, be it Japanese casks or Scotch whisky barrels.

What Are the Benefits of Investing through Whiskeyvest?

• No middlemen are involved, so Whiskeyvest passes the savings along to you.
• Your casks will be insured and stored in a temperature- and humidity-controlled bonded warehouse for optimal aging.
• You own your whiskey and can receive a sample bottle from your cask once a year.
• You can even see your cask in person.
• The Whiskeyvest team will recommend a hold time depending on the cask. When your cask reaches maturity, they will arrange to sell it on your behalf.
• Don’t want to sell your cask? You can opt to have it bottled and delivered to you.

Own the Finest Japanese Whiskey Now!

Japanese whisky has truly taken the world by storm, captivating enthusiasts and collectors alike with its unique character, quality, and craftsmanship. 

As interest in Japanese whisky continues to grow, it has become a cherished addition to whiskey collections and a valuable investment. 

So, why wait? Explore the enchanting world of Japanese whisky by investing in casks through Whiskeyvest right away.