Japanese whiskies have become very popular, and it's easy to see why. They offer excellent flavours, with lots of complex layers in each bottle. But which ones are the best? Let us show you the top five Japanese whiskeys you should try today. 

1. Kanosuke Hioki Pot Still

Kanosuke has a global cult following despite being fairly new to the scene. Their drinks continue to win awards, with the Hioki Pot Still winning three gold awards! The Irish-style Japanese whisky has won over judges and many happy customers loving the unique flavours added to the whisky. 

It is made using traditional pot stills and distilled with unmalted and malted barley to create an Irish-style whisky. You get plenty of flavours here, including cinnamon, vanilla, and plum, which create a full and tasty whisky you will enjoy. 

Character 

Colour: Amber

Nose: Japanese butter sand caramel cream cookie, juicy apricot and plum with citrus 

Palate: Thick marmalade, vanilla pod, orange zest and almond meal 

Finish: Rich vanilla, dry ginger biscuits, cinnamon and gentle sweetness 

What You Need To Know 

Price: $230 

Age: No age statement

ABV: 51%

Made in: New American white oak casks and ex-bourbon barrels 

Where to find: https://thewhiskyclub.com.au/kanosuke-hioki-pot-still 

2. Fuji 50th Anniversary Edition

The Fuji 50th Anniversary Edition is made from liquid aged between 10 and 50 years, creating a complex and multi-layered whisky. Only a few thousand bottles were made, making it tricky to get your hands on. However, if you can, you will not be disappointed. 

The combination of ex-bourbon, beer-aged, sherry, and red wine casks help to give the blend its complex taste, with multiple layers for you to enjoy at every sip. The whisky is a mark of Fuji’s fifty years of success, with its best flavours poured in to give you a delicious drink that you can enjoy without chilling. 

Character 

Colour: Deep gold

Nose: Sweet and fragrant caramel and brown sugar syrup with apricot and melon 

Palate: Mellow and smooth mouthfeel with sweet and aromatic hints of white peach tart and dried pineapple

Finish: Luscious barrel-aged flavours with a pleasant sweetness 

What You Need To Know 

Price: $500

Age: No age statement 

ABV: 52%

Made in: ex-bourbon, beer-aged, Oloroso Sherry, and red wine casks 

Where to find: https://thewhiskyclub.com.au/fuji-50th-anniversary-edition 

3. Fuji Single Malt Japanese Whisky 

When Fuji released their single malt, we knew it was going to be delicious, but we did not expect it to taste as good as it is! The unique combination of casks helps to give it the signature taste of multi-layered complexity, giving you the perfect whisky to sip for your entire evening. 

The whisky slides down your throat beautifully and is a good option if you want a more affordable bottle without the burning aftertaste of other whiskies. 

Character 

Colour: Baroque gold

Nose: Apple, soft citrus peel, tropical fruit, chocolate wafer and creme brulee

Palate: White peach, fresh nectarine Danish, thick honey over oat porridge with light spice 

Finish: Multi-layered rich aftertaste of cookie dough, nougat and morello cherries in syrup 

What You Need To Know 

Price: $140

Age: No age statement

ABV: 46%

Made in: ex-Bourbon, French oak red wine barriques, beer casks, new American white oak and refill barrels

Where to find: https://thewhiskyclub.com.au/fuji-single-malt-japanese-whisky 

4. Nikka Miyagikyo 12 Year Old 

The Nikka Miyagiko 12-year-old is the perfect whisky to pair with food. It goes beautifully with lamb chops and pear and kiwi salsa, adding some heat and flavour to your dishes without overwhelming them. The heat and dryness work well with one another, ensuring that after each sip, you are left wanting more. 

Character 

Colour: Intense amber with glimmering gold 

Nose: Burnt toffee, young hay, candied winter spice 

Palate: Initial crunch of pear and apples with cinnamon and vanilla. Well-balanced heat and dryness with light weight on the palate 

Finish: Green tea, caramel, and butter 

What You Need To Know 

Price: $115 

Age: 12 years old

ABV: 45%

Made in: ex-Sherry cask for 12 years 

Where to find: https://thewhiskyclub.com.au/miyagikyo-12-year-old 

5. Fuji Single Grain 30-Year-Old Whisky 

If you are looking for a high-end splurge, this 30-year-old single-grain whisky is the perfect choice. There aren’t many bottles of this award-winning whisky about, partly because of its high price, but if you have the budget, it's worth it. The vibrant flavours work well together and you can pair it with food if you wish. The whisky works beautifully with braised duck with creamy mash and broccolini with caramelised apple to finish, giving you the perfect, decadent meal. 

Character 

Colour: Rich gold

Nose: Sweet and fragrant aromas of nutty brown sugar syrup, ripe fresh and dried fruits

Palate: Opulent and concentrated with a seductive honeyed sweetness and bitter chocolate notes

Finish: Moderately woody aftertaste with flavours of long-aged Canadian-style grain whisky  

What You Need To Know 

Price: $5,000

Age: 30 years old

ABV: 46%

Made in: ex-bourbon, french oak red barriques, beer casks, new American white oak and refill barrels 

Where to find: https://thewhiskyclub.com.au/fuji-single-grain-30-year-old 

Find Your New Japanese Whisky Today 

Whether you want a sweet whisky, one with some heat, or to pair with dinner, there is a Japanese whisky to suit your preferences. Now that you have seen some of the best Japanese whiskies on the market, only one question remains - which one will you try?