Helios Distillery in Okinawa Japan has been known for producing rums and awamori for a few decades. Little do people know that theyve been distilling their own whisky for a while and use their rum casks to finish this unique line of new blended whisky. An interesting addition to the world of Japanese whisky. Nose: Toasted oak and a touch of moss, creamy lemon and soft malt. Palate: Brown sugar, burnt oak again (now with a touch of earthiness to it), lime marmalade. Finish: Rye bread and a touch of bitter grape.

Fuji Gotemba has won numerous awards including Japanese Whisky of the Year, World's Best Grain Whisky and numerous Gold Medals. As it celebrates its 50th anniversary it's finally expanding into export markets and launching new products. For this release, Fuji have employed ex-Bourbon, French oak red wine barriques and beer casks. The combination adds Master Blender, Jota Tanaka's signature stamp of layered complexity. 46% Alc./Vol. Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2023.

Suntory Whisky was founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii. For over three generations, Suntory's master blenders have devoted themselves to pursuing the harmony of Japanese nature and craftsmanship. Shaped through masterful technique and served with a reverence for Japanese omotenashi, Suntory whiskies are among the most awarded and admired in the world. Hibiki is the paragon of harmony - launched in 1989 to commemorate Suntory's philosophy of living in harmony with people and nature. Hibiki Japanese Harmony was crafted by the Suntory Whisky blending team, led by Master Blender Shingo Torii. A vibrant amber colour with a complex and elegant expression, notes of honey and orange on the palate and a subtle yet tender finish with a hint of Mizunara (Japanese Oak). The Finer Details Style - Japanese Whisky Country - Japan Bottle Size - 700ml ABV - 43%

Kurayoshi are one of a few Japanese small-scale craft (or Ji) whiskies to be released in Australia. Created in the shadow of Mt Daisen, at the Matsui Distillery, the whiskies benefit from the mountain’s crystal clear waters and over a century of expertise. The blenders here often combine malt whisky from Scotland with locally produced whisky. This is not an uncommon practice in Japan, and the exact breakdown typically remains undisclosed. Tasting note: Polished copper. Not vastly different to the 8 year old, showing the same subtle Summer yellow fruits, only softer again and with delicious succulence, a bigger finish and better length. It's delicately oily with cocoa-dusted stewed fruits and buzzing spices through the finish. The balance is perfect here, and it feels older than it actually is. Pick of the bunch. 43% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Miyagikyo Single Malt is described as soft and fruity.Using less peaty malt, this whisky is distilled in a pot still heated by indirect steam at a low temperature. Miyagikyo Single Malt has an elegant fruitiness and a distinctive aroma with a strong Sherry cask influence.

Lots of very warm reviews on the blogoshere for this no-age-statement expression of Nikka which reportedly over-delivers for an entry level whisky. Named after the company's founder, Masataka Taketsuru, and aged on average for around 10 years, it includes whiskies from the Miyagikyo & Yoichi distilleries, including malt matured in Sherry casks.

Yamazaki is often referred to as being the pioneer of Japanese Whisky and is Suntory's flagship single malt. This whisky is spiratual and deep, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs around the world. The Distiller's Reserve is mild with fresh fruit, vanilla, cinnamon and Mizunara (Japanese oak). This is a must for any whisky lover.

Ichiro Akuto's most voluminous and accessible Whisky is, as it says on the label, a blend of Malt and Grain Whiskies. While the exact source of the material is not published, it's known it's a blend of Japanese distilled material vatted with Whiskies sourced from around the world. In addition to whisky from his own stocks--including, potentially, Hanyu and Karuizawa, as well as his own Chichibu--the blend contains spirits from Canada, the United States, Ireland and Scotland. The imported Whiskeys are 3-5-years-old, aged in their country of origin before being carefully blended with local Japanese material and matured a further 1-3 years at Chichibu. The Whisky is vatted in 2 x 5,000-litre wooden barrels built by French cooper Taransaud. Non-chill filtered, non-coloured, Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain World Blended Whisky is a pure example of Akuto's whisky making expertise.

Matsui Mizunara Cask Single Malt Japanese Whisky single malt whisky distilled in the rich, natural environment of Tottori and aged in Mizunara (Japanese oak）casks. Combined with the bitter flavor of unblended whisky, a faintly sweet, aged aroma tickles the nose with a smooth yet rich, lingering aftertaste. This masterpiece, carefully crafted with heart and passion, is brought to proof with high-quality natural spring water from Mt. Daisen.