The history and evolution of the Japanese Whisky scene can be traced back to one man, Masataka Taketsuru; a man known as the 'father of Japanese whisky'. Taketsuru not only left Japan to learn the craft from the experts in Scotland, he also crafted Japan's first whisky at the Yamazaki distillery before establishing the premium whisky house of Nikka in 1934. This unique bottling of 'From the Barrel' is a breathtaking blend of malt and grain whiskies that are hand selected, blended together and then reintroduced to cask upon their marriage. The result is a blend that possesses a distinctive personality characterised by solidity, depth of taste and a richly expanding aroma.

Kanosuke Distillery is located along the beautiful white sands of Japan's longest beach. With a magnificent view of the East China Sea stretching out in front, this is the scenic location where 2nd generation president Kanosuke Komasa planned to build his dream distillery. Having inherited his desire to take on the next great adventure, it has become their home base for creating new whisky. Kanosuke 2022 Edition is a single malt Japanese whisky produced at Kanosuke Distillery between 2017-2019. Made with unpeated malt, it has been bottled at cask strength from a blend of barrels, with sherry casks as key. Enjoy the flavour as it lingers on your palate, like the sun setting slowly over the East China Sea.

The Yamazaki Distillery is Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery founded in 1923 by Suntory's founder Shinjiro Torii. Yamazaki is not only the soul place of Suntory Whisky but the birthplace of Japanese Whisky. Inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, it is said that Torii selected the land of Yamazaki at the foot of Mt. Tennozan, for its high-quality water source and natural environment ideal for whisky making. Yamazaki was born from the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt whisky. Multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas, Yamazaki whiskies are complex and deep. Made at Yamazaki Distillery, the birthplace of Japanese whisky, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. The House of Suntory honors the birthplace of Japanese whisky, capturing and celebrating the pioneering roots of one of the world’s greatest whiskies from the place Shinjiro Torii chose to begin the illustrious journey of Japanese whisky. Fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo has returned to the roots of what made Yamazaki Single Malt quintessentially Yamazaki: deep, complex and multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara notes. Yamazaki Whisky is Suntory's flagship single malt whisky, from Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery, multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas. From Yamazaki was born the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt whisky. Spiritual and deep, made at Yamazaki Distillery, the soul place of Japanese whisky, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. Today, Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki Whisky is not only the No.1 single malt whisky in Japan, but is enjoyed in more than 35 countries. Between 2014 - 2017, the annual Yamazaki Limited Editions were some of the most sough after annual release from Japan. These whiskies were limited in numbers and contained some of the best Yamazki liquid. Once they realised there were shortages they took these released to the wayside, making room for other non-age statement whiskies such as Essence of Suntory Volumes 3 and 4 and the recent Yamazaki Cask Finish releases. Back in 2021 and now again in 2022 we have again the Yamazaki Limited Edition 2022. This release was matured in Mizunara wood, resulting in an aromatic and creamy expression delivering a fruity and lively tasting experience.

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.

Made with diverse unblended whisky brewing techniques and master craftsmanship developed over many years, this single grain whisky features a light and delicately sweet fragrance.

While most other Japanese distilleries have followed the methods of Scotland, Mt. Fuji Distillery is influenced by major whisk(e)y producers all around the world, which explains this tri-part blend distilled using three different methods, each giving their own unique flavour profile. Although the exact mash-bill isn't stated, the backbone of the spirit is reported to be a 'Canadian style' grain, made with a batch distillation in something similar to a kettle still. That's supported by a Bourbon-style distillate using a Doubler, and a third Scotch-style light grain put through a continuous multi-column still. The triptych of profiles comes through in the flavours. Fuji smells a little more malt-like than typical single grain with creamy soda and vanilla malt enhanced by delicate fruity notes like stewed pears and caramelised apples. It's also fuller, richer and with more mouthfeel than you'd anticipate. There are the standard lashings of vanilla wafer but they sit over a backdrop of poached orchard fruits and warming wood spices, followed by more creamy soda, hints of dried banana and a lovely flourish of American oak which gives a Bourbonesque or light rye character to the finish. This release was initially for bars only, but from early 2021 it became available for regular tipplers in Japan and then abroad. A good thing. It's a single grain with terrific mouthfeel, and one that deserves a wide audience. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Notes from the producers... NOSE Aromas of poached pear, rustic fruit tart, Cognac and marron glacé. PALATE Seamless mouthfeel with multi layered flavours of poached pear, orange marmalade, raspberry jam, baking spices, and bitter chocolate. FINISH Mellow with gentle sweetness and pleasant spiciness, smooth with medium length finish and a hint of exotic incense.

Established more than 100 years ago, the Eigashima distillery mostly focuses on producing sake and shochu. In 1984, however, it began making proper whisky known as White Oak. In the following years, the distillery made only blended whisky until 2007 when it started production on single malts as well. The Akashi Meïsei, which translates roughly as 'celebrity' in Japanese, is a limited edition blended Japanese whisky. White Oak Akashi Meisei Blended Whisky is made with 45% American oak matured single malt.

In 1918, a young Japanese man with an ambition to make genuine whisky went alone to Scotland to unveil the secret of whisky making. He is Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky. Given the chance to go to Scotland, Masataka became the first Japanese ever to master how to make whisky. Given the chance to go to Scotland, Masataka became the first Japanese ever to master how to make whisky. He enrolled at the University of Glasgow, took chemistry courses and then apprenticed at three Scotch distilleries. In 1920 Masataka returned to Japan with his Scottish wife Jessie Roberta (Rita). The two had married earlier that year and Rita decided to immigrate to Japan to support her husband’s dream. However after returning to Japan, Masataka and Rita were heartbroken to find out that Settsu Shuzo, the company which invested in Masataka to learn in Scotland, had to abandon its plan to produce genuine whisky in Japan due to recessions after World War I. In the meantime another company, Kotobukiya Limited (Suntory), was in search for someone who could conduct whisky production. Being the only Japanese who knew how to produce whisky at that time, Masataka was hired by Kotobukiya in 1923 to direct building the Yamazaki Distillery. There he led the project and devoted himself to producing Japan’s first genuine whisky. These limited edition 2 bottle set of the Yoichi and Miyagiko has been finished in Nikka’s apple brandy casks and bottled in 2020 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Masataka and Rita’s marriage in 1920. At the foundation in 1934, apple products helped Nikka to keep the business sustainable while the first whiskies were maturing, just like Rita supported Masataka’s dream. Both of these whiskies have the delicate aroma of apples, with the expression showcasing a beautiful harmony of finesse and sweetness brought by apple brandy casks. The Yoichi single malt’s original characteristics appear such as rich malt flavors, gentle peaty notes and smokiness and the Miyagikyo single malt’s has its original characteristics such as distinctive hints of Sherry and spiciness like cinnamon.

Toki means "time" in Japanese. A vivid blend of whiskies from Suntory's Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita distilleries, Suntory Whisky Toki features the quintessential characteristics of a Suntory Whisky blend: exquisite balance, harmony, and oneness. At the same time, its unique pairing of Hakushu® American white oak cask malt whisky with Chita heavy-type grain whisky overturns the traditional hierarchy between malt and grain.

Produced from the pure waters of the Southern Japanese Alps, Hakushu Distillers Reserve is a green and fresh whisky with a crisp and vibrant taste. Now, for the first time ever, this whisky is available outside of Japan.