The Best Japanese Whisky Taste-Tested 2025

Read our expert review of the best Japanese whisky. We taste-tested bottles of this complex spirit to bring you our recommended buys. Even 10 or 20 years ago, Japanese whisky was something of a niche among a small set of aficionados. The mere existence of Japanese whisky might be a surprise to the mainstream drinker, despite the best of it being as complex and refined as anything from the Scots. Today, Japanese whisky-makers find themselves held in the highest regard around the world, laden with awards and struggling to keep up with demand.

Japanese whisky is deeply influenced by Scotch whisky in many ways, but has grown and developed into something very much its own beast. As with Scotch, there are differences between the output of distilleries that reflect equipment, methods, and local climate. Distillers play with process in ways that many Scottish operations may not, experimenting with yeasts and fermentation times to great effect.

Here, our drinks experts Richard Davie and Jonathan Hatchman have selected the best Japanese whisky to buy, covering a range of styles and prices from under £40 to an investment of £160. Read on for our in-depth reviews.

Nikka Days whisky

Nikka dominates the Japanese whisky market. This easy-drinking blended whisky from their extensive range is light in aroma and flavor, making it a good option for newcomers to the whisky world, or for cocktail lovers who can serve a highball with a punch.

The Chita, Suntory whisky

Along with Nikka, Suntory is one of the most-loved and well-known Japanese whisky brands. Operating from numerous distilleries, this whisky flies the flag for its Chita operation. This grain whisky is lighter and more delicate than other Japanese whiskies on our list. It's a fruity spirit with unripe banana flavors present in its thin, intense sweetness.

Taketsuru pure malt, Nikka whisky

Unlike the Nikka Days whisky, this doesn’t map as neatly onto familiar Scottish whiskies. It tastes intense at first sip, with tobacco and smokiness present, and finishes to reveal a savory, almost bitter note. This one is great in an Old Fashioned cocktail.

Hakushu 12-year-old single malt, Suntory whisky

Made at Suntory's Hakushu distillery, this expression is refined with cool herbal notes. On the palate, that coolness gives way to a smooth alcohol warmth, mint notes, and some lemon that mingles with the sweetness of the malt. It’s full-bodied with a little creaminess, making this an ideal whisky to serve neat.

Ichiro's Malt Mizunara Wood Reserve

Founded by Ichiro Akuto, grandson of the founder of the Hanyu distillery (which ceased production in 2000), the Chichibu Distillery has been distilling Japanese whisky since 2008. Over the past 17 years, the distillery has become particularly well-renowned, with a cult following that makes its whiskies especially sought after. With very small production, the distillery’s limited releases generally involve masterful blending of old Hanyu stock and new Chichibu production, each with interesting maturation techniques.

From Ichiro’s Malt Leaf Series, the Mizunara Wood Reserve comprises a blend of world whiskies finished in Japanese mizunara casks. Native to Japan, mizunara is an oak tree that’s becoming increasingly popular for barrel-aging whiskies, renowned for the unique flavors it imparts. On the nose, the Mizunara Wood Reserve is dense with strong honey, plum sake, apple, white grape, and sandalwood notes typical of mizunara aging. Then initially spicy on the palate with a hint of black pepper, some more honey and fruity sweetness, a zip of bitter grapefruit, and some pleasant woodiness that continues on the relatively short finish.

Mars Maltage 'Cosmo' whisky

Mars Shinshu is a heritage distillery that’s had a complicated journey, closing several times along the way, though it’s enjoyed a resurgence in recent years. Known for very interesting special editions, this 'Cosmo' release has butterscotch on the nose and stewed fruit flavors. Expect a profile very similar to a traditional Scotch.

From The Barrel, Nikka whisky

A flagship blended whisky from Nikka that you may have seen in bars and supermarkets. From The Barrel does what you’d imagine Nikka would want for a standard-bearer of their whiskies, showcasing many of the flavor elements in an approachable way, without sacrificing complexity.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony, Suntory whisky

A blended whisky from Suntory, this pulls in malt whisky from their Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, and grain whisky from Chita. It has a complex but light nose, with red fruit and apple flavors and a marshmallow sweet note. Enjoy with an ice cube as a sundowner.

Yoichi single malt, Nikka whisky

You can almost taste the Scottish influence in this dram, but Nikka’s Yoichi has a distinctly Japanese flavor profile. On the nose there’s gentle peat smoke and caramelized citrus fruits, and the palate carries the peat and fruit through, with melon and fresh apple being the most notable flavors. Overall, this is one of Japan’s top whiskies. It's a perfect introduction to the region’s offerings as it exemplifies its best qualities.

Miyagikyo single malt, Nikka whisky

The no-age-statement Miyagikyo is a great showcase for Nikka’s second distillery. The nose is intense without being heavy, with plenty of cereal, hints of candyfloss, banana, and crisp apple. The palate continues similarly, with delicate grass and floral notes before a full barley-malt sweetness. This dram would pair well with fruitcake.