Japanese Whiskies Ratings and Reviews

Matsui The Peated Japanese Whisky

Jay 11/30/22

Don't waste your money. Not drinkable. The peated is terrible, tastes like sewage pipes and rusty water, go for the regular matsui.

Nikka From The Barrel Japanese Whisky

Mixing Bourbon 5/27/22

Not for shots or neat

We had high hopes for Nikka as we were looking for something a bit more refined than what we were buying from our usual haunts. However, it seemed neither timeless (per the description) or particularly classic. As a shot or neat in a glass, it had a medicinal quality that I truly attempt to avoid. I was able to do so by using it only making mixed drinks with it. We love the bottle, but won't be buying again at this price point.

Ohishi Sherry Single Cask Whisky

Very Brandy-like, perhaps a bit overpriced

I found this Whisky (or shochu?) to be perhaps a bit too unstructured for my tastes. It definitely has a lot of sherry wood character, but I get no real smoke or peatiness to offer a structural counterbalance to the sweet sherry wood texture, which makes it come off a bit too direct in the finish. I have been trying to explore Japanese whiskys and more sherry cask aged whiskys, but this one definitely didn’t hit the mark for the price for me personally.

Kaiyo Mizunara Oak Japanese Whisky

teofilio 12/25/21

appreciate the legs, take 3 measured inhalations, sip ... (enjoy)

was gifted a bottle by a relative who "knows his stuff". i did the usual ritual ... pour an inch or so into an appropriate glass. swirl, consider the "legs" -- this stuff has appreciable viscosity. inhale 3 times -- slowly. yes, my head did "fill up" (helped that i was in the hot tub after the mid-day run). then sipped ... can't readily/artfully describe the taste -- but it was unique. lingered. swirl, inhale (x 2 or 3), sip and savor. this may not be dying and going to heaven, but it's at least a step there ...

Makoto Single Grain 23 Year Old Japanese Whisky

JoshDiep23 12/3/21

This is the best Japanese whiskey I've ever had!!

Suntory Toki Whisky

Decent for the price, but a bit sweet

It tastes too sweet straight, so it needs dilution. But, overall, it was worth a try.

Kikori Whiskey

The Pedro_Too 4/30/21

Great sipping whiskey

Discovered this gem on a road trip. It’s very mild, but has great flavor. Definitely bang for the buck!

Suntory Toki Whisky

Not as bad as you've been told

So it's not phenomenal but if your trying japanese whisky for the first time it is very good. Not super peaty not super boozey if you pour it over ice. Neat it's not so good though kind of reminiscent of paint thinner. With ice it opens up as the water melts and you get different grain and fruit with a smooth and slightly smoky finish.

Fukano Vault Reserve #2 Japanese Whisky

Unique and very accessible

The interesting thing about these rice-based whiskys: they showcase flavors very well. They all seem to start with uniquely dry, mineral notes I presume are particular to the grain, and they work exceptionally well with sherry casks in my opinion. While some might prefer something heavier, I've found them all exceptionally drinkable and interesting. The Jikan is my favorite, but this is a close second - and would probably be preferred if your more into sherry than I.

Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

One of the finest whiskys

Do not confuse this when the Coffey grain - it is average. This, the Coffey malt, is AWESOME. I brought it to a bourbon / whiskey tasting with friends. Huge hit!

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky

It’s a shame Hibiki, Hakushu and other notable Japanese whiskeys are being discontinued. Still, I love the bottle regardless.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky

Hibiki still lives up to its potential as some of the best whisky out there; winning several of world whiskey awards to this date as it competes with the best bourbons made internationally. If you get into Japanese Whiskey you have to understand the origins and where it comes from as it tends to note some of the lighter sides of scotch (an isle, island tier flavor). Hibiki has a rich smoothness with full of oak, almond, spice and rich tastes that are completely indescribable. If you want to further enjoy the past flavors of Hibiki, please refer to the age statement hibiki’s that are an entirely rich fulfilled experience.
***European whiskeys do not compare to Japanese whiskey to any extent. *** please understand that Japanese distilleries are being shut down because of the large shortage of Japanese Whiskey. Despite the shortage, the Japanese still rely on quality rather than costs to ensure the best taste for the consumer. That’s why the price is so high, it’s becoming a rarity.

Final words, Hibiki, Yamazaki, Hakushu, Yoichi, Nikka Coffey Grain whiskey, Nikka Malt are all notable whiskeys to look for if you want quality in taste.

Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain Whisky

In the presence of a legend

this whisky is pretty out of this world. I've only had it twice, but it's outrageous. I had it at a bar in LA and the bartender surprised me with "something unique" and had be guess what it was. he said it was a whisky blended from multiple different countries and japanese single malt, made by this dude that's won like, a billion world whiskies awards. dont try to replicate this at home tho, it doesn't turn out nearly as good. and dont order this when youre wasted because you wont appreciate it as much. Like, give yourself at least 30 minutes to truly enjoy this whisky

Makoto Single Grain 23 Year Old Japanese Whisky

Not gonna lie, I don't need to taste this to know what this is.

Yall can't be labelling shochu (aka distilled sake) as whisky. that aint cool and it aint fair... esp when it's $700

Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year Old Japanese Pure Malt Whisky

Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year Old Pure Malt Whisky

SO GOOD! All hail Taketsuru

Taketsuru is the reason why Japanese whisky exists today (honorable mention goes to Kichiro Iwai from Mars Shinshu who funded his expedition), so you can imagine that a whisky named after of the father of Japanese whisky would be really really good. The black label Taketsuru is the NAS (also really good) but if you want to treat yourself to something REAL nice...... Taketsuru 17 will not disappoint.

This is a blend of one of my faves from Nikka (the Miyagikyo) and their other single malt (Yoichi), making this a "pure malt" - a cute name the Japanese have for a single malt made at two different distilleries even though it's still owned by the same company. If i had money I would buy this because who knows how much of these are left in the world.

Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt Whisky

This whisky is a juicy fruit bomb. In the best way ever. I think people say this is peated but it's so mild. Maybe it's covered up by the fruitiness from the sherry casks? Either way this whisky is balanced and so delicious. I drool thinking about this whisky. Knocked a star down because I used to get this for less but I'll still gladly pay full price for this baby.

Highly underrated Japanese whisky. Yall keep drinking that Nikka by the Barrel and Coffey Grain while I go hoard these single malts for myself

Suntory Toki Whisky

I am a big big fan of Suntory whiskies (Hakushu 18 is one of my favorites) but this one falls flat. I heard this was the young variation of Hibiki Harmony which already is a NAS. It's got the easy drinking quality of Japanese whisky but it also tastes like diluted whisky. I definitely recommend their other products!

Mars Iwai 45 Japanese Whisky

Japanese whisky for Bourbon drinker

Lovely whisky and easy to drink. A japanese take on american whiskey (think corn sweetness with big oak) but a mellow, refined, layered version of it. Bourbon with a Japanese twist I like to say. This was a good segway into this super hyped up category - something familiar but a "oh, this is the japanese flavor profile aha moment

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky

A firey, rough pale imitation of the original Hibiki made to cash in on a previously legendary name. lacking any of the refinement of the original year marked versions the nose and palette is full with acrid alcohol notes that overpower the subtle flavours of honey, black pepper and wood smoke that are barely present.

I'd recommend trying Cardhu Gold Reserve or Tenjaku if you want something close to the old Hibiki experience without hysterical up marking.

Makoto Single Grain 23 Year Old Japanese Whisky

Makoto Single Grain 23 Year Old Japanese Whisky

Jameson is better, OUH!

Makoto Single Grain 23 Year Old Japanese Whisky

Makoto Single Grain 23 Year Old Japanese Whisky

Worst whiskey i've ever taste

Its not a whiskey. Its a colored mashing. Does not taste like whiskey, more like cachaça.

Nikka Taketsuru Japanese Pure Malt Whisky

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky

Decent but over priced

Decent whiskey but Nikka Coffey Whiskey is much better at half the price. Not that this is bad, it just isn't the sipping whiskey like their Coffey drink.

Suntory Toki Whisky

When you open the bottle, the only thing you can smell is the alcohol. There is no trace of the fruit they describe. I drank it neat and with water, hoping to open it up, and it was still just entirely alcohol. The herbs came through in a soapy taste and it does linger in your tongue, but you don't want it to! The best credit I can give it is that it disappears almost entirely when mixed with something strong in flavor.

Kurayoshi 18 Year Old Pure Malt Whisky

One in a million and worth it!

Sophisticated notes, very oaky scent, lingers around for hours on end. Goes in very clean, clear, and complex, but with sweet, warm feel at the palate and throat. The experience was heavenly.

It might be expensive, but remember that this is an 18 years old whiskey with an incredible taste. I cannot recommend this enough. Goes extremely well with A5 Wagyu as it cuts through the fat like warm knife through soft butter.

Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

JJ's Whisky Journey 3/13/20

This what I am looking for. I visited the Nikka Yoichi Distillery in Sept of 2019 & absolutely fell in love with this spirit. I could not find Nikka products in stores in my area, so I went online & found Caskers. Wonderful fruit, nuts & butterscotch flavors. Easy to drink.

Kaiyo Mizunara Oak Japanese Whisky

JJ's Whisky Journey 3/13/20

NOT So Limited Availability

I started drinking Japanese Whisky after visiting Nikka Yoichi Distillery. I was very impressed. Unfortunately, many of the whiskies I sampled are not available in the US or are extremely expensive. So when the offer for Kaiyo Mizunara Oak Japanese Whisky showed up, I thought it was extra special. Granted it is a fine product with a wonderful Sandalwood nose & finish. BUT, I am disappointed I can buy this cheaper at Costco. I expect more select offerings from Caskers.

Meiyo Single Grain 17 Year Old Japanese Grain Whisky

Product exceed all expectation. Notes of toffee, almonds, roasted nuts, and custard appear on the palate, and are complemented by touches of nutmeg and clove. The finish is full-bodied and lush, with hints of cocoa, peat and oak.

Kaiyo Mizunara Oak Aged Cask Strength Whisky

Quite smooth for the high 106 proof ! Nice change from my normal Kentucky Bourbons !!

Suntory Toki Whisky

thought i read somewhere this was created simply for mixed drinks. i tried it neat. hated it. bland liquid.

Kikori Whiskey

Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

I’ve been dabbling into Japanese whiskeys and this is my favorite.

Hibiki 12 Year Old Japanese Whisky

great all around to enjoy as obvious since it is sold out!!

Mix & Match

All Japanese Whiskies reviews

Matsui The Peated Japanese Whisky

Nikka From The Barrel Japanese Whisky

Ohishi Sherry Single Cask Whisky

Kaiyo Mizunara Oak Japanese Whisky

Makoto Single Grain 23 Year Old Japanese Whisky

Suntory Toki Whisky

Kikori Whiskey

Suntory Toki Whisky

Fukano Vault Reserve #2 Japanese Whisky

Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky

Chichibu Ichiro's Malt & Grain Whisky

Makoto Single Grain 23 Year Old Japanese Whisky

Nikka Taketsuru 17 Year Old Pure Malt Whisky

Nikka Miyagikyo Single Malt Whisky

Suntory Toki Whisky

Mars Iwai 45 Japanese Whisky

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky

Makoto Single Grain 23 Year Old Japanese Whisky

Makoto Single Grain 23 Year Old Japanese Whisky

Makoto Single Grain 23 Year Old Japanese Whisky

Makoto Single Grain 23 Year Old Japanese Whisky

Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt Whisky

Suntory Toki Whisky

Kurayoshi 18 Year Old Pure Malt Whisky

Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

Kaiyo Mizunara Oak Japanese Whisky

Meiyo Single Grain 17 Year Old Japanese Grain Whisky

Kaiyo Mizunara Oak Aged Cask Strength Whisky

Suntory Toki Whisky

Kikori Whiskey

Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky

Hibiki 12 Year Old Japanese Whisky