Japanese Whisky
In 2021, Japan's spirits industry itself pulled the emergency brake: the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) introduced voluntary but now effectively binding standards stipulating that only whisky made entirely in Japan - with Japanese water, Japanese distillation and at least three years of cask maturation in Japan - may be called "Japanese whisky". The background: for years, blends made from imported Scotch or Canadian whisky that had merely been blended and bottled in Japan were sold under the coveted label. The two major houses, Suntory (Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki) and Nikka (Yoichi, Miyagikyo), remain the backbone of the category, but independent craft distilleries such as Akashi, Mars Shinshu and Chichibu have also built their own reputations alongside them.
Content: 0.7 Liter (€39.27 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€214.27 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.5 Liter (€63.98 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€49.99 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€61.41 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Code: PFINGSTEN26
Content: 0.7 Liter (€88.56 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€52.84 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.5 Liter (€55.98 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.5 Liter (€47.98 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€55.70 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€37.13 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€118.56 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€67.13 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€55.70 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.5 Liter (€97.98 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€132.84 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.5 Liter (€59.98 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€45.70 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 3-6 business business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€61.41 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€49.99 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€89.99 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 3-6 business business days
Code: PFINGSTEN26
Content: 0.7 Liter (€31.41 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.7 Liter (€49.99 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Content: 0.04 Liter (€174.75 / 1 Liter)
Available, delivery time: 1-3 business days
Why was a definition for "Japanese whisky" even needed?
Before 2021, blends made from imported whisky that had only been blended in Japan could also be sold as "Japanese whisky" - the 2021 JSLMA standards created the first clear, if voluntary, definition requiring complete production in Japan.
What distinguishes Suntory from Nikka?
Suntory was founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii (Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki), while Nikka was founded in 1934 by his former employee Masataka Taketsuru (Yoichi, Miyagikyo) - both continue to shape the styles of the Japanese whisky world today.
Facts and figures
JSLMA origin standards since 2021 (voluntary, effectively binding in practice). Two leading houses: Suntory (since 1923) and Nikka (since 1934). Further craft distilleries: Akashi, Mars Shinshu, Chichibu. One recommended representative is Suntory Toki.