12 Year Japanese Whiskey: A Journey Through Five of Japan's Finest

For many years, Hakushu 12 has been the entry point for North American drinkers looking to explore Japanese single malts. This iconic whiskey has earned its reputation as a gateway to the world of Japanese whisky. But with the recent surge in popularity, it's no longer the only player in town.

To delve deeper into the world of Japanese whiskies, we've profiled five 12-year-old whiskies from Japan's finest distilleries: Yamazaki, Hakushu, Nikka Taketsuru, Nikka Miyagikyo, and Hibiki. These whiskies are a testament to Japan's dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

The Japanese whisky industry has its roots in the early 20th century when Shinjiro Torii, a pharmaceutical wholesaler, dreamed of creating a distinctly Japanese whisky for the Japanese people. He hired Masataka Taketsuru, an organic chemistry summer student at the University of Glasgow, who had learned the art of whisky-making under Scottish distilleries.

Together, they produced Yamazaki, Japan's first whisky, modeled after Scotland's single malt industry. But their partnership didn't last long, as Taketsuru left to found his own distillery, Dainippokaju, which later became Nikka – Suntory's chief competitor.

Today, Japan is home to a thriving whisky industry, with two major distilleries supplying most of the global demand: Yamazaki and Nikka. The country's unique approach to whisky-making sets it apart from Scotland. Unlike Scottish distilleries, Japanese distillers pride themselves on keeping their excess stocks for their own use.

One notable difference is the spelling – whisky with a -y, like Scotch whisky, not whiskey with an -ey, the spelling used for U.S. whiskies. This subtle detail hints at Japan's humble beginnings, which revolve around the stories of Torii and Taketsuru.

In recent years, Japanese whiskies have been making waves in blind tasting competitions, beating out Scottish whiskies. As a result, Japan's best-kept secret has finally escaped, and the world is eager to test the hype.

So, how do you drink your Japanese whisky? Well, as the Japanese typically add a dash (or a lot) of water. We did the grunt work for you by tasting these five 12-year-old whiskies, and we're excited to share our findings with you. Whether you're a seasoned whisky enthusiast or just starting your journey, this article is designed to guide you through the world of Japanese whiskies.

With its rich history, unique approach to whisky-making, and growing popularity, Japan has truly become a force to be reckoned with in the whisky industry. So, let's raise a glass (or two) and explore the wonderful world of 12-year-old Japanese whiskies. Cheers!

12 year japanese whiskey