Liquor Brands in Japan

Toki means "time" in Japanese. It's a concept rich in meaning the world over, but particularly in Japan where respect for tradition and reinvention sparks a powerful creative energy. Inspired by that interplay, Suntory Whisky Toki™ brings together old and new -the House of Suntory's proud heritage and its innovative spirit- to create blended Japanese whisky that is both groundbreaking and timeless. Suntory Whisky was winner of Gold Medal at the 2017 Denver International Spirits Competition.

Given the name, it should come as no surprise that Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky is a harmonious blend of Japanese craftsmanship. Considered the paragon of Japanese whisky, Hibiki is a unique blend of several malt and grain whiskies that are meticulously added, resulting in an orchestra of aromas and flavors. Hibiki is the culmination of the Japanese art of blending and expert craftsmanship, with a healthy heaping of luxury thrown in for good measure. The brand was launched in 1989 to celebrate the brand Suntory's 90th birthday, and it's become Japan's most highly awarded blended whisky of all time. More than that, Hibiki takes the honor of being among the most prestigious whiskies the world over. Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky is both delicate and luminous with a wonderful complexity. The amber-colored liquid smells of rosemary, rose, lychee and sandalwood, paving the way for a honey-like sweetness with notes of white chocolate and candied orange peel. As for the finish, Hibiki Japanese Haromy is subtle with a hint of Japanese oak, which lingers on the palate. It’s best enjoyed neat, on the rocks or with a bit of water added. Japanese whisky pairs remarkably well with Japanese food, so don't be afraid to drink it with sashimi, sushi or a strong fermented fish. It also makes a wonderful cocktail, such as the Sokaiya, which consists of Hibiki, bitter Sencha green tea and ginger liqueur. Buy Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky online through Drizly and have it delivered directly to your door or pick it up in store.

Roku is the premium Japanese craft gin created by the House of Suntory in Osaka, Japan. Crafted by Japanese artisans with meticulous attention to detail, Roku is the perfect balance of flavors. Its precise balance is testimony to Japan’s renowned craftsmanship. Suntory has a long history of making gin, dating back to 1936, and Roku is the modern embodiment of Suntory’s mastery of this process. In Japanese, Roku translates as “six”. Roku follows the concept of shun – the tradition of enjoying every food and drink in its proper season, only when those foods are at the peak of their flavors. Inside every bottle of Roku are six very special botanicals sourced in Japan. Each of the Japanese botanicals are harvested in their ideal season and from the best growing areas in Japan to ensure the utmost freshness and flavor. The six Japanese botanicals are combined with eight traditional gin botanicals – juniper berry, coriander seed, angelica root, angelica seed, cardamom seed, cinnamon, bitter orange peel, and lemon peel – for an authentic gin taste. A unique multiple distillation process brings out the best in each botanical.

A Japanese single malt whisky, The Yamazaki 12 Year is known for its "noble" aroma. It hails from Kyoto, the capital of ancient Japan, which takes its nobility status up a notch or two. The Yamazaki 12 Year is considered the nation's premier single malt whisky, but it's safe to say that whisky fans around the globe appreciate this award-winning spirit. Since 1984, The Yamazaki Distillery has produced its Single Malt 12 Year. Its mash bill boasts 100 percent malted barley, and its cask-aged in The Yamazaki Distillery for 12 years before being bottled and arriving at your front door. So how does it Taste? This golden whisky boasts complex aromas and superior drinkability. The nose features hints of fruit, including peach, grapefruit, pineapple and candied orange, along with spices such as clove and orange. This whisky also has notes of rich coconut and tart cranberry, while the long finish features spicy ginger and cinnamon. This is a whisky made for savoring. Try it straight, served in a tulip glass or drink it on the rocks, poured over a whisky stone. If you're looking for something bubbly, mix it with club soda to add a hint of brightness to its mellow character and to bring out its oakiness. Or mix it one-part whisky with two parts water for a chilled-out finish to your day. Buy Yamazaki 12 Year Single Maly Whisky online at a great price through Drizly and have it delivered directly to your door or pick it up in store.

Midori is a vibrant green, honeydew melon flavored liqueur launched in the US in 1978. It's high versatility and refreshing melon taste has made it an essential bar ingredient, used in world famous cocktails such as the Midori Margarita and Melonball. Produced in Mexico by Suntory, Midori Melon Liqueur is today available in more than 30 countries worldwide.

Nikka From The Barrel is a blend of multiple types of malt and grain that Nikka reserves. It was created to deliver full flavors and the richness of whisky "from barrels" which only blenders can sniff and taste. As the whisky contains so many characteristic components at a higher alcohol of 51.4%, it is essential to let the liquid "marriage" in used casks for 3-6 months for it to stabilize and harmonize. The concept of the unique short squared bottle is "a small block of whisky", which perfectly visualizes the rich and strong taste of the whisky inside.

Nikka operates two Coffey stills (named after its inventor Aeneas Coffey) within the Miyagikyo distillery for the elaboration of its grain whiskies. Imported from Scotland in 1963, these old stills yield a distillate with more flavour and depth than modern column stills, imparting a distinct character that defines the house blends. These two unique bottlings showcase the innovative spirit of Nikka.

Haku® is the Japanese craft vodka from the House of Suntory. The name Haku means “white” in Japanese and refers to the Japanese white rice that is the origin of the liquid. Moreover, it can also be read as “brilliant” – a tribute to the craft of mastering a clear, clean, and luminous vodka. Suntory has been making vodka since 1956, and Haku represents Suntory’s philosophy of craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and commitment to quality. Haku® is made with 100% Japanese white rice. It has 3 distinct steps in the distillation process: First, Japanese rice is fermented and distilled through a pot still to create a rice spirit in Kagoshima, Japan Then, the rice spirit is distilled a second time through 2 different processes in a pot still and column still to create a uniquely flavored liquid Finally, the liquid is blended and then filtered through bamboo charcoal in Osaka, Japan The resulting liquid’s taste profile is clean, soft, and smooth with a sweet rice flavor.

The first bottling in Mars's new Nature of Shinshu range – each entry is named after the flora local to the eponymous distillery. Rindo means 'gentian' and has a distinctly aromatic character thanks to ageing exclusively in a combination of ex-bourbon, sherry and Japanese wine casks.

Kaiyō Whisky Cask Strength is aged in the finest Japanese Mizunara Oak barrels for the entirety of its maturation process. All of our whiskies are made from malted barley, un-chillfiltered, and enjoy a three-month ocean maturation that helps bring out the unique flavors that can only be obtained from Mizunara Oak. Tasting Notes: Whereas Kaiyo Whisky “The Signature” 43% is more reserved, this bigger brother brings out more bold flavors. The nose explodes of vanilla, caramel and exotic spices. On the palate this whisky is robust and creamy with exotic and candied fruit flavors of melon, orange, and coconut. The fruit gives way to sweet oak, sandalwood and baking spices with a slight pepper note to balance it all out. Ratings / Awards: -Whisky Advocate Rating 90 pts -Best of Show WSWA 2019 -Best Japanese Whisky WSWA 2019 -Double Gold WSWA 2019

Discover Kikori Japanese Whiskey Beer. Is a carbonated, fermented alcoholic beverage. You can learn more about this beer and its availability here.

Eigashima Distillery (known as White Oak Distillery in Japan), located in Akashi near Kobe, Japan, is both the country’s oldest and smallest whisky distillery. Founded in 1888, the tiny distillery runs on a seven person operation! Akashi is a coastal town residing on the edge of Osaka Bay. Due to Akashi’s unique climate with extremely hot summers and cool winters, as much as 7%-8% of Eigashima’s maturing whisky may be lost to evaporation each year (opposed to the 2% commonly seen in Scotland). While this lowers still the overall production yield, it also acts as a catalyst for the maturation process, as the temperature swings encourage interaction between the whisky and the wood. As a result, Akashi White Oak Japanese Whisky has a malty, citrusy aroma with scents of black cherry, toffee and oak. This whisky is made with a variety of wheat, barley and rye with hints of subtle peat. Notes of vanilla and pine nuts dominate the palate, and lead to a long, malty finish. Excellent introduction to the Japanese whisky category, those looking for a segway into Scotch, or an every day drinking dram. Pick up a bottle today!

Distilled from 100% malted barley through a Coffey still, which is rarely done given the complexity and skill required, Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky boasts notes of cinnamon, clove, lemon and rich oak, making it ideal for sipping neat or as the base spirit in a cocktail. The Coffey stills contribute the unique depth and flavor of the distillate, not found in modern column stills of today.

It wasn't all that long ago that whisky enthusiasts would say it's best to leave the whisky-making to the Scots. However, the Japanese have created a cult following thanks to spirits like Hakashu 12 Year. Distilled in the guise of a Scotland-based distillery, this handcrafted drink leaves little to be desired. As soon as you uncork a bottle of this masterpiece, you've unleashed an amalgam of toasted barley, almonds and even a bit of char. That said, the crisp taste hits your lips with a grassy, herby, smoky blend that's nothing short of phenomenal. The aging process makes these flavors even more pronounced. If you've never tried a Japanese whisky, you should probably start here.  Purists, rejoice! Hakashu 12 Year Single Malt Whisky is most prominent in flavor if it's taken on the rocks or neat. This allows all the notes and flavors to reach their height right in your grill. Add a splash of water if it's too much. You won't separate yourself from flavor country. If throwing an ice cube into a rocks glass isn't your ideal whisky drink, don't fret. There are more than enough mixers and cocktails to get you ready for the party. Hakashu blends wonderfully with cola, providing a sweetness that's not too sweet, yet not too bold. For anyone else that's a bit sheepish, you can doll it up with some lemon juice. Known as the whisky sour, you won't find a sour note as you sip away. Buy Hakashu 12 Year Whisky online at a great price on Drizly and have it delivered directly to your door or pick it up in store.

This is a blended malt named in honor of Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky. He is the first Japanese who mastered whisky-making in Scotland and produced the genuine whisky in Japan. Masataka learned that the natural resources surrounding a distillery were essential for quality whisky. Based on his thought, he selected two places, Yoichi and Miyagikyo, and built two distilleries there. Its gentle malt flavor, fruitiness and extremely well-balanced taste make it a perfect entry point into the world of Nikka.

Chichibu "The First" for the USA is a cask strength, single malt whisky created from eight casks: seven bourbon barrels and one Japanese Mizunara oak barrel. Though only three years old, Chichibu "The First" demonstrates richness and complexity well beyond its youth. The nose is vibrant with sandalwood, rich fruitiness and sweet vanilla , the viscous mouth feel offers succulent, sugary plums, sandalwood and Japanese incense accentuated by herbal notes leading up to a long finish accompanied by oaky vanilla note.

Distilled from the nectar of a coconut flower and aged for 15 years in Halmilla Vats. Mesh , Bone's Arakku is the only one of its kind available in the United States. This one of a kind spirit is reminiscent of bourbon and rum and can be enjoyed on the rocks or in cocktails.

Japan- Sensei Whiskey is a blended Japanese Whiskey that showcases sweet notes of oak and slight caramel flavors, which are followed by light spice throughout the palate. The finish is long and smooth.

Kaiyō Whisky “The Signature” 43% is aged in the finest Japanese Mizunara Oak barrels for the entirety of its maturation process. All of our whiskies are made from malted barley, Un-chillfiltered, and enjoy a three-month ocean maturation that helps bring out the unique flavors that can only be obtained from Mizunara Oak. Tasting Notes: A delicately sweet-scented nose of honey and ginger give way to inviting exotic spices and fruits. On the palate this whisky is constantly evolving from toasted oak and nutty, to ripe dried fruit with hints of cherry, and finishes with deep flavors of dark chocolate, sandalwood and herbal tea notes. Ratings / Awards: -Whisky Advocate Top 20 Whiskies 2019 (#14) -Whisky Advocate Rating 92 pts

Niigata is known in Japan for its "Three White" treasures, i.e. snow, rice and sake, and a naturally blessed environment for pure water source. Made in Niigata, SHINOBU (meaning "Forbearance" in Japanese) Whisky is hand crafted by the creative master blender, Mr. Usami, by carefully selecting whisky from different distilleries which are first reserved in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks and then finishing them with precious Japanese Mizunara oak.The blended expression contains 50% malt and 50% grain. The result is a unique fusion of flavors and dynamic explosion in palate yet so smooth and easy to drink.

Shochu is the native spirit of Japan—a white spirit that offers an incredibly rich flavor, a light structure, and a smooth finish. Iichiko Shochu is made from 100% barley and crafted in the Oita Prefecture—a region famous for its dense cedar forest, mountainous terrain, and geothermal springs. Iichiko uses exceptionally soft, iron free water that is naturally filtered through 1000 feet of volcanic rock. Iichiko, pronounced EACH-ko, translates to “it’s great” in local dialect.

The nose is gentle and creamy with light fruits and a little nutty development. The palate is quite sweet with notes of subdued peat, winter spice and a nutty note.

Discover Suntory Hibiki Japanese Blended Whisky 12 Year Beer. Is a carbonated, fermented alcoholic beverage. You can learn more about this beer and its availability here.

Seol Joong Mae Plum Wine' (설중매 매실주) is a sweet Korean alcoholic drink made from plums picked in Gwangyang and Suncheon, well-known plum .

Perfectly balanced with heather honey, sweet caramel, Japanese plum, balanced oak, peat and toffee with hints of sandalwood and green tea. Non Chill-Filtered at 48% alcohol to keep its natural flavors at maximum. Blended at its peak flavor, rather than a predetermined ratio. As a result, each batch is unique and limited with stocks.

Katsushika Hokusai’s masterpiece, “Thirty six views of mount Fuji”. In this classic artwork, the wondrous Mount Fuji is depicted with red-crowned cranes, native to Japan. We believe this iconic image matches the oriental taste of our Mizunara cask whisky. Along with a refreshing after taste, you can enjoy this classic image of Japan on our label. Rested in Japanese oak known as Mizunara. Oaky with hints of oriental spices, rich mouth feel and toffee-like sweetness. Distilled at Kurayoshi Distillery.

This is a great 17 year old blended malt named for Nikka's founder, the whisky-pilgrim Masataka Taketsuru.

Discover The Yamazaki Bourbon Barrel Single Malt 2013 Beer. Is a carbonated, fermented alcoholic beverage. You can learn more about this beer and its availability here.

Situated at 2,600 feet in between the Central and Southern Japanese Alps, Mars Shinshu is Japan’s highest whisky distillery. “Iwai” (pronounced like the vowels E-Y), is named after Kiichiro Iwai, one of the grandfathers of Japanese whisky. This whisky is made with majority corn balanced with light malt, aged in ex bourbon barrels. Ideal for daily sipping, or in spirit forward cocktails like old fashioned, boulevardiers, or mint juleps. Great intro to the Japanese whisky category and also perfect for bourbon drinkers.

This Japanese blended whisky comes from both malt and grain. It's distilled at Japan’s highest distillery, Mars Shinshu Distillery, founded by the Hombo family, located at 798 meters, in a mountain range of Nagano. The whisky is named after Kiichiro Iwai, known as “The Silent Pioneer of Japan Whisky,” and the former mentor of Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka and Suntory Whisky.