About Japanese Blended Whisky

About Japanese Blended Whisky
Outside of Scotland, there may be no other country that produces as many great whiskeys as Japan. A few natives began producing whiskeys in Japan in the early 20th century, and armed with knowledge from time spent in Scotland learning their craft, blended whiskeys were born in Japan. Single malts did no come about in Japan until the late 20th century and today they are regarded as among the finest in the world.

The finest Japanese single malts are aged for a lengthy period, from 12-18 years. Styles vary from relatively light to more full-bodied with a peaty quality very much in the style of a single malt Scotch. Flavors range from honeyed cereal to brown spices, leather and tobacco. The quality is outstanding; these are meant to be sipped and enjoyed with a cigar after dinner.

Top Picks for Japanese Blended Whisky

Tenjaku Blended Japanese Whisky
91 points
$39.99
A rock solid Japanese blended whisky with nice balance; a good bridge for traditional Scotch whisky drinkers.
91 points $39.99
Hibiki Harmony Blended Japanese Whisky
91 points
$64
A delicate, understated, sherry-influenced whisky that delivers lasting complex flavor.
Suntory Toki Blended Japanese Whiskey
87 points
$34
An ethereal Japanese Blended Whisky with delicate fruit and mineral characters.
Togouchi 15-Year-Old Japanese Blended Whisky
85 points
$189
A nutty and mild Japanese Whiskey that will play well in manhattan style cocktails.
Togouchi Premium Japanese Blended Whisky
84 points
$49
A fruity-sweet Japanese blended whiskey with toasty, biscuity flavors.