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.