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2037 South Pueblo Boulevard, Pueblo, CO 81005
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What is Japanese Whiskey?
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Wine
By Style
Red
White
Rosé & Blush
Champagne & Sparkling
Dessert & Port
Other Wines
By Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Red Blends
Pinot Noir
Pinot Grigio
Rose
By Country
France
Italy
Spain
Germany
Argentina
United States
New Zealand
By Region
Bordeaux
Tuscany
Rioja
Burgundy
Napa Valley
Explore
New Arrivals
Staff Picks
On Sale
All Wine
Wine Brands
Spirits
By Type
Vodka
Whiskey
Sake
Tequila
Rum
Gin
Brandy
Liqueur
By Country
United States
France
Ireland
Japan
Italy
Mexico
Explore
New Arrivals
Staff Picks
On Sale
All Spirits
Spirits Brands
Beer
By Type
IPA
Hard Seltzer
Ale
Lager
Pilsner
Stout
Explore
New Arrivals
Staff Picks
On Sale
All Beer
Beer Brands
On Sale
Gift Cards
Tasting & Events
Info
Products
Wine
Beer
Direct to the Bear
About Us
Store Info
Delivery Info
Notifications
Donation Request
My Account
Order History
Wine Blog
Should You Try Menage a Trois Wine?
What is Shiraz Wine? A Guide to the Bold Red You’ll Love
Wine 101: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Boxed Wine: Quality, Convenience, and Value in Every Pour
Liquor Blog
Jack Daniel’s Whiskey: A Timeless Classic
The Rise of Canned Cocktails: Convenience Meets Quality
The True Art of Tequila: Beyond Shots and Savoring Craftsmanship
Whipshots: The Ultimate Boozy Whipped Cream Experience
Summer Cocktails 101: Mixing Basics and Popular Recipes
Try Surfside Cocktails Now!
Spirits 101: The Guide to Drinking & Enjoying Spirits
What Is Reposado Tequila?
What is Japanese Whiskey?
Crown Royal: Canada’s Classic Whisky
Samuel Adams Octoberfest Seasonal Beer: A Seasonal Staple in American Craft Beer
What is Japanese Whiskey?
The curious thing about Japanese whiskey is that it started with a Scottish influence. In 1923, Japan's first whisky distillery, Yamazaki, was founded by Shinjiro Torii, who brought in Masataka Taketsuru, a man trained in Scotland, to help craft the perfect whisky. With a focus on precision and detail, Japanese whisky has since developed its own unique style, earning respect worldwide for its smooth and refined character.
For those in Pueblo, CO,
Big Bear Wine & Liquor
offers a great selection of Japanese whiskies, from easy-drinking bottles to rare finds. Visit our store to shop this exquisite drink and read the blog to know what makes Japanese whisky so special and why it’s worth exploring.
Our Top Picks for Best Japanese Whiskey
Japanese whiskeys offer a wide range of flavors and price points. Here are our top selections across different categories:
Best Japanese Whiskey Under $100
Nikka Coffey Malt Japanese Whiskey
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Caramel, vanilla, tropical fruits
Flavor: Citrus, honey, oak
Finish: Long, mellow, hint of spice Best For: Those seeking a unique, smooth Japanese whiskey with a rich flavor profile
Hatozaki Small Batch
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Pear, green apple, light oak
Flavor: Cereal, nuts, subtle smoke
Finish: Clean, crisp, lingering sweetness Best For: Newcomers to Japanese whiskey looking for a balanced, approachable option
Best Japanese Whiskey to Gift
Kikori Japanese Whisky
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Floral, melon, vanilla
Flavor: Rice, light oak, subtle spice
Finish: Gentle, slightly sweet, touch of white pepper
Best For:
Gifting to those who appreciate unique, lighter-style whiskeys
Matsui Kurayoshi Pure Malt Sherry Cask Japanese Whiskey
Tasting Notes:
Aroma: Dark fruits, nuts, hint of chocolate
Flavor: Dried fruit, oak, subtle smoke
Finish: Long, warming, notes of sherry and spice
Best For:
Gifting to whiskey enthusiasts who enjoy rich, complex flavors
Japanese Whiskey Blending Techniques
Japanese whiskey blending techniques utilize a range of barrels, flavors, and methods to create the unique profile of their whiskeys. Let’s take a look at what makes their approach so different.
1. Single-Distillery Blending
Most Japanese distilleries create blends using only their own whiskies. This approach results in distinct house styles. For example, a Hibiki blend contains only whiskies from Suntory's distilleries.
2. Diverse Production Methods
Japanese distilleries often produce a wide range of whisky styles in-house. Nikka's Miyagikyo distillery, for instance, uses both pot stills and Coffey stills, allowing for a variety of flavor profiles from a single location.
3. Complex Blending
Japanese blenders often use a large number of component whiskies. Some blends, like Hibiki 17, can contain over 100 different whiskies. This complexity allows for intricate flavor combinations and balance.
4. Consistency Focus
Japanese blenders aim to maintain consistent flavor profiles year after year, despite limited stocks. This requires careful planning and stock management.
5. Mizunara Oak Usage
Some Japanese blends incorporate whisky aged in mizunara oak, a Japanese species. This wood imparts unique flavors such as incense, coconut, and sandalwood, adding a distinctive character to the blend.
Japanese Cultural Influences on Whisky Production
Japanese cultural elements significantly shape the country's whisky production:
1. Kaizen (Continuous Improvement)
Japanese distilleries embody the kaizen philosophy, which emphasizes ongoing, incremental improvements in all aspects of production. This concept, deeply rooted in Japanese business culture, drives distillers to constantly refine their processes. For example, Suntory's distilleries might adjust fermentation times by small increments or fine-tune yeast strains over years to achieve subtle flavor improvements in their whiskies.
2. Shizen (Harmony with Nature)
The Japanese concept of shizen, or harmony with nature, influences distillery locations and water sources. Many distilleries are situated in areas renowned for their natural beauty and pure water. The Yamazaki distillery, Japan's first whisky distillery, was specifically chosen for its exceptional water quality. This water, which flows through granite rocks and is naturally filtered, contributes to the whisky's smooth character.
3. Monozukuri (Craftsmanship)
This Japanese term encompasses the spirit of craftsmanship and dedication to quality. In whisky production, it manifests as meticulous attention to detail at every stage. From carefully selecting grain varieties to precise control of distillation cuts, this approach ensures high quality across price points. Even affordable options like Nikka From The Barrel exhibit a level of refinement that reflects this commitment to craftsmanship.
4. Shun (Seasonality)
The Japanese cultural emphasis on seasonality, or shun, influences whisky maturation. Distillers in Japan pay close attention to how temperature and humidity fluctuations affect their whisky. The dramatic seasonal changes in many parts of Japan can accelerate the interaction between whisky and wood, potentially leading to more complex flavors in a shorter time compared to more stable climates.
5. Wakon-Yosai (Japanese Spirit, Western Learning)
This concept, which emerged during Japan's modernization, involves adopting foreign techniques while adapting them to Japanese sensibilities. In whisky-making, it's seen in how Japanese distillers respect Scottish traditions while innovating. The Nikka Coffey Malt is a prime example: it uses a traditional Coffey still (typically used for grain whisky) to distill 100% malted barley, creating a unique product that bridges Scottish technique with Japanese innovation.
Pairing Japanese Whiskey
Japanese whiskey's versatile flavor profiles make it an excellent companion for various foods and a star ingredient in cocktails.
Japanese Whiskey Food Pairings
Light, Floral Whiskies (e.g., Suntory Toki):
Pair with sushi or sashimi
Complement light seafood dishes like grilled sea bass
Try with fresh fruit desserts
Rich, Sherried Whiskies (e.g., Yamazaki 12):
Match with dark chocolate or cocoa-based desserts
Pair with grilled meats, especially beef
Complement aged cheeses
Peated Japanese Whiskies (e.g., Hakushu Heavily Peated):
Pair with smoked salmon or other smoked fish
Complement grilled vegetables
Try with blue cheeses
Japanese Whiskey Cocktail Recipes
Japanese Highball:
2 oz Japanese whiskey (e.g., Suntory Toki)
4-6 oz soda water
Lemon twist for garnish
Method:
Fill a highball glass with ice, add whiskey, top with soda water, and stir gently. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Tokyo Sour:
2 oz Japanese whiskey (e.g., Nikka From The Barrel)
1 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz simple syrup
0.5 oz egg white
Angostura bitters for garnish
Method:
Dry shake all ingredients, add ice and shake again. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a few drops of Angostura bitters.
Smoked Maple Old Fashioned:
2 oz Japanese whiskey (e.g., Hibiki Japanese Harmony)
0.25 oz maple syrup
2 dashes orange bitters
Orange peel for garnish
Method:
In a mixing glass, combine whiskey, maple syrup, and bitters. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Express orange peel over the drink and use as garnish.
How to Appreciate Japanese Whiskey
To fully enjoy Japanese whiskey, use these tasting techniques and serving suggestions:
Proper Japanese Whiskey Tasting Techniques
Visual Examination:
Hold the glass up to the light and observe the whiskey's color and viscosity. Swirl the whiskey and observe the "legs" that form on the glass.
Nosing:
Gently smell the whiskey. Start with your nose a few inches from the glass and gradually move closer. Try to identify different aromas.
Tasting:
Take a small sip and let it coat your entire mouth. Notice the initial flavors, the development on your palate, and the finish.
Adding Water:
Try adding a few drops of room temperature water to "open up" the whiskey. This can release new aromas and flavors.
Glassware and Serving Suggestions
Glassware:
Use a tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn or copita. These concentrate aromas at the rim, enhancing the nosing experience.
Temperature:
Serve Japanese whiskey at room temperature (around 15-18°C or 59-64°F) to fully appreciate its flavors.
Ice:
If you prefer whiskey on the rocks, use a large, clear ice cube. It melts slower, minimizing dilution.
Whiskey Stones:
For slight cooling without dilution, consider using whiskey stones.
Serving Size:
A standard pour is typically 30-60ml (1-2 oz), allowing for proper appreciation without overwhelming the palate.
Comparing Japanese Whiskeys
Suntory Toki
Style: Blended
ABV: 43%
Flavor Profile: Light, citrusy, hint of spice
Best For: Highballs, beginners
Nikka From The Barrel
Style: Blended
ABV: 51.4%
Flavor Profile: Rich, spicy, fruity
Best For: Sipping neat, experienced drinkers
Yamazaki 12
Style: Single Malt
ABV: 43%
Flavor Profile: Fruity, sherried, slight smoke
Best For: Special occasions, whiskey enthusiasts
Hibiki Japanese Harmony
Style: Blended
ABV: 43%
Flavor Profile: Floral, honeyed, subtle oak
Best For: Gifting, versatile sipping
Hakushu 12
Style: Single Malt
ABV: 43%
Flavor Profile: Fresh, green, light smoke
Best For: Nature lovers, Scotch fans
Nikka Coffey Grain
Style: Grain Whisky
ABV: 45%
Flavor Profile: Sweet, vanilla, bourbon-like
Best For: Bourbon drinkers, cocktails
Mars Iwai Tradition
Style: Blended
ABV: 40%
Flavor Profile: Spicy, fruity, hint of peat
Best For: Value seekers, diverse flavors
Pick Up A Bottle of Japanese Whiskey Today
Ready to shop Japanese whiskey? Look no further than
Big Bear Wine & Liquor
in Pueblo, CO. With our two convenient locations –
Big Bear - South at 2037 S Pueblo Blvd, Pueblo, CO 81005
, and Big Bear –
Pueblo West at 940 Hailey Lane, Pueblo West, CO 81007
– you're never far from an exceptional selection of Japanese whiskies. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you through their curated collection, helping you find the perfect bottle to suit your taste and budget.
Can't make it to the store? Give us a call at
(719) 547-1786
or visit our website at www.bigbearwine.com to explore their offerings. For personalized recommendations or to inquire about specific Japanese whiskies, don't hesitate to email brian@bigbearwine.com. Start your Japanese whisky adventure today with
Big Bear Wine & Liquor
– your local experts in fine spirits.