We think your New Yearβs Eve should include the top Japanese whiskey! Weβre entering a brand-new decade, so letβs party like itβs 2019.Β If youβve been waiting to get your hands on some of this stuff, the year 2020 sounds like a perfect time to make it happen. Itβs special–no doubt. Itβs better than fireworks.
Join three of our Prestige brand ambassadors as they dive into some of their favorites. And give them a follow: @singlemaltvault, @caskandstill, and @whiskyaficionado. Thanks to you all for your passion. And for the word on these awesome bottles!
And honestly, ladies and gents, these Japanese gems are hard to scoop up. Look for a bar with them! Thatβs our best advice. If you snag one of these big-time drams, consider yourself lucky as hell. And get to sipping. Thatβs an order.
Top Japanese Whiskey
Here are the top Japanese whiskey bottles to look for. (Well, theyβre our top. So much majesty lies within the realm of Japanese whiskey! Itβs the truth.)
Hakushu Sherry Cask 1989

Dry sweetness with licorice, blackcurrants, prunes, and pepper.
βThe Hakushu Sherry Cask 1989–simply phenomenal. Iβm so glad Iβve already tried it as prices continue to rise…. It is a lot, but you will definitely find a sherry dram of the highest quality.β – @singlemaltvault
Hakushu 25

Big sherry and big smoke with fruit, nuts, and mint.
βOne of my personal favorites… the Hakushu 25 Year Old, which is truly stunning. Suntory brought their βAβ gameβ¦β – @SingleMaltVault
Yamazaki 18 Japanese Whiskey

Creamy but balanced with citrus, spices, and rich fruit syrup.
βStill one of the best around… the Yamazaki 18 is a staple for every home bar!β – @SingleMaltVault
Hibiki Japanese Harmony – Masterβs Select

Wood, cinnamon, dark chocolate, and citrus.
βMy Hibiki Masterβs Select βJapanese Harmonyβ is going to need a refill soonβ¦β – @whiskyaficionado
And hereβs another vote for Harmony as the top Japanese whiskey!
Hibiki Japanese Harmony

Succulent oranges and apricots with spices.
βJust tried Suntory Whiskyβs Hibiki. It was awesome! Super stoked I found this one for retail. This one was super sweet and smooth, and that bottle is unreal! This was the perfect after-dinner whisky.β – @caskandstill
Japanese Whiskey Greatness Continuesβ¦
Read our Japanese Whisky Reviews for a few more bottles to look for. Harmony makes another appearance, and we highly recommend it. But youβll note some others that are amazing as well.
What about you? What would you say is the top Japanese whiskey? Let us hear from you in the comments below. Your opinion matters here. Weβre all growing and learning in this Prestige community.
Know what goes great with your Japanese whiskey pours? Our handcrafted decanters and glassware. Your whiskey is a beautiful libation that deserves to be treated like royalty. Our lineup wonβt disappoint. Itβs more than simple barware. It has personality. And itβs made by local Kentucky artisans that deliver quality every time. It’s a luxurious, classy, and a bold statement.
To make this situation even cooler, weβre planting a tree in the U.S. for every decanter we sell. Thatβs right. Whenever you pour from your Prestige Decanter, you can imagine about Mother Nature thanking you.
We hope you get your hands and palates on some bottles, samples, or bar pours this year. Your New Yearβs resolution should definitely include one of these Japanese beauties.
Sayonara, gang! Best of luck in the New Year and in finding the bottle of your dreams.
[Cover photo credit: Scott Edmunds, @Flickr]