Japanese Whisky

Japanese Whisky - world class spirits in the Heinemann shop

Japan is renowned for seamlessly blending tradition and innovation, and this might be the key to the success of Japanese whisky. Discerning enthusiasts have grown to admire the quality of Japanese whisky, which competes effortlessly with the finest Scottish and Irish counterparts due to the meticulous selection of ingredients and the attention given throughout the production process. Explore the world of Japanese whisky by ordering from the Heinemann shop and experience firsthand the multi-award-winning flavors of this distinctive spirit. From the smooth Yamazakura with its gentle fruity notes to the exceptional Blend Hibiki Harmony Master's Select and the Nikka malt whisky that stands proudly alongside traditional Scotch Whisky, the variety offers a rich spectrum of unique tastes.

When was the first Japanese whisky made?

With respect to both the ingredients and production methods, Japanese whisky is very similar to traditional Scotch Whisky. And no wonder, because Masataka Taketsuru, the pioneer of Japanese whisky, learned his craft locally in the early 20th century at various Scottish whisky distilleries. He returned to Japan in 1920 and was contracted by Shinjiro Torii, the founder of Japan's first whisky distillery. This distillery was where Suntory started, a company that not only produces excellent Japanese whisky like the mild and smoky Hakushu Distillers Reserve, but also world famous American whiskeys such as Jim Beam or Maker's Mark.

Later, Taketsuru established The Nikka Whisky Distilling Company, which operates the two Japanese whiskey distilleries in the Hokkaidō region and in Northern Honshu. There are now quite a few renowned whisky distilleries in Japan and they are barely keeping up with the high demand for their quality products. This is also a reason why the Japanese distilleries are starting to purchase the traditional Scottish businesses. 

What is Japanese whisky? Tradition and innovation combined to create fine whiskies:

What makes the Japanese whisky so special is the careful attention to detail and a standard of quality that does not compromise on perfection, both of which are typical for the country of never-ending smiles. Production closely resembles that of the traditional Scottish method, which can also be seen in the various Japanese whisky products:

• Pure malt whisky is any whisky distilled exclusively from barley malt and water.
• Single grain/blended grain whisky not only contains barley malt, but typically also other unmalted grain types.
• Single malt whisky originates from a single distillery, however it may also be a blend of different barrels and years.
• Blended malt whisky is a combination of at least two or more single malts from different distilleries.
• Blended whisky is a cut of at least one single malt and one or more grains. 

Enjoy excellence: Purchase Japanese whisky online at Heinemann

Friends of Japanese whisky and those striving to become one enjoy their single malt or blend neat and without ice, so as to savour the true flavour of this spirit on its many levels. In Japan, whisky is also an ingredient in the popular classic highball and people enjoy a glass for dinner or drink it in the winter with hot water - similar to the Grog enjoyed in Northern Germany. Be inspired by the quality and wide range of Japanese whiskies: Order your whisky online from the Heinemann shop up to 180 days prior to your flight departure date and have your order delivered either conveniently to your home or to the airport directly, ready for pick-up.