Gift them the next best thing – Japanese whisky.
Aussies just can’t get enough of Japan. If it feels like everyone you know is either planning a trip to this Asian hotspot or still talking about their last visit, it’s probably because they are. Since 2019, Australian tourism to Japan has risen by more than 40%, and almost one million of us have visited over the past 12 months. So no, you’re not imagining it. And considering Japan’s intriguing history, arts and culture, amazing food and drinks, diverse natural landscapes and incredible people, it’s no wonder we’re hooked.
If you have a friend who can’t stop talking about Japan, they might just be the easiest person to buy for this season – consider it a trade-off for hearing about their upcoming itinerary in minute detail. Japan is home to so many excellent things, and that includes its whiskies. Just over 100 years ago, Yamazaki Distillery set about making Japan’s first whisky – more than four centuries after the Scottish got started – and others soon followed. Today, the nation’s whiskies are widely celebrated as some of the world’s finest.
Yamazaki continues to lead the way, alongside other prestigious brands like Hibiki and Hakushu, and they all make seriously versatile, complex and special expressions. So, if you’re after the best Japanese whisky to gift this festive season, take your pick from the following ideas. They might even score you an invite on their next trip to Japan.
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1. For the culture lover
If you’re buying for someone who is all about culture, appreciates great design and lists Tokyo as their dream destination, look for the Hibiki Harmony. This delicate whisky comes in an elegant 24-faceted bottle, reflecting the 24 traditional Japanese micro seasons, so they will love putting this on show on their bar cart.
As for the whisky inside the bottle, it’s a harmonious blend that’s complex and balanced, with subtle, floral notes. This is ideal for anyone newer to Japanese whisky as well as those already converted, and it’s best simply sipped neat or over ice and even better alongside some sushi and sashimi.
2. For the history buff
If this person’s dream tour of Japan includes temples and shrines, historic towns and museums, then the Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve Whisky is an excellent pick. As they unwrap this bottle, you can tell them how it comes from Japan’s first whisky distiller, which was established in 1923, and how Yamazaki played a major role in Japan’s whisky culture.
With this reserve release aged in sherry casks and other casks made from the rare mizunara wood, this will be right up their alley. It’s rich but easy drinking, with rounded, spiced and mature flavours. And while it’s another solid straight sipper, it also makes a brilliant Whisky Highball. Make it a nightcap with a plate of cheese.
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3. For the nature explorer
Maybe this person jets off to ski in Japan each year or they’re still talking about hiking the Kumano Kodo. Or maybe they just love spending time in nature. Consider the Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve Whisky, which comes from the Japanese Southern Alps, where the distillery takes advantage of the surrounding pristine water and cool climate.
This mountainous, high-altitude location is surrounded by forests and ancient granite, which all helps to create distinctive, quality whiskies. The Distiller’s Reserve is soft, herbal and gently smoky, but it’s still refreshingly crisp, smooth and vibrant. This is another one that’s perfect over ice or in a simple mixer, but we also love it in an Old Fashioned – especially when sipped with some crispy fish and chips.
