In recent years, Japanese whiskeys have been gaining global recognition. Their popularity keeps growing each year, and some Japanese whiskeys are even considered hard to obtain.
 
In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind the worldwide trend of Japanese whiskeys, recommend some Japanese whiskey brands, and introduce delectable Japanese snacks and sweets that perfectly complement the whiskey experience.
 
If you are thinking of trying Japanese whiskey in the future, this read is for you! 

Japanese Whiskey's Global Popularity: What's the Secret?

Japanese whiskeys are highly esteemed, to the point of being selected as one of the world's top five whiskeys.

Why are Japanese whiskeys currently trending worldwide? Here are three reasons why Japanese whiskeys are garnering international attention.
 

1. Delicate and Well-Balanced Aroma and Flavor of Japanese Whiskeys

One of the distinctive features of Japanese whiskeys is their delicate and well-balanced aroma and flavor.
 
Compared to other countries where whiskey production is thriving, Japan has a notably smaller number of distilleries. As a result, Japanese whiskey makers tend to possess their own large-scale distilleries and even prepare the base spirits for blending in-house.
 
Additionally, Mizunara oak casks, which are extremely rare in the world, are sometimes used for aging the base spirits in Japan. Mizunara oak casks are made from Mizunara oak, a tree indigenous to Japan. These aging casks unique to Japan, impart a distinct note akin to aromatic wood to the whiskey. 
 
The technique of crafting multiple base spirits and Japan's unique aging environments produce a subtlety and balance not found in other countries. 
 

2. Numerous Awards Received at International Competitions 

The global recognition of Japanese whiskey has been driven by its notable achievements in prestigious international competitions.
 
At the international whiskey competition “World Whiskies Awards (WWA)," three Japanese whiskey labels secured the world's top honors in the 2023 edition. The WWA, held annually since 2007, is one of the most esteemed events in the realm of whiskey evaluation.
 
At the WWA, Japanese whiskeys like Nikka's Taketsuru and Suntory's Yamazaki have repeatedly claimed the world's top accolades in the past, making their names known across the globe.

3. Rising Demand for Japanese Culinary Culture and the Trust in “Made in Japan" Products

In recent years, not only whiskey but also Japanese culinary culture, including Japanese cuisine, has been capturing global attention. Japanese cuisine, which highlights the natural flavors of ingredients, is highly regarded worldwide for its health-conscious and delicate taste.
 
Furthermore, many people from around the world associate "Made in Japan" products with high quality and reliability. This high expectation for Japanese products is further fueling the popularity of Japanese whiskeys.

Top Recommendations for Japanese Whiskeys!

Now we know that Japanese whiskeys are highly popular worldwide due to their unique delicate flavor and outstanding quality. 
 
So, let's explore a few types of Japanese whiskeys that are available on the market. Here is a selection of three popular brands of Japanese whiskeys that we would like to recommend. 

1.  Suntory Whiskey: Hibiki

This whiskey was crafted to commemorate Suntory's 90th anniversary. A variety of carefully selected base spirits from Suntory's three distilleries are meticulously blended using advanced techniques passed down for generations. With its sweet and fruity aroma, gentle palate, and elegant flavor, it is a whiskey that goes down smoothly.
 

2.  Suntory Whiskey: Yamazaki

This is a single malt whiskey named after the Yamazaki Distillery, the oldest distillery in Japan. The distinct aroma, reminiscent of sandalwood and aloeswood, originating from traditional Mizunara casks, could be considered as the quintessential example of Japanese whiskey. It features a sweet, vibrant aroma and deep, rich sweetness. 
 

3.  Nikka Whiskey: Taketsuru

This is a pure malt crafted solely from malt without using grain, pursuing a smooth mouthfeel. Leveraging the knowledge and experience accumulated by generations of blenders, this remarkable creation has repeatedly earned accolades at the WWA. The profound richness and sweetness of malt are followed by a bittersweet aftertaste reminiscent of dark chocolate. 

Three Otsumami That Pair Perfectly with Japanese Whiskeys

Japanese snacks and sweets are perfect companions for Japanese whiskeys. Below, we will introduce three Japanese snacks and sweets that complement Japanese whiskeys. 

1.  Décorer: Chocolate that goes well with alcohol (Matcha)

Cacao-based chocolate is considered to pair well with whiskey, because of the many similarities it shares, including the bitterness and sweetness deriving from malt, a key ingredient in whiskey production.
 
This tiramisu chocolate has a caramel-coated almond enrobed in mascarpone cheese-flavored chocolate, offering a satisfying crunch. A dusting of Kyoto's finest Uji matcha powder, adds a sophisticated twist.

2. Chocolate ＆ Nuts & Raisin

Whiskeys pair well with nuts too. The nutty aroma complements the whiskey's scent. 
 
Chocolate ＆ Nuts & Raisin, available in a generous portion leaves you craving more with the saltiness of the nuts and the sweetness of the chocolates, making it a perfect snack. Moreover, the sugar-coated surface makes it convenient to be enjoyed outdoors without having to worry about it melting. 

3. Cheese Kobo, Almond Cheese, 60g

Cheese with a touch of saltiness also pairs wonderfully with whiskey. Cheese Kobo Almond Cheese features almond-studded cheese, sandwiched between sheets of fish meat. It offers just the right amount of crunch, making it a satisfying snack. 
 
With a shelf life of 120 days, it's a great idea to keep these handy for your evening drinks. 

Summary

In this blog post, we explored the reasons behind the global popularity of Japanese whiskey, highlighted some of the most beloved Japanese whiskey brands, and recommended snacks and sweets to pair with them. 
 
When sipping Japanese whiskey, be sure to savor it with Japanese snacks and sweets. Why not visit Zelico’s website to discover the perfect pairing for Japanese whiskeys?