Japanese whiskey has become the hottest category in the whisky world. The two most famous producers are Suntory and Nikka. These two heavyweights have a competition and shared history that goes back a hundred years.
Suntory’s Yamazaki Distillery was the first in Japan to produce whiskey in 1923. Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii chose the location in Osaka due to its proximity to wealthy Kyoto. Suntory also operates the Hakushu and Chita distilleries. Together, they blend these components to make their famous Hibiki whiskey brand as well.
Nikka is most famous for its pioneering whiskey distillery Yoichi. The also produce fruity malt and grain whiskey at their Miyagikyo Distillery.
Today, many other brands of Japanese whiskey are prized as well.
Mars, Akashi, and Ichiro’s Malt are definitely whiskey brands from Japan to trust and enjoy.
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