Top 12 Japanese Whisky Brands In Kenya
Are you a whisky enthusiast? Do you wonder why Japanese whisky is quite expensive in comparison to Scotch whisky, Irish whisky or bourbon whisky? In today’s review, we will dig deeper on the history of Japanese whisky, their quality and some of the best brands that are making a big name in the whisky world.
Japanese whisky has become increasingly popular in the past few years consequent to their demand. This has resulted in them becoming extremely rare and expensive too. Most distilleries are struggling to keep up with customer demands hence discontinuing some of their popular brands. For example, Suntory has already discontinued The Hakushu 12 years and Hibiki 17 years which are among the best selling and the highest quality Japanese whisky.
The comparison between Japanese whiskies and Scotch whiskies is inevitable since the Japanese learned the art of distilling whisky from Scotland. However, the Japanese whiskies are unique in their own accord in terms of taste, smell and overall character. Luscious notes of cereal, malted barley and vanilla are common when you enjoy a bottle of these whiskies. This explains why some of the Japanese whisky brands like Yamazaki, Hibiki and Nikka have become household names to all whisky connoisseurs.
History Of Japanese Whisky
The first Japanese whisky distillery, Yamazaki, was opened in early 1920 by an importer called Shinjiro Torii and it was operated by Masataka Taketsuru. This master distiller had studied distilling art in Scotland for 3 years. In 1934, he left to start his own distillery known as Yoichi. He later named his company as Nikka. Currently, there are about 9 whisky distilleries operating in Japan.
12 Best Japanese Whisky Brands
1. Yamazaki
Yamazaki is a single malt whisky owned by Suntory. It is the pioneer of the Japanese whisky and has continued to produce excellent drinks. They keep experimenting with the shape of the pots and the type of the barrels used for maturation resulting in rich quality. Yamazaki is best known for their most expensive whisky, Yamazaki 25 years, which cost a fortune though it is the most complex and excellent drink you will ever sip. The second in the line is the Yamazaki 18 years followed by Yamazaki 12 years and Yamazaki distiller’s reserve.
The following are Yamazaki whisky brands & prices in Kenya
• Yamazaki 12 years single malt 750ml @ Ksh32,000
• Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve single malt 750ml @ Ksh28,000
2. Hakushu
This is a single malt whisky owned by Suntory. Just like its brother, Yamazaki, it is a high-quality whisky that is produced in four variants; 25 years, 18 years, 12 years and the distiller’s reserve. If you are a fan of smoky whisky and you want to try Japanese whisky, then Hakushu should be your brand of choice. Hakushu is made only from malted barley that is dried over a peat fire.
The following are Hakushu whisky brands & prices in Kenya
• Hakushu 12 years single malt 750ml @ Ksh35,000
• Hakushu distiller’s reserve single malt @ Ksh25,000
3. Hibiki
This is a blended whisky which is deemed as the best whisky on the planet which is also owned by Suntory. It is a loss to those who enjoy only single malt because they miss out on Hibiki which is even better than most of the single malts out there. This whisky is amber in colour with a silky smooth mouthfeel. Hibiki is produced in the ranges of 30 years, 21 years, 17 years, master select limited edition, master select and harmony.
The following are the Hibiki whisky brands & prices in Kenya
• Hibiki 17 years 750ml @ Ksh50,000
• Hibiki Master Select Limited Edition 750ml @ Ksh20,000
• Hibiki Master Select 750ml @ Ksh15,000
• Hibiki Harmony 750ml @ Ksh14,000
4.Suntory
Suntory whisky are produced from two distilleries; Yamazaki distillery and Hakushu distillery. The company produces a wide range of whisky in either single malt or blended whisky. Among their top brands are Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Suntory Whisky Toki. The first 3 brands we have already talked about them. Remember, Yamazaki distillery is where Japanese whisky started and Hakushu distillery is where the innovation continues. If you are looking for excellent whiskies, feel at home with Suntory whiskies, however, you need to part with more money for the top aged brands.
The following are Suntory whisky brands & prices in Kenya
• Suntory Whisky 750ml @ Ksh10,000
• Suntory Old Whisky 750ml @ Ksh10,500
• Suntory Royal Blended Whisky 750ml @ Ksh16,500
• Suntory Whisky Special Reserve 750ml @ Ksh14,000
• Suntory Whisky Toki 750ml @ Ksh10,000
5. Yoichi
This is a single malt whisky that is owned by Nikka. This is among the best-peated whisky out there. The founder Masataka Taketsuru built the distillery in Hokkaido because it has similar environmental conditions to the one in Scotland. It is produced in the range of 20 years, 15 years and the normal single malt. If you love to enjoy peaty notes and smokiness, you will never go wrong with a bottle of Yoichi.
The following are Nikka Yoichi whisky brands & prices in Kenya
• Nikka Yoichi single malt whisky 750ml @ Ksh24,000
6. Nikka
Nikka whisky company was founded by Masataka Taketsuru and produces a wide range of whisky both single malt whisky and blended whisky. Masataka is the father of Japanese whisky and was born in a brewing family and then schooled in various schools in Japan, United States and Scotland. Nikka whisky is produced in Yoichi distillery and Miyagikyo distillery. They have the widest range of notes ranging from cinnamon, sherry, umami, orange zest and smoke.
The following are Nikka whisky brands & prices in Kenya
• Nikka yoichi single malt 750ml @ Ksh24,000
• Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt 750ml @ Ksh11,000
• Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt 12 years 750ml @ Ksh22,000
• Pure Malt Red Nikka Whisky 750ml @ Ksh10,500
• Pure Malt Black Nikka Whisky 750ml @ Ksh11,500
• Nikka All Malt Whisky 750ml @ Ksh8,000
• Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky 750ml @ Ksh11,000
• Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky 750ml @ Ksh11,000
• The Nikka 12 years 750ml @ Ksh22,000
• Nikka Super Rare Old 750ml @ Ksh10,000
• Nikka Whisky from The Barrel 750ml @ Ksh10,000
• Nikka Black Clear Whisky 750ml @ Ksh6,000
• Nikka Blended Whisky 750ml @ Ksh10,000
• Nikka Days Blended Whisky 750ml @ Ksh9,500
7. Akashi
This Japanese white oak distillery was founded in 1984 but it produced its first dram in the year 2007. The distillery produces only blended whisky with no ages statements. If you love scotch whisky, then Akashi will be the brand for you because it gives a bit of everything that is loved by scotch drinkers. They have leather finish, American oak richness and undertones of smoky peat. The barrels used in maturation are either bourbon casks, sherry or shochu.
The following Akashi whisky brands & prices in Kenya
• Akashi Blue Label 750ml @ Ksh6,000
• Akashi Red 750ml @ Ksh5,000
• Akashi White Oak 750ml @ Ksh6,000
• Akashi White Toji blend 750ml @ Ksh8,000
8. Kirin
This distillery is located on mt fuji. For so many years, Kirin has been popular for crafting kirin beers but they later started distilling whisky. They are currently producing 3 whiskies namely, small-batch 18 years, 17 years single malt and Kirin Fuji Sanroku 50 proof. Due to the shortage of whiskies in the world, the Kirin distillery has already discontinued the production of their most popular brand, Kirin Fuji Sanroku 50 proof. Here at Nairobi Drinks, we have a few bottles remaining so you should rush and get yourself one while the stock last.
The following are Kirin whisky brands & prices in Kenya
• Kirin Fuji Sunroku whisky @Ksh8,000
9. Iwai
The distillery was started in 1985 on the Japanese Alps by Masataka Taketsuru. The area was favourable due to the humidity and adequate supply of water that makes the single grain whiskies and single malts of this company unique in taste. Some of the flavours to expect with Shinshu brands are notes of peat smoke, peppercorn, almonds and brine. You will never go wrong with a bottle of Iwai. In case you or on a tight budget and you are looking for a great bottle of Japanese, try a bottle of Iwai Tradition. It has hints of baking spices and aromas of vanilla.
The following are Shinsu whisky brands & prices in Kenya
• Hombo Iwai Tradition Whisky 750ml @Ksh8,000
• Hombo Iwai Japanese Whisky 750ml @Ksh10,000
10. Mars Shinshu
Shinshu is a small distillery that is known for producing great Japanese whisky. Their blended malt is made from a percentage of their great whiskies plus a percentage of whisky imported from Scotland. Examples of their popular brands include Mars Komagatake Shinanotanpopo and Mars Maltage Cosmo. They have sweetness balanced by spice, a full mouthfeel, grassy notes and fresh white pepper with smoky uplift at the end. In simple terms, Mars is like your lovely scotch whisky with a younger whisky added for more flavours and awesome taste.
The following are Mars Shinshu whisky brands & Prices in Kenya
• Mars Maltage Cosmo whisky 750ml @Ksh11,000
11. Kamiki
Kamiki is a blended Japanese whisky which is made only from the finest whiskies. They are fused together with the purest Japanese water. The whisky in non-filtered at 48% alcohol content to keep the natural flavours at maximum. Instead of using some predetermined ratios, the blending is done at the top flavours hence every batch is normally unique and so quality too. The word KAMIKI means God’ Breath. KAMI means God and IKI means breath. It is produced in 3 different brands; Kamiki whisky, Kamiki Sakura and Kamiki Intense.
The following are Kamiki whisky brands & prices in Kenya
• Kamiki whisky 500ml @Ksh8,500
12. Kurayoshi
This distillery is called Matsui Shuzo and they are the ones behind Kurayoshi and Tottori “Japanese whisky” brands. These brands are not Japanese whisky as per se because they are not distilled in Japan. They are priced lower than their competitors like Yamazaki and Nikka Yoichi because they don’t match their quality. This doesn’t mean they are not qualified enough, it means the quality of their competitor and their reputation in the market is better than them.
The following are Kurayoshi whisky brands & prices in Kenya
• Kurayoshi Pure Malt sherry cask 750ml @ Ksh14,500
• Kurayoshi Pure Malt 750ml @ Ksh17,500
• Kurayoshi Pure Malt 8 years 750ml @ Ksh17,500
• Kurayoshi Pure Malt 12 years 750ml @ Ksh20,000
• Kurayoshi Pure Malt 18 years 750ml @ Ksh30,100
Conclusion
About 10 to 20 years ago, Japanese whisky was only known to the aficionados but now the producers are struggling to keep up with the demand of these whiskies. The whisky world has also noted their quality and they have loaded them with awards. Every whisky drinker wants to taste a bottle of Japanese whisky which has resulted in whisky shortage. In other words, people are drinking Japanese whisky faster than it can be produced. Do you want to taste a bottle of Japanese whisky? Here at Nairobi Drinks, we have a wide collection of them in addition to other major subcategories of whiskies like Scotch whisky, Irish whisky, Indian whisky and Canadian whisky. Call, SMS or WhatsApp 0714798820 to place your order today. Enjoy great prices and free alcohol delivery in 20 minutes to your doorstep. #KeepItNairobiDrinks
