The Japanese are passionate whisky drinkers, their per capita consumption is significantly higher than that of the Americans or British. In terms of distilling however while Sake and the Japanese brandy Shōchū have long histories whisky production only dates back to 1923. Since then a number of distilleries have risen and fallen but Japan’s star now burns bright. Japan has even knocked Scotch from the top spot across a number of awards in recent years.

Unfortunately a combination of high demand and small volumes of aged whisky have seriously inflated the price of Japanese whisky, particularly those with an age statement. If you want to try an older one now is the time to try, else you’ll likely be waiting a decade or so.