Japanese whisky has rightly claimed its international territory, which has enchanted the souls of whisky enthusiasts. It is not only the fine and subtle taste but also the history which is put into every drop, which is a kind of perfect combination of craft and passion. This can perhaps be seen better in Singapore where Japanese whisky is becoming the next big thing, not only among enthusiasts but even among those who just go to a bar to catch a drink. Japanese whisky in Singapore and other parts of the world have been embraced and has become prevalent in whisky bars and online services offering alcohol delivery.
Singapore has a diverse population and a very food-savvy culture, making it the perfect location to delve into the subtleties of Japanese whisky. Whether a regular consumer of whisky or someone who wants to explore more and get trapped in the realm of whisky, Singapore is a beautiful place to explore this world. It is now easier than ever before to find and purchase high-end spirits at liquor stores across the nation from leading brands, including Hibiki, Nikka, and Yamazaki. Just typing into Google liquor store near me will give you a whole list of stores where you will find a good range of Japanese whiskies.
A Brief History of Japanese Whisky
Japanese whisky traced back its root in the beginning of the 20th century when Masataka Taketsuru, a young man, left for Scotland to master the art of whisky distillery. He developed a liking of the process and went back to Japan with the knowledge that formed the Japanese whisky industry. His work eventually led to the creation of two of Japan's most famous distilleries: Suntory and Nikka.
In its early years, Japanese whisky specifically emulated Scotch whisky, emphasizing deeper, more full-bodied flavors with a hint of smoke. However, over time, the indigenous Japanese distilleries took their own path and focused on harmony rather than intensity, refinement rather than power. This gave rise to whiskies which might be classified as light, but with layers of taste that can be floral to fruity, spicy to peaty.
Popular Japanese Whisky Brands in Singapore
To those who are interested in trying Japanese whisky, it is helpful to know some of the most commonly known brands of whisky in Japan. Let’s take a closer look at some of the options:
Akashi Whisky
Akashi is a whisky that has witnessed massive growth and is now widely enjoyed by people in Singapore. One of the most popular brands, Akashi, is created at Eigashima Distillery and has a well-balanced and silky taste. In comparison to Hakushu, which sometimes has a focus on smokiness, Akashi has a sweeter taste with elements of fruitiness, vanilla, and a touch of spice. It is perfect for those who are unfamiliar with Japanese whisky, but still well-loved by the whisky experts due to its sophistication. Whether one wants to make a purchase for personal use or as a present, then Akashi is the best bottle to go for.
Yamazaki
One of the top Japanese whisky brands that has received international recognition, Yamazaki whisky is characterized by rich and full-bodied flavors. Their single malts generally carry a taste perception that is characterized by complex fruit, spice and wood flavors. Yamazaki’s whisky is affordable and is matured in different types of casks, such as American oak, Spanish oak, and Japanese Mizunara oak.
Nikka
Nikka is another very well-known brand of Japanese whisky with its products characterized by a strong and intense taste. From their Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries Nikka offers whiskies for people with taste preferences of strong and peaty accents. So if blended scotch is your thing, don’t expect to be disappointed with Nikka, which again applies a similar depth of flavor but with a Japanese twist.
Hibiki
Hibiki is a line of blended whiskies produced by Suntory and it is normally appreciated for balance and blend. Products of Hibiki whiskies are characterized by a sweetness and a certain richness made up of honey, orange rind, and even white chocolate. It is a whisky that can be sipped neat or on the rocks and can also be consumed in highball, a glass used in Japan most often when drinking whisky.
How to Enjoy Japanese Whisky
Depending on the individual’s taste, there are many ways in which one can consume Japanese whisky, as shall be seen. Here are a few popular methods:
Neat: Drinking whisky in a neat way (without adding some ice or a mixer) one can deepen or enhance the taste sensations. This is the most commonly used method when tasting new whiskies particularly the single malt whiskies.
On the Rocks: Putting a single ice cube will indeed slightly lessen the strength of the whisky, but at the same time, it will bring out the gentler notes in the spirit. Most Japanese whiskies which have lighter and smoother flavors actually benefit when they are warmed up a little with some ice.
Highball: Highball, whisky with soda water, is an extremely common way to consume whisky in Japan. It is quite light and goes well with the tropical climate of Singapore.
Conclusion
Whether you are an expert in whisky or a beginner trying out Japanese whisky Singapore, the market offers a wide selection to choose from. Starting from the clean and subtle taste of Akashi all the way to the strong and multifaceted Nikka; there is whisky for every taste out there. Discover the best Japanese whisky brands at Oak & Barrel, a trusted online alcohol store, offering convenient alcohol delivery Singapore.