Japanese whisky is one of the most envied whiskies in the world. It has been described as balanced, elegant and well-made and is a drink that can be enjoyed without feeling too sophisticated. Japanese expressions are a good place to begin drinking whisky, especially when a person is new to the category. They are usually mellow, well balanced and full of personality but not overwhelming.
In this case, we are going to examine some of the finest bottles to start as a new enthusiast, whiskies which are good, not too sophisticated, and affordable. They are wonderful introductions into the wonderful world of Japanese whisky and more.
Ki One Batch 1 70cl 40%
Ki One Batch 1 70cl 40% is an excellent whisky to start with when one is venturing into Japanese-style whisky. It is honey sweet with a smooth finish and some fruit in it. With 40 percent ABV, it is mild in weight yet with enough personality to make it interesting.
It is easy to drink as it stands or as a highball component. The whisky also demonstrates the increasing diversity of Asian whisky production with Asian whisky distilleries demonstrating that not only established names can make great flavours.
Kyro Peat Smoke Malt Rye Whisky 70cl
Although it is not Japanese, the Kyro Peat Smoke Malt Rye Whisky 70cl has a different way to look at new lovers of whisky. It is a blend of the smooth smoke traditional of peated styles and the spiciness of rye, resulting in a complex but in-control flavor profile.
It is a nice starting point in case one is interested in the taste of smoke but does not want something as extreme as heavily peated Scotch. It is also food friendly and thus a good choice during a social tasting session.
Miyagikyo Single Malt Whisky 70cl
Miyagikyo Single Malt Whisky 70cl is perhaps the most beautiful introduction to Japanese single malts. It is a light floral fragrance with subtle fruit sweetness and the touch of mild spice produced by Nikka.
It is exquisitely smooth and balanced, and it would be the best possible choice for a person who is just beginning to experiment with whisky. This bottle is also a symbol of the elegant side of the Japanese craftsmanship as it depicts how subtle can be as powerful as the strong.
Miyagikyo & Yoichi Single Malt Whisky
The Miyagikyo & Yoichi Single Malt Whisky set enables a novice to make a direct comparison between two of the most well-known styles of Nikka. Miyagikyo has a light fruity profile whereas Yoichi has a little more toasted and burly character.
When they are tasted together it is indeed a learning experience. It guides new consumers on how production techniques and geographical factors contribute to flavor even between brands of the same company.
Miyagikyo Discovery Peated 70cl
Miyagikyo Discovery Peated 70cl is a small batch edition in which peat is added in a mellow, pleasant manner. This expression is a lighter style of smoke compared to the heavy Islay malts as it has a minimal amount of peat to add a sense of complexity but not to fill the palate.
To a novice, it is a great first step into the world of smoky whiskies, but without leaving the realm of Japanese grace.
Miyagikyo Discovery Aromatic Yeast 70cl 47%
The Miyagikyo Discovery Aromatic Yeast 70cl 47% demonstrates the effects of fermentation on the flavor. It produces a floral and fruity aroma that is unique to other single malts using a special yeast strain.
It is an interesting option to try to people who are new to tasting something unusual and innovative. It is a little stronger but smooth enough to be sipped.
Miyagikyo & Yoichi Discovery Aromatic Yeast Set
The Miyagikyo & Yoichi Discovery Aromatic Yeast Set takes a closer look at the effect yeast has on the taste of the whisky. Both distilleries introduce their own version of this exclusive fermentation process, and this fact makes the two similar yet different in their own way profiles.
It is an educational and fun one to start with as well as having the chance of comparing tastes side by side as the flavors evolve.
Nikka From The Barrel 50cl 51.4%
Nikka From The Barrel 50cl 51.4% is an aggressive yet extremely well balanced whisky. Although it is stronger, it is smooth, rich, and layered with fruit, spice and vanilla.
It is also approachable enough that beginners willing to bring something a little more intense to the table will enjoy it. It also has the flexibility to be used as cocktails or as a neat drink with a dash of water.
Nikka Coffey Grain 70cl 45%
Nikka Coffey Grain 70cl 45% is soft, sweet and easy-drinking. It is mainly produced out of corn; it has a creamy vanilla, tropical fruit, and caramel flavor. It is smooth in nature, hence a good starter drink and particularly suitable to those that prefer lighter spirits.
It is also a wonderful initiation into grain whisky, it demonstrates that grain whisky can be just as nice as single malts.
Nikka Coffey Malt 70cl 45%
It is a malted barley whisky but distilled through Coffey still, which makes the Nikka Coffey Malt 70cl 45% have a distinctive profile. It is denser than the Coffey Grain, and has biscuit, toffee and soft spice notes.
To novices, it provides an opportunity to experience an alternative way of production without having to sacrifice on the smooth and palatable character of the whisky.
Conclusion
Whether it is the light sweetness of Ki One Batch 1 70cl 40% or the more mature richness of Nikka Coffey Malt 70cl 45%, these entry-level Japanese whiskies have something to suit everyone just getting in to whisky. They are self-confident, well-made, and multi-purpose and thus ideal when used as confidence builders during tasting and exploration.
It seems to us that at Liquor Kingdom these bottles will not only provide you with a wonderful experience but also make you want to continue exploring the wonderful world of Japanese whisky.
