Japanese whisky makes an elegant gift for any occasion. However, devout collectors, scarcity, and high demand have driven prices up and out of reach—100 million Yen for a bottle of 55-year-old Yamazaki.

I propose a list I curated that’s within reach for the everyday person, with many categories to select from for the best Japanese whiskies for gifting.

Welcome to my updated article with an addendum. This compilation originally went online a few years ago and has proven so immensely popular that it justified a rewrite. I knew it would. The evidence is that Japanese whiskies’ popularity has spiked over the past decade, and there have been no signs of slowing down.

It’s proven so popular, in fact, that many distilleries have capitalized on the demand by raising their prices. And it’s one of those things where once the prices go up, you’re just about guaranteed never to see a price drop. So it’s best to get what you want off the ship before it sails.

The biggest seller, Suntory, raised the prices of their premium whiskies back in April 2022 and again the following year by as much as 2.25 times. In April 2024, the number two seller, Nikka, raised the prices of all their whiskies from 10% to as much as 56%.

So now, with all that said, a once moderately priced, beautifully packaged, and amazingly delicious gift that you could have given to anyone who drinks has become a gift that you’re probably going to only give to those
you truly love at the utmost.

I’ll include a range of options so that budget-minded readers have something worthwhile they can buy as well.

I don’t necessarily want to include the manufacturer’s suggested retail price next to these whiskies because the prices fluctuate so much that they wouldn’t stay updated for long. Instead, I’ll use the yen symbol (¥) to indicate what you can expect to pay—one symbol for under ¥10,000, two for ¥10,000–¥20,000, and three for a wild ride on the expensive side.

Best Single Malt: The Hakushu

The Hakushu is a whisky that evokes thoughts of nature with its floral, grassy, fruity notes. Yes, the age statement variants are better (and more expensive), but that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the no-age statement (NAS) version. I don’t know anyone who would refuse this as a gift. Price: ¥¥.

Best Grain: Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky

Named after inventor Mr. Aeneas Coffey, this is a Japanese whisky made chiefly from corn in column “Coffey” stills. Despite the likeness in name, there is no actual coffee in this, which, surprisingly, fools some enthusiasts into thinking there is. It has a grainy bourbon-like aroma with the taste of light fruits and watermelon. Price: ¥.

Best Blended: Hibiki 17 Years Old

The appearance of this whisky in the 2003 film Lost in Translation saw actor Bill Murray’s character Bob Harris popularize Japanese whisky in real life from his famous fictional Japanese “Suntory Time” commercial. This is the Hibiki to have, but I’ve included a cheaper version on this list for the budget-conscious. Price: ¥¥¥.

Best World Whisky: Suntory World Whisky Ao

There are essentially only two world whiskies, Suntory’s Ao and Nikka’s Session. While the Nikka is a blend of three distilleries’ whiskies from two countries (Japan and Scotland), Suntory’s blend is from seven distilleries located throughout five major whisky regions (Japan, Scotland, USA, Canada, and Ireland). I prefer the Ao because the taste resembles Suntory’s Hibiki Japanese Harmony. Price: ¥.

Best Bourbon: Four Roses Super Premium

I bet you’re asking, “Why is bourbon on this list?” Let me explain. The Kirin Brewery Company purchased the Four Roses distillery in 2002, and this is a unique Japan-only release. With a fruit punch-like taste, buy it for its taste or exclusivity. Price: ¥.

Best Scotch-like: Nikka Whisky Single Malt Yoichi

Yoichi is the flagship single malt from Nikka’s first distillery of the same name. Founder Taketsuru chose Yoichi in Hokkaido because of its similarity to Scotland. In Japan, this would be the closest relative climate. In this whisky, you’ll find elements of nature such as grass, peat, smoke, and fruits. Those accustomed to Scotch and familiar with Japanese whiskies will feel right at home with this in-between whisky. Price ¥.

Best Budget Japanese Whiskies: Suntory Old Whisky

Easily recognizable by its bottle shape, which looks like a Daruma doll, this smooth and sweet whisky is readily available at almost all supermarkets and liquor shops in Japan. The price is unbeatable. Price: ¥.

Best Overall Runner-Up Japanese Whiskies: The Yamazaki

This is the NAS version of the Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky range that includes the 25, 18, 12 and out-of-production 10-year-old whiskies. Each has a differing taste, but I’d say in comparison, the NAS has a more balanced flavor than the next tier-up, harsher tasting, more expensive 12-year-old bottling. Price: ¥¥.

Best Overall Japanese Whiskies: Hibiki Japanese Harmony

Many people prefer the taste of single malt whisky compared to blended whisky. Malt whiskies are produced in a single distillery and then blended together. Blended whiskies are produced in multiple distilleries, possibly with some grain whisky included, and blended all together.

In addition to the great taste, I’m recommending Hibiki as the best overall choice because the presentation is second to none. The bottle full of Japanese tradition features an Echizen washi paper label with the kanji for Hibiki written in shodo (Japanese calligraphy). The 24 facets or sides around the bottle symbolize the 24 hours of the day and sekki (24 seasons) of the traditional Japanese calendar. I couldn’t discard my bottle because of its beauty, so I kept it around to use as a vase. Price: ¥¥.

Here are some essentials things to note before I close this article out.

Whisky starts at 40% alcohol by volume (ABV) and only goes up from there. If you’re in Japan, don’t attempt to purchase and mail it out of the country, as it’s prohibited to send alcohol above 20% ABV internationally.

For international residents in Japan, the only way to get it out of the country legally is in your checked baggage if you plan to visit home.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Japanese whiskey world, be sure to check out my book “50 Japanese Whiskies,” or Brian Ashcraft’s “Japanese Whisky: The Ultimate Guide to the World’s Most Desirable Spirit“. Remember, partaking in drinking, collecting, gifting or receiving whisky can be satisfying. I only ask you to respect it as it is not meant to be thrown back like tequila. It’s for classy people, so keep it classy.