10 Best Japanese Whiskeys in the Philippines 2024 | Suntory, Nikka, and More

Arguably one of the most recognizable brands of whiskey, the Yamazaki is the flagship single malt whiskey of Suntory, Japan’s oldest distillery. It is matured from Bordeaux wine barrels, Sherry casks, and Mizunara casks. This gives it a multi-layered aroma composed of strawberries, cherries, and Mizunara or Japanese oak.

Often said to be the embodiment of what a Japanese whiskey is, this drink is versatile enough to be drunk on its own or as a base for cocktails. Its flavor is well rounded to be suitable as a gateway to whiskeys. It is also subtle enough on the palate that it won’t shock you if you drank it straight up.

It is noted to be soft and smooth, tasting of dried berries though it is followed by an oaky flavor with a hint of spice. The flavor is said to be suitable for drinking neat. Overall, it is a whiskey that can be easily enjoyed by everyone. 

The Hibiki showcases Japanese craftsmanship through the fine art of blending whiskey. This particular blend is one of their most awarded whiskeys, not just in Japan but also all over the world. Take a break from your usual whiskeys and go for this one if you are looking to update your liquor collection.

It is wonderfully complex, oozing of mature woodiness and sandalwood countered by hints of rose and lychee. On the palate, it boasts of a honey-like sweetness with hints of candied orange peel and white chocolate. This makes for a rather robust drink, so you may want to sip carefully. 

This particular whiskey gets its name as a result of wanting a blend that can deliver the full flavors and aromas of whiskey from barrels. It is a taste that only blenders are privy to, and the bottle is an embodiment of that. It is full-bodied and pungent with complex and rich flavors.

It is noted to have a stronger alcohol level, so you ought to feel the burn or as some like to call it, the hagod down your throat. Once that subsides, you can appreciate its fruit, vanilla, and spice notes. It also has hints of chocolate and caramel with just a bit of oakiness, great for when you want to switch up your usual gin.  

The Hakusuh is another one of Suntory’s prized single malt whiskeys. It is said to be fruity, with just a bit of smokiness coming through. This particular brand is noted to be crisp and dry; think of it as a full-bodied wine in this sense. It boasts of refreshing fragrances of melon and cucumber.

Its flavor profile is similar to its scent; it has grapefruit, lemon thyme, and yuzu, a citrus fruit and the kind you use for your citron teas. Its refreshing taste is what makes it different from other single malt brands. This quality is what also makes it a great base for highballs if you find the taste too strong. 

Grain whiskeys make for a great companion to whiskey blends, but it can also stand out on its own. It can also make for a great base liquor for cocktails as well. Generally, any whiskey can be used as a base but you are better off with lighter ones like Suntory’s Chita whiskey.

It is mild and smooth, so you’re not as overwhelmed by the strong taste whiskeys tend to have. On the nose, it exudes fragrances of crème brûlée, cardamom, and acacia honey. You can get a hint of mint upon tasting as well honey. This is ideal if you want a versatile drink that you can drink on its own or mix up in cocktails.  

The Miyagikyo is lightly peated, so you’re as overpowered by the smokiness. Upon sniffing, it is fruity and sweet with a little peat coming through as well as hints of apricot and banana. When tasting, its fruity flavor is consistent with that of its scent with hints of oakiness and has touches of herbs such as cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Overall its sweet and savory flavor profiles had been noted to be well balanced and one that is easy to drink. It is a good buy for its price point, which proves you can buy quality whiskey without breaking the bank. If you want to step up your whiskey game from your usual blended ones, we recommend this one. 

The Fuji Sanroku is ideal if you are looking for something easy to drink apart from your usual suspects of wine and beer. It smells of vanilla and caramel with earthy hints. Its flavor profile leans on the sweeter side, tasting of biscuits with a mix of grape juice, but it does have a bit of a burn.

And just as well, it adds a nice contrast as you might get carried away while sipping at it. Overall, it has a good balance, which is perfect for those inuman sessions. It is versatile and friendly enough to suit a variety of tastes if you want to level up and bring something different to the holidays this year.  

This makes use of corn as its primary source of grains, so it results in a sweeter and mellower taste with a creamy texture. If your knowledge leans more towards American style bourbon whiskeys, you will appreciate this Coffey Grain Whiskey from Nikka. Think of it as a gateway to Japanese whiskeys.

Savor it on its own and you can taste notes of toffee popcorn, tropical fruits, and candied orange peel. Alternatively, if you find it too strong, you can opt to dilute it with soda. It is not that smoky, so it won’t overpower your cocktail. Why not switch it up and use this instead of your usual Jack and Coke combo?

Ichiro's combines both malt and grain whiskey from Japan and possibly other countries as well, which earned its moniker as the worldwide blended whiskey. Upon smelling the whiskey, you will be hit by scents of peaches and apricots as well as malt. It starts off delicate to the taste, with notes of vanilla coming through.

It gradually transforms into something spicy and peppery as the peat comes through. Peat refers to the smoky flavor; this is also consistent with the oaky flavor that persists. This is why some whiskeys taste like wood sometimes. The smoky and woody flavor makes a great accompaniment or even marinade for your inihaw dishes.  

This iconic drink is the original Japanese favorite choice of whiskey to use for highballs. Known for its unique square design, it has earned its nickname as Kakubin, which literally translates to square bottle. It is the go-to drink for many because of its versatile nature that can be drunk with meals or on its own, similar to beer.

Upon opening, it gives off an aroma of fresh cereals with a hint of spiciness. It also tastes of crisp apple with a bit of vanilla and raisin. The flavor is not too bold or complex and leans on the sweeter and lighter side. But it does have a bit of heat. It is perfect for when you want to start venturing onto whiskeys.