LIQUID GOLD

Japanese whisky’s rising pedigree has bred some of the finest single malts and blended spirits in the world. Adding to this impressive array of places to imbibe are the peregrine pleasures of the country itself– its wonders, its bucolic scenery, and its careful utility. Here are some of the best distilleries to brush up on Japan’s impressive whisky credentials.

Hakushu

The snow of the Japanese Alps is best seen in January, but the taste of that melted snow is found in a single malt Suntory Hakushu. Rich, sweet, and slightly smoky, the 12-year Hakushu is an ideal drink for Japanese whisky beginners. Owned by the whisky geniuses at Suntory, Hakushu’s prime, fir-surrounded location is found a short train ride from Tokyo, nestled amongst gentle pine forests and gently sloping mountains. Between the constant whistling of the bird sanctuary and the wood-gated White Terrace dining facilities, Hakushu combines peace and accessibility.

Sadly, there are no English-guided tours, but thirsty guests will be mollified by the audio guides. The most common Hakushu is the 12-year, and while one will want to try it neat first, this modest drink can make an excellent mint highball – a popular cocktail for whiskies in Japan. Local sites and experiences of interest include skiing at Wing Hills and Takasu Snow Park, and mountains are found in every direction. Reservations at the Hakushu Distillery are highly recommended.

Mount Fuji Distillery

Whisky lovers at Mount Fuji will want to check out the Mt. Fuji Distillery. Chosen for the site’s climate similarities to Scotland, the distillery began in partnership with Chivas, Seagram’s, Four Roses, and Kirin. Keen observers will have noticed that much of Japanese whisky shares a history with Scotland—hence it is “whisky” rather than “whiskey” when it comes to spelling. Other than the drinking facilities and the fine drams, one thing that makes this destination different from others is its proximity to five – yes, five – golf clubs. One might finish up at the Fujiheigen Golf Club, get some snaps of the Yama Shrine, and then walk right into the distillery for a day of drinking. On the other side, a stay at the Remote Lands favorite Gora Kadan ryokan is recommended. Tours of the distillery are available every day except for Wednesdays. Using the water falling from the famous Mouth Fuji, the Fuji Sanroku 50 is recommended – a warm, sweet, thick whisky with hints of vanilla, perhaps even preferable to the 18-year blend Fuji Sanroku. Yamanashi prefecture, home to Mount Fuji, is also home to several notable wineries as well as distilleries.

Yamazaki

The piece d’ resistance: Suntory Yamazaki Distillery. Established by Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii in 1923 and located between Osaka and Kyoto, Yamazaki is inarguably the best distillery visit in Japan. The whisky uses waters from Mount Tennozan, at the foot of which the distillery sits. Guests will enjoy the history, crafting, and process of the Yamazaki distillery tour, but it is at the Whisky Library visitors should expect their eyes to pop out of their heads and start lapping at the sight of more than 7,000 beautiful bottles. Due to the site’s popularity, booking can be difficult. The tasting counter includes 80 whisky varieties, where visitors can try limited edition whiskies specific to the Yamazaki distillery. The only downside to this distillery is that there are no food options. One might wax lyrical about the Yamazaki 18 – or perhaps even the extremely rare 25 – but it’s the popular 12-year Yamazaki with which most travelers will be familiar: a fruity single malt known the world over. This is where Japanese whisky began.

Yoichi

Nikka Whisky Distilling owns the Yoichi distillery, found on the northern island of Hokkaido. Up in that cold of Japan’s northernmost island, the winters are bracing and the culture runs deep. Found near the chilly waters of the Sea of Japan, the Yoichi is a more urban area than many of the other distilleries mentioned herein.

Yoichi produces some of Japan’s finest whisky. Their flavors come with an almost ubiquitous peat flavor that often goes unappreciated by the novice. Found just 50 kilometers from Sapporo – the site of one of Japan’s most interesting northern cities and the site of the yearly snow festival – Yoichi whisky staves off that winter cold. The tradition of Yoichi is continued on from Masataka Taketsuru, who brought his love of whisky back from a trip to Scotland in 1918.

The Taketsuru Pure Malt comes in 17- and 21-year varieties, but it’s often the spicy – and light on the peat – of the Nika Pure Malt Black that draws most curious whisky lovers. The blended Nikka From the Barrel is mixed with Nikka’s other distillery in Miyagikyo near Sendai in northern Japan. One of the brand’s more innovative tastes is the Coffey Grain, produced from a “coffey still” imported from Scotland in the 1960s.

WHERE TO STAY: Park Hyatt Niseko

The Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono feels like it’s on another level. A stunning building in a spectacular natural setting, it’s close to some phenomenal skiing, but is a worthy destination year-round.