Dassai 23 is the original release that built the entire Dassai brand, not a fancier version of Dassai 45. Here’s whether the extra polishing actually earns the price jump.
Japanese whisky and bourbon share more DNA than you’d expect, but different rules produce different flavors. Here’s what’s actually different, and where to start if you already like bourbon.
Mars Iwai Tradition is usually the cheapest genuine Japanese whisky on the shelf. Here’s whether the dry, spice-forward flavor backs up the price.
The label and the kanji on the bottle don’t tell you if a whisky meets the JSLMA standard for genuine Japanese whisky. Here’s the actual checklist.
Quick answer: The Kurayoshi Sherry Cask (around $85) is a genuinely good sherry-finished malt whisky for the price — but it’s honest to say upfront that it doesn’t meet Japan’s JSLMA self-regulatory standard for “Japanese whisky,” because part of the malt is sourced from Scotland. If that distinction matters to you, know it going in; … Read more
Quick answer: if you’re buying a gift for a Japanese whisky fan and don’t want to gamble on a specific bottle (or the recipient already has their favorite), the safer move is a genuinely good accessory instead. Our top pick: a set of Edo-Kiriko cut glasses — a real Made-in-Japan craft object that works for … Read more
An honest look at whether Japanese whisky is really cheaper in Japan, and where to actually buy it beyond the airport duty-free counter.
Japanese whisky and Scotch share a founding history but diverged in philosophy, from regional peat traditions to house-driven balance and Mizunara oak.
Five real alternatives to Hibiki Harmony for when it is sold out or overpriced, from the nearest Suntory-style substitute to a budget option for testing the waters.
Five whisky decanters worth buying for a Japanese whisky home bar, from a classic budget-friendly pick to a Japanese-inspired crystal set, plus an honest look at whether decanting actually does anything.
