Are Japanese Whiskies Worth the High Prices? - BRT 236

[@kirklandeche937]

Great show as always! On an unrelated note, I found an offering from our neighbor Ian, the cask strength offering, and picked it up to support their efforts in the bourbon blending skill set. I've yet to taste it but, I'm expecting a nice pour! Merry Christmas to everyone in your neck of the woods! Cheers!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Merry Christmas! Let us know what you think when you crack it.

[@kirklandeche937]

I enjoyed a pour yesterday evening. I had to go back for another one. I suspect that my glass has a hole in it. I just can't figure it out! Nice pour! Cheers!

[@timwooten5485]

I enjoy some Japanese whiskey. I do really enjoy Nikka Coffey Malt for a good easy drinker. Cheers!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I have liked that one in the past.

[@YoJimBo851610]

Technically Nikka Coffey Malt sits outside of Japanese Whisky by the JSMLA standards....

[@nickp5511]

Nice to learn more about Japanese whisky! I’ve only had Hibiki Harmony and it’s nice!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Others have recommended that one to me too.

[@YoJimBo851610]

Hibiki Harmony is an excellent Blended Whisky!!

[@brienburke4382]

Great Show!!! Love you guys!!!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Love you too! Thanks for watching!

[@hick82]

Always enjoy you guys.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thank you!

[@WhiskyForBeginners]

3:08 I have my own views on spelling. I prefer the Scottish spelling, whisky, but will sometimes use the Irish spelling, especially when talking about Irish whiskey. But I pluralize all of it as -ies. Maybe I ought to write *The Idiosyncratic Style Manual* for people with ideas that aren't quite standard. 😂 Even considering the Scottish background of Japanese whisky, it surprises me that they've not produced a lot of rice whisky (if they've done any at all). Rice is, of course, *the* grain in that part of the world, and to me it seems natural to use a rice mash bill. And I wish Korea would get into the whiskey market. I spent a year in Korea with the Air Force, and met my wife there, so I'm partial to Korea rather than Japan (there's a *ton* of history between the two countries). 8:23 I suspect that those who like peat are likely to like dark notes - oak, smoke, chocolate - in bourbon, and vice versa. This isn't at all scientific, but I do like the dark bourbon notes, and by the end of my first glass of Laphroaig I knew I like peat too.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I am unsure if you have tried ki one, but it is the first Korean whiskey distillery from what I have been told.

[@UALocal8KC]

Enjoyed the video! Thanks!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AnthonyDiCarlo-f1y]

Love your take on all whiskeys, keep up the great work

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks, will do!

[@padave7505]

Thanks for the video. Looking forward to doing some hunting in Japan on my next business trip, so this helps get me up to speed on what to look for during my hunt.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

You want Japanese Blanton's, Wild Turkey, and Four Roses. They all have Japanese only releases, and from what I am told they are all pretty easy to find.

[@MrJCBishop]

Thanks for the episode. There is some really nice Japanese Whiskies out there. The Habiki Harmony and the Nika Straight from the Barrel are my favorite.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I have heard great things about both, and I am told they are both more affordable than the bottles we tried in the video.

[@andrewhamper3495]

Ever thought about doing some brandy videos?

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I have, but look at the views on this video. Very few people watch when I depart from American whiskey.

[@andrewhamper3495]

That sadly makes sense. Wish there was more of a knack for it

[@jeffkastl1290]

I have never tried Japanese whiskey before. Thanks guys! Cheers 🥃

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Hopefully this helps you.

[@mr.richiej]

this is the best way to try something that you've never tried before 2oz. at a time great work.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Good luck in the randomizer!

[@adamhurtubise7756]

I’m a bourbon guy but I’ve always liked Scotch and I’ve also recently gotten into American single malts. Japanese whiskeys are another fun bunch to explore.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

If you like scotch, I am sure you will appreciate some of what Japan has to offer.

[@alabamafootballpodcast3582]

Thanks for this show.... I've never tried Japanese Whiskey.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Hopefully it is helpful. I just want to make sure people know that many of these brands got at popular as they are now when they were at less than half the current price.

[@dancobaich9274]

Great info video. I'm not sure I'm ready for Japanese whiskey, but my son is planning a trip there next year, so we may need to test the waters.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Sounds like a great trip! If you're looking for an entry whiskey that's not too expensive that might appeal to a bourbon drinker, try Nikka straight from the barrel. Cheers!

[@TheWhiskeyRambler]

Always enjoy the videos. I’ve been curious about Japanese Whiskey

[@BourbonRealTalk]

They are solid, and will likely appeal to your palate if you like scotch. I just want people to know that most of these brands got as popular as they are not when they were priced at less than half of their current price.

[@donaldday7850]

Thanks for reaching outside the bourbon walls to give us imput on other whiskey.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I do a lot of research into other spirits, but I am always hesitant to create content about it because these pieces get very few views.

[@VincentUpperman]

Thanks for the video!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

You're welcome!

[@MrZanzibar123]

My favorite is Hibiki Harmony; would love to try their 21 year old and a variety of Japanese stuff.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Others have suggested Hibiki Harmony would have been a good addition to this video.

[@MrZanzibar123]

@@BourbonRealTalk great first pour. Reminds me of an everlasting gobstopper in that you get three successive taste flavors in a row!

[@erictonn9976]

Do see Japanese whiskey every once in awhile local at a bit of a mark up. Normally not crazy high prices tho. I've just never taken the dive and tried any yet. Thanks for keeping up on podcasts during the holidays. Hope you and yours had a great Christmas

[@BourbonRealTalk]

We did! Thank you for watching and Happy New Years to you!

[@jwmoo1]

Passed on the Japanese bottles a few times. Would be nice to try it.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

At these prices it is a try before you buy situation for sure!

[@jameson44]

I am interested in trying Japanese whiskey.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Be sure to enter the randomizer.

[@WTCrawford]

Japanese Whiskey…Whiskeys…Whisky…Whiskies…Hopefully, I have them all covered. Another great video. Well done!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Thanks for watching!

[@dylanflurry33]

Never tried it other than Legent. Wouldn’t be opposed to trying something better.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

This is quite different. Legent is blended by a Japanese blender but the whiskey is not Japanese.

[@dylanflurry33]

Ohh. Then that’s as close as I’ve been to Japanese lol

[@mR_LoPeZ86]

Ive had like 3 or 4 japanese whiskies and there was only one that i genuinely loved. Unfortunately it was long ago and i dont remember what it was 😢 hope to taste it again. Cheers sir🥃

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Hopefully you have some fun finding it, just wondering from bar to bar trying random Japanese whiskies 🤣

[@alabamafootballpodcast3582]

...also, love the Karen/Carian ad. I have one of your glasses coming for Christmas. Look forward to trying it out.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I hope you love it, but if you don't you know I will refund you! Cheers!

[@lrbtechie]

Before I got big into Bourbon, I was a huge fan of Japanese Whisky. A few years ago, Japanese Whisky was typically double the price of American Bourbons. That isn’t the case any longer. Over the past 1-2 years, American Whiskey, including Bourbon, has almost caught up to the Japanese Whiskies in price.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Maybe add some more context. When I go search for Japanese whiskey I really don't see any offerings below $100 per bottle that I have heard of the name. I could fill my entire whiskey wall with name brand bourbons below $60.

[@lrbtechie]

lets be real and compare high end aged bourbons with these samples of Japanese Whisky presented here. You recently presented a Cream of Kentucky at 329. We recently discussed the price of many WT releases that are at threshold pricing.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

@@lrbtechie Let's be real. I rated the CoK a pass because of price. I openly stated I wanted to rate the RRCNF a pass because of price, but reluctantly called it a buy. The other thing you should be clear on is a 12 year age in Japan would be the equivalent of 4 years in KY. The barrels are used and the climate is mild in comparison. As I said before, I could fill my whiskey wall with sub $60 bottles of bourbon whose reputation is known world wide. You can not do that with Japanese whiskey, at least not at the import prices we have to pay in the USA, and new whiskey lovers need to know what they are getting into before they drop that kind of coin on FOMO.

[@lrbtechie]

@@BourbonRealTalk- I get where you are coming from. It has been a couple of years since I last enjoyed a Japanese Whisky. I may need to seek out a bottle of Nikka Taketsuru and revisit it. It used to be one of my favorite pours.

[@anthonyallegro1177]

I bought a bottle of Yama in CA 5 months ago for 129 and only paid 140 for the Haku... much more palatable pricing than what they said

[@YoJimBo851610]

Prices have gotten crazy. They are 200+ on the east coast....

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I checked the local prices at Total Wine and More. The prices have gone up.

[@jasondangelo6659]

I’m more of a bourbon guy, but do really like the Shin. Tried it at a tasting at Total Wine, and had to get seconds after the class was over.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I like it too! Just wish it was a little less expensive

[@LesTaylor]

I’m just starting out on the Japanese whiskey and so far I’ve tried just two. I do love a lighter peat in Scotch and I thought these would be a great fit for me. If you have any more samples, count me in.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Sign up for the free giveaway in the video description.

[@WhiskeyBank]

I'm a bourbon guy just getting into single malts and Japanese whiskey. After trying to buy Japanese whiskey, bourbon allocation isn't so bad 😂. Thanks for the video!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

🤣

[@JohnMahlke-f5q]

I have the Habiki and enjoy it, but tried a sample pack from an internet club and did not enjoy any of them. I’d like to try another time.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

If you're not a regular scotch drinker, Japanese whiskey may not be for your palate, but it's worth trying again! Cheers!

[@JohnMahlke-f5q]

@@BourbonRealTalk I do love Scotch. I have stuff from mellow Speyside to campfire smoke Islay. Don’t know what it was about those that I tried.

[@edpeter9411]

I first tasted Hibiki Harmony and Hibiki 17 at bar in the hotel where I was staying while there for work. They were the two rail whiskeys-dirt cheap. Sure isn't that way any longer. The Yamazaki 12 year was much cheaper, too.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Part of the point of this video is to educate new consumers that this whiskey's popularity was developed at a much lower price. Cheers!

[@therealuncleshag1]

Should have tried Hibiki Harmony

[@BourbonRealTalk]

We tried all I had. Unfortunately harmony was not one of them.

[@Bigcoach007]

Still so many bourbons to try. Haven’t seen any in my area

[@BourbonRealTalk]

They are pretty expensive and also hard to find. I would try before you buy if you are still developing your bourbon palate.

[@adityasane]

Nice review! Although, I would have added a Hibiki Harmony (NAS replacement of the Hibiki 12-year) into the mix as well. For many, Hibiki is more preferable to Yamazaki or Hakushu because the grain whiskey rounds out the malt. It's also cheaper than Yamazaki or Hakushu. Lastly, as some others have said, the world of Japanese whiskey does go beyond the traditional offerings by Suntory and Nikka. The start ups, like Akashi, have a very different flavor profile yet are distinctly Japanese.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

You are 100% correct. I could only do the episode with the bottles I had access to. Sorry.

[@shelleyh4608]

Japanese whiskey, I’d love to try this

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Good luck in the randomizer.

[@eafarrar]

Nikka From The Barrel, while not 100% Japanese, is a great entry bottle to the category for like $70. And higher proof.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I do like that one.

[@Klugen]

I can't quite bring myself to explore more into the Japanese whiskey realm with how much scotch influence it seems to have on it.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

That's fair!

[@stuartrollings602]

Howdy and great show! I have Some older versions and was glad to hear Randy describe how the price has inflated…I will not buy them now. Period.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I just don't think the average bourbon drinker would be satisfied with their purchase, even though the whiskey is good.

[@tuckersholl6773]

Haven’t tried any Japanese whisky yet

[@BourbonRealTalk]

They are interesting, just a bit too expensive for my budget.

[@cancelchannel3394]

I prefer Louisiana rice whiskey 😋

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Me too!

[@jameslenaburg4378]

Have a bottle of Amai Kuchiburu I bought in 2022, about half gone. It's interesting but not on the hunt for any more 😅

[@BourbonRealTalk]

That tracks for me. Not mad at it, but too expensive to make it a permanent addition to the bar.

[@JordanG_3031]

As always great history and fun facts about what makes Japanese whiskey unique. Love the whiskey plural too. I get a weird rice note from it, maybe that’s just a mental note from knowing it’s Japanese.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Interesting. If I know anything I know that the power of suggestion can affect what you taste.

[@kenheise162]

One day I will have a bottle of Hibikki Japanese Whiskey, Whisky in the house.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

They make some good stuff, it is just a little too expensive for my budget.

[@robertbradford3810]

I love you too brother

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Love you too, thanks for tuning in!

[@chancedownsvids]

Have only had a few Japanese whiskeys but willing to try more! I don't see giveaway link in description just FYI

[@BourbonRealTalk]

🟩 LINK TO REGISTER TO WIN FREE GIVEAWAY -forms.gle/2drLPwADknHJ5MLj7

[@RiggerBrew]

Import prices are getting crazy. It is great to see other countries releasing their spirits to showcase their grains and woods. Some great stuff around the world!!

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I have loved some stuff out of India. The Korean I had was pretty basic, but it is a new industry for them so I am sure it will develop.

[@kylethomas9361]

Yamazaki 12 used to be $99. Now I see it sitting for $200.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

People do need to know that many of these brands became as popular as they are now when they were at a much lower price.

[@Bergkampgunner]

I like the Japanese whiskey I’ve tried but the prices are going crazy. Yama/Hakushu 12 have more than doubled in price since 2019ish

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I think it is important for people who are just coming into the hobby to know that many of these brands formed their reputation that created the current level of demand at much lower prices.

[@eviltrain24]

Palates can and ARE affected by what you are used to drinking ABV wise, so some of what I'm hearing is at least a bit suspect. THAT SAID, you guys are absolutely correct in showing such reticence to buy these bottles for the retail price. At least, as far as I'm concerned. $165, $215; these numbers opens up a HUGE swathe of the whisky/scotch landscape and too much of that price is tied up in the name and mystique surrounding Japanese whisky and not what's in the bottle.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

That was my entire point. I go to allocated raffles some times, and these bottles are on the table at these really high prices. The last few people to win usually have to pick from the higher priced bottles everyone who won before them passed on. I wanted them to have a reference from the perspective of an American whiskey drinker as to wether or not they should bow to the hype and spend the money.

[@Azurelight605]

Love the insight into some of the lower proof allocation Japanese whisky. Outside of these, they have some really fun rarer expressions trying different methods. It's a whole other world over there with plenty of un-exploited gems at MSRP.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I went to an educational tasting with Maverick Beverage. We tasted all their Japanese offerings and learned about the history of whiskey in the country. There were many great offerings, but at prices I would likely not pay to own the bottles.

[@heatherharrison264]

I first became aware of Japanese whisky many years ago when I saw a bottle of Yamazaki 18 for $60 and decided to give it a try. It got discovered later and simply became unavailable for a while. Nowadays, it is still hard to find, and when I've seen it, it has been priced at around $1000. In my opinion, it was a great bargain at $60, and $1000 is way too much. I regard Yamazaki and Hakushu to be comparable in quality to the big brand, low strength Scotch that every bar seems to have and which people just getting into single malts are likely to encounter first. Examples include Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie, and Macallan. Aside from Macallan, which I think is overhyped and overpriced, this type of Scotch usually goes for around $40-$60 for 10-12-year offerings, and mid-$100s for 18-year offerings. Judging from the price of comparable Scotch, even though they are good products, I think Yamazaki and Hakushu are overpriced. Furthermore, really good 46%+ ABV, non-chill filtered Scotch can be had for only slightly more than the familiar big brands and still less than Yamazaki or Hakushu. I haven't tried the Shin yet, but it is a lot more reasonably priced, and I've seen it at Total Wine. It isn't a single malt, but there is nothing wrong with a good blended malt. Their malt whiskies are a respectable 48% ABV, which puts them in a sweet spot for this type of whisky, while the 43% of Yamazaki and Hakushu is too low. I don't know if they are chill filtered or not, but even if they are, the higher strength will give them more concentration. The next time I visit Total Wine, I think a bottle of Shin might be going home with me. I'm curious about it now. If I get one, I'll post a review to the Facebook group.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Great analysis!

[@applecrow8]

I love the Yamazaki 12 but even then I agree its not worth that much. I'll grab a Nikka Coffey Malt for half that and love its unique palate.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I have enjoyed the Nikka and believe it is a better value.

[@richarddossantos5371]

Japanese Whiskey, I haven't had the pleasure of trying them yet.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

They are good, but pretty expensive in the US.

[@Vahan210]

I thought Japanese whiskey is aged in Japan but they buy the alcohol from Scotland.?

[@BourbonRealTalk]

No, to be labeled Japanese whiskey it must be distilled in Japan.

[@Jcallen1981]

Japanese whiskey

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Cheers!

[@YoJimBo851610]

Most Japanese Whiskies are lighter in profile for the Japanese palette.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

If a country's favorite whiskey is scotch, chances are they are not going to gravitate toward the high proof LE bourbons we love in the US.

[@keg9850]

I never had any Japanese whiskey, I probably shouldn't try any. Would hate to start another way to drain my bank account.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Right! That is part of the reason I have never seriously gotten into scotch.

[@DirtyHairy01]

Anyone who likes American Whiskey needs to try before you buy Japanese.

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Agreed

[@johnbruns3067]

Japanese whisky

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Cheers!

[@jhamlin726]

I'm just here to comment.....JAPANESE WHISKY! 😅

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Cheers!

[@suysauce007]

Comment Below

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Cheers!

[@YoJimBo851610]

20👍

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Nice! Cheers!

[@ericpowers8957]

Merica...

[@BourbonRealTalk]

🤣

[@MilesMartin-fn5uz]

I’m not a huge fan of what I have had so far

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Most of the popular releases became popular when the price was less than half of what it is today.

[@ariochtheloud9476]

I LIKE PEATED

[@BourbonRealTalk]

Same...some of the time 🤣

[@b33rdrinker79]

Japanese whiskey is ok not great

[@BourbonRealTalk]

I think if you are used to a scotch profile you will enjoy Japanese more, but if you are a high proof bourbon drinker I think you will find it a little too light.