Don't be fooled by FAKE Japanese Whisky

Japanese Whisky has grown insanely fast, and with any huge growth there will always be imitations, knock offs, and people trying to make a quick buck. I went out and purchased a Japanese Whisky that's not ACTUALLY Japanese Whisky... I want to give you some hints so you don't have the same problem.
Some links I reference in the video:
www.nomunication.jp/2018/07/0...
www.yoshu.or.jp/statistics_leg...
Join for behind the scenes on Patreon
/ thewhiskeydic
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @thewhiskeydictionary
Everything you need to know can be found on
www.thewhiskeydictionary.com
Chat in the largest whiskey discord community
Whiscord: bit.ly/2Ly34iZ
Social Stuff
Instagram: bit.ly/32DSiRZ
Twitter: bit.ly/39csI9n
Reddit: bit.ly/2uHolUF
Stuff:
Shop: www.thewhiskeydictionary.com/...
Shirts: bit.ly/WDMerch
Amazon: amzn.to/2HyEnQZ
Just want to email me? I love hearing from all of you! [e-mail]

[@IamJustaSimpleMan]

Props to you staying so calm man. I'd be infuriated. And thank you for the directions regarding the labelling - I'll keep them in mind when I pick one up at some point. I'll put the video into my replay playlist that I'm keeping around for this reason (and to send to other people when they ask me about a topic). Wonder if the labelling regulations regarding Japanese whisky might be different where I live (EU) but that should be easy to research. I mean EU has additional requirement for US beef that's intended to be sold here as well, for example. Kinda appreciate the strong protection of regional products within the EU. Like, there's a clear and easy to understand distinction required between a product that's from a certain region (like: black forest ham) or just in the style of a region (like: black forest ham - style or something like that, only know the German labels).

[@ChoongAndy]

I concur with you. I too nearly got sucked-in once. A bottler source Scottish casks and stuck a piece of Japanese looking art on the label with an Asian sounding name which actually means the male genitalia in Malaysia and Singapore and charged irrationally exuberant prices. I have since decided to exercise prudence and care. What’s the rush?! With the number of online reviewers, I am now constantly looking out for more reasonably priced replacements.

[@sowlegwhiskyreview5501]

Very informative - especially the part about which distilleries abide by the rules already. I incidentially have bottles on both sides of the fence. Thanks for sharing :)

[@tayloratchley9490]

The current 'Japanese whisky' market is very confusing, because many of the distilleries are using imported scotch, or it may be another type of distillate (Shochu) that the companies are marking as 'whisky'. It will be nice ones 2024 comes around, and there are more transparent companies. I enjoy what Nick is doing, because they list on their website whether their releases are genuine Japanese whiskey or not. I have a bottle of the Yoichi malt, and that is fantastic. The reason that Scotland and Ireland are having big booms is because they have defined their whiskies and the meanings, and it gives a signature to the companies in those countries. They have a clearly defined identity, unlike Japan. Even regions within countries have their own *typical* signature i.e. Islay vs Lowlands, because of their history, their natural resources and because they have clearly defined laws. Japan has a very short history and, up until this year, no governing laws. Japanese whisky may have a bright future yet, but until then, there are only a handful of 'Japanese whikies' I would consider buying. Namely Suntory and Nikka, and only after checking their websites to confirm whether they are legit or not. I want to have them to understand the potential Japanese signature yet to come.

[@jacks5323]

Interesting. The Hakushu 12 I have reads “product of Japan” both on the box and the bottle. Any thoughts?

[@mamuka1977]

I absolutely agree with you, I told my friends for many years not all Japanese whiskey is Japanese whiskey. I'm glad to see they doing something about it, but everybody need to keep in mind it's voluntary, Glad to see biggest producers are on board, and already have a descriptions on their own website. But there's a lot of crappy Japanese so-called whiskeys. Best thing about that it's moving in the right direction. I can see your frustration and again that samurai going to look good on a Bar shelf. Transparency is the key to success always was always will be.

[@weirdo1060]

I wish this video was available back in 2019. During a shopping trip, I naively bought a product called Sensei. The bottle had the words, "Product of Japan". After a bad experience drinking it straight, I purposely bought soda to make cocktails from the remainder. Thanks again and good reminder of lesson learned

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Absolutely. I havent heard of Sensai but boy does that sound like a gimmick! Glad you found something to do with it

[@dominiccummings1893]

All the brands you suggested are Suntory brands, and all the whiskies produced by Suntory meet the new requirements to be called Japanese whisky, with the exception of the Ao world whisky which states in the name that it is a blend of whiskies from different countries. The English language website for Nikka also states on the page of each product whether it meets the new criteria or not.

[@JAF2991]

So if it's Suntory, it's legit?

[@dominiccummings1893]

@@JAF2991 Basically

[@ScribeofSpirits]

I highly reccomend also exploring brands like Iwai, Akashi, and Akkeshi which are available in the US; though I'm not sure if they're available in every state. Other distilleries that are doing things right but don't have product here yet include Nagahama (I tried their peated new make and it was stellar) and Kirin Fui Gotemba.

[@OldLugnutz]

I like the Nikka Coffey Grain, and the Coffey Malt, although the malt is a blend from Sciotland Iif i recall. Nikka from the Barrell is very nice, the wife likes that one.

[@JoeyRhubarb]

Got a bottle of Togouchi here which someone got me as a present. Aged in a disused Japanese train station apparently, but upon reading further, it's just a blended Scotch, still it tastes alright, but was a bit of a disappointment. Thankfully that same person redeemed themselves and found me a bottle of Miyagikyo the following year, which has always been one of my favourites and annoyingly difficult to get hold of past couple years!

[@jhelman0013]

Have a bottle of Nikka Whisky Single Malt Yoichi on my shelf. Fantastic stuff. Only poured when my brother and nephew come around. It's like two waves of fireworks on the tongue, but no lingering finish. A bit youngish, a bit thin, but still an awesome dram.

[@MrPsiman]

I never wondered about Suntory whisky being Japanese but a bunch of Nikka, Shinshu Mars and a lot of others brands are a mix world whisky. There are a lot of newer brands that are 100% Japanese and they are pricey . Akkeshi, Shizuoka, Kanosuke, Sakurao are all young pricey and tough to get. Kanpai Planet and Gentleman's Whisky Club are two good channels on KZbin for Japanese whisky reviews. KANPAI !!!!

[@bene7013]

All the trusted destilleries you mentioned are from the same producer, Suntory, it even says so on their label (you're right tho). And I am skeptical on the Nikka from the barrel not being "real" Japanese whisky, since Nikka should have been in your list of trusted destilleries (Yoichi and Miyagikyo etc). Nikka and Suntory are the only distilleries I trust from Japan since they are the "originals" and tend to stay with the traditional way of producing whisky. Akashi I think is true to the rules but I am not sure on that one and you should do your research before buying. I dont think it is publicly known whats in the From the barrel other than it is supposed to be a blend from Nikka's distilleries, so can I get some sources on it being "fake"?

[@bene7013]

Also see whiskey tribe's video on this subject

[@dtdalton]

Nikka have a guide on their website as to which of their whiskeys currently meet the new laws.

[@derekritter6214]

I picked up a bottle of Suntory Whisky Toki from Sam's Club a couple years ago. I enjoyed it, but glad it was only around $30!!

[@Da_Publick]

5 more months, then no more games. But what I do expect is Japanese whiskies to be made from unusual cereal grains. Rice is a 'shoo-in.'

[@noelmaher7800]

I picked up a bottle of Kyasuku Whisky a couple of weeks ago. It tells exactly what it is or at least isn't on the lable. What it is is international spirit matured in Japan. I'm going to assume that it is Scotch new make that has been Matured in Japan as Scottish distilleries ship thousands of gallons a year over there.

[@zerokidd21]

I feel you. I bought what I thought was an Irish whiskey and even the marketing and bottle makes you think it's whiskey. Turned out to be a liquor still good but not good enough to be satisfied with my purchase. Always check the label and ask if your unsure

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thats one thing... I did ask too. Even the worker (who is otherwise very knowledgeable didn't know)

[@kevinkevin8912]

Really??? Curious here, I'm in Dublin Ireland, a whiskey fan, what is it called???? Who makes it?? Hope I can help

[@zerokidd21]

@@kevinkevin8912 it's called "The Knot" bottled by The Knot Irish spirits Co. Bailieboro County, Cavan Ireland.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I had a bottle of that a long time ago. I don't recall it being all that exciting

[@barrygiddey9139]

Good advice Bill ✨🥃✨

[@andersbergvall9747]

I go to Japan at least once a month for work. I'm looking for recommendations for a beginner looking to bring some nice whisky home. Seems like a mine field... Any suggestions will be much appreciated!

[@carlmartinlinder]

Hello Anders! I live in Japan and love whisky (not so much Japanese though). My recommendations in terms of price-performance are the NAS from NIkka and Suntory. My favorite is Nikka Yoichi followed by Nikka Taketsuru (blend of malts from Nikka Miyagikyo and Yoich) and then probably Suntory Yamazaki. Hibiki Blenders Choice (not Harmony) is also very good. That is a mix of malt and grain by the way.

[@JChamps211]

So what would you classify the drink?

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I believe this one is grain from outside of Japan mixed with grain from japan.Japan. there is almost no info about it out there

[@ThriftyWhiskey]

I am a little confused. Is the Samurai bottle not whisky, or just not Japanese whisky?

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Just not Japanese Whisky.

[@ThriftyWhiskey]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary Thanks for the clarification!

[@pross6525]

I have been curious about trying Japanese whiskey but I don't know anything about this spirit. What recommendations do you have for me. I have been into my local ABC liquors but I don't know where to start

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Ooo that's a tough one. It's part of why I don't have a beginners guide to Japanese Whisky video. If you can afford it and find it, The Yamazaki 12 is fantastic. I've only reviewed a few whiskies so far so I can't speak as an expert. Hibiki is a great brand, but I don't hear stellar things about their no age statements.

[@pross6525]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary thank you for the reply. My local ABC liquors has about a dozen to choose from I literally have no idea where to start. Suntory is a definite option. Unfortunately I don't want to end up finding a whiskey I like and never find it on a shelf again lol . Sensei Japanese Whiskey is one I have also been hearing about.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Toughest thing about Japanese whisky is that so much of it is fake, or not legally Japanese

[@pross6525]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary I am glad you made this video so if I understand your video correctly I need to look for Japanese not product of Japan

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Precisely!

[@sakigamijojo7716]

only one brand of Japanese whisky ive enjoyed: the Chita. i love it and would probably want to try other brands so this video is very helpful. thanks a bunch

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

I havent had thr chance to try Chita yet

[@likenem]

Nikka, Suntory, Akashi, and Mars are solid whiskies that are usually real whiskies but if its a blend its still solid. Nikka Coffey Malt is a Blend and is one the best bangs for the buck.

[@Adadhable]

At this point, if it says Japanese Whisky but it's not a Suntory or Nikka, I don't even bother with it because the chance of it being a fake is too damn high

[@ScribeofSpirits]

If it's from Shinshu Mars it's legit. Iwai, Akkeshi, and Akashi!

[@IC86]

Great information, arigato for posting it. I’ve seen “Japanese” and “from Japan” labels, and suspected an issue, there. Oh well, I still have Scotches and Bourbons to try before getting into Japanese whiskey.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Nice. Any new ones in mind?

[@IC86]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary I want to try Wild Turkey Rare Breed bourbon, as I like the WT Rare Breed Rye a lot. I’m also eyeing Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof. So many whiskies, so little time (and money)…

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

The rye is my vid this week :)

[@salsamanderdragon]

I was concerned with what whisky "from Japan" actually tastes good or just trying to ride the hype and is garbage. Now with some funny business going on I'm glad I stuck with Yamazaki 12 Year and Hibiki.

[@charliekavanagh1217]

Comeday go day wishing me heart it was Sunday Drinking buttermilk all the week whiskey on a Sunday

[@winchestersons6258]

I buy my Japanese whiskey straight from Japan that my friend suggests. He is a whisky fanatic.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Sounds like you have a good line into it. Anything they suggest?

[@winchestersons6258]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary ill ask him his favorites, though for him it is tiawanese. Kavalan, I like the Suntory and Hibiki personally.

[@blueshield5288]

New sub Cool 😎 video very informative

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@bigjj1109]

Good review Whisky Dictionary got a Japanese whisky as a present tried it did not like it gave it to a neighbour of mine who drinks whisky like you would drink coffee all my "unliked" whiskeys go to him!

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

You sound like a good neighbor

[@smashexentertainment676]

If I buy a really ugly whiskey, since I constantly try new ones, I just donate it to my friends. They drink everything that burns 😆 If whiskey is not too bad, a drop of Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10 can turn it into a quite drinkable stuff.

[@Iveive321]

Tnx

[@smashexentertainment676]

I generally couldn't care less where the whiskey comes from. If it's a completely authentic but crap, it's still a crap (like our local Estonian 3-year old not even a cask strength Tamm & Rukis for 300EUR a bottle). If they outsource it from Scotland, make a fine blend and call it Japanese, totally fine by me. They could've mentioned distilleries tho, but whatever. I'm able to find Japanese whiskey for not more than 10% over MSRP, otherwise you can always visit Japan and get it for a fair price (after pandemic ofc). It's not like they make it out of garbage, knowing Japanese pretty well, they take everything extremely seriously. For your Yamato Samurai Edition you paid at least 40% import and alcohol taxes. So ofc it's not worth a 100 bucks 🙃

[@RKramer105]

Agreed. I just bought a bottle of Nikka from the barrel for $80 fully knowing it's not "Japanese Whiskey" by the letter of the law but it's hard to find and one of my favorite whiskeys so while it hurt a bit I gladly paid it and would again. Depends on the person but I'd MUCH rather pay $80 for that than the hundreds for the high age statement Japanese Whiskeys or god forbid pappy. Then again a bottle of Yamazaki 18 is on my bucket list ;)

[@smashexentertainment676]

@@RKramer105 Holy s#!t, 3 years ago at 7/11 in Chiba I bought it for roughly $30. Here I can get one as low as 32 EUR. Seems like your government and local store are extremely greedy 🤑 I like it too, but $80.. man.

[@RKramer105]

@@smashexentertainment676 Nah it's just the supply and demand and supply chain issues. That's actually cheap in the Chicago area. They only had like 8 in stock and was a limit of 1 (It's a real unicorn around here). They were all gone in less than 3 weekdays. Hibiki Harmony I've seen fluctuate between ($75-$90). I got a bottle for $65 but it was a direct purchase from a whiskey bar at the beginning of the pandemic when some bars and restaurants were selling liquor directly since they were closed for indoor dining.

[@smashexentertainment676]

@@RKramer105 Limited supply is not a reason to raise price almost 300%. They get whiskey from Japan for fixed price. Just yesterday I opened a bottle, even tho taste is subjective, it's good, but not $80 good. That money I'd rather spend on Amrut, Kavalan, or my personal favorite Finnish whiskey Teerenpeli. Personally I'd pay over 15% MSRP only for something truly exceptional only if there's no other way, like Octomore or Kavalan Solist. For example I often travel to Japan, squeezing visits to various distilleries in my every trip, so I can just wait until then. I can't justify just giving away money to the greedy store, importer and government. Also got Hibiki Harmony yesterday for 60EUR which is $70, we got no shortage of either here in Scandinavia 😀

[@RKramer105]

@@smashexentertainment676 Oh I agree! Still, the last time I got it from a friend in japan it still ended up being like $70 for two 375ml bottles so maybe you're just lucky but I've never seen it anywhere near me or anywhere online that would ship to IL for below $70 and like I say it's a fav so i pay it and just drink it slowly lol :)

[@alexanderlapp5048]

You got a cool looking bottle so it's not a total waste.

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

That's a good point... maybe ill put it on my shelf anyway

[@georgearagon2546]

Hence why I don't buy Japanese whisky anymore. Just wont. No sale. The contract is the label and if they cant be truthful, other whisky companies will be earning my business. Simple.

[@rostislavtraps7148]

Bill, check Kanpai Planet YT channel. Everything about Japanese whiskies and other Japanese alcohol 🥃

[@jacquesst-pierre973]

Should have known better? I think you're a little hard on yourself. I once paid 20$ and travelled 40km just for an EMPTY bottle of Pisco (the one that looks like a statue from Easter Island).

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thats probably fair. Especially because the guy working there didn't know better either. Sorry to hear about your Pisco.

[@jacquesst-pierre973]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary oh no.. don't be sorry... I knew the bottle was empty when I bought it.. We just can't get pisco in bottles like that where I live. So I bought the empty bottle so I could pour the ones I buy into it... It's all good :)

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Best of a bad situation!

[@jackstone112]

Japanese whiskey is my favorite.no way iam boycotting it

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

What's your favorite?

[@jackstone112]

@@TheWhiskeyDictionary nikka coffey grain.

[@MFJNYCA]

You keep saying “law”, but it’s not a law. Distilleries in Japanese whisky association will be asked to follow the guidelines, but if the distillery is not in the association, they can do whatever they want. I fear that there will be some”Japanese” whiskies in the future that will take advantage of this…

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Thanks for the correction. You're 100% right. It's a guideline

[@CountryandIrishFan]

Toki is not a bad one

[@RKramer105]

Solid highball whiskey

[@weirdo1060]

@@RKramer105 Great mixer whisky similar to Jack Daniels with Coca Cola

[@RKramer105]

@@weirdo1060 Hmm, now THAT'S an interesting blend!

[@21drakken]

Is Suntory Toki a Japanese Whisky? No, it is Lemon Pledge.

[@bradl2636]

ALL Suntory whisky is made in Japan. Oddly Nikka Coffey Malt is not.

[@Trieuable]

Lol all the brand you're suggesting is own by u Suntory

[@waterpoloswagg]

If they’re not Japanese whisky then what are they?

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

A mix of imported scotch, distilled rice, and grains

[@tombryan1]

What is your deal? If its good, then its good. End of story

[@TheWhiskeyDictionary]

Depends on what you want out of your drink. I provide information for people to make their own decisions