Global Sip: What to Drink Japan

With travel restrictions still causing a lack of adventure, try to take a different approach.

Next time you want to sip some cocktails, choose one of these spirits and explore the flavors of Japan. Japan is and has been a drinker’s paradise for a long time. Dating back many centuries, the people of Yamatai — ancient Japan were known to be excessive drinkers, singers, and dancers. Even today, alcohol plays a key role. Sake is also a central part of their day-to-day lifestyles.

If you ever want to take a drinking tour in Japan, make sure to stock up on these spirits.

Sapporo Beer

One of the oldest beer brands in Japan, Sapporo was founded in 1876. Created by Japan’s first German-trained brewmaster, Seibei Nakagawa, they used the highest quality ingredients for a crisp and refreshing flavor. They offer five different types to choose from: Sapporo Pure, Sapporo Premium Black Beer, Sapporo Premium Beer, Sapporo Premium Light Beer, and Sapporo Reserve Beer.

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Hatozaki Japanese Whisky

This Japanese whisky comes in two expressions: Hatozaki Finest Japanese Whisky and Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky. The Finest Japanese Whisky aged up to 12 years in barrels with a minimum malt whisky content of 40%. It has notes of cereal with a light sweetness. Comparatively, the Small Batch Whisky is 100% malt whiskies that is aged in bourbon casks. This one has notes of sweet cereal, dried fruit, smoke, and honey. It makes a great base for a delicious cocktail.

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Nikka Whisky

Founded by Masataka Takesuru, who was born into a sake brewing family, the first Nikka Whisky launched in 1940. The brand has an extensive lineup of various whiskies and white spirits like Single Malt Yoichi, Nikka Whisky from the Barrel, and Nikka Days. They even have a gin and vodka.

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Nobushi Japanese Whisky

This golden-amber blended whisky has a velvety texture. The bottle itself will look stunning on a bar cart, with its abstract designs and clean lines. The whisky has aromas of flowers and fresh fruits with a full-bodied palate of winter spice notes, hints of caramel, and a fruity finish.

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Kuro Yokaichi

Kuro Yokaichi is an Shōchū, which is a Japanese distilled beverage from rice, barley, sweet potatoes, buckwheat, or brown sugar. Kuro Yokaichi is distilled from sweet potatoes in a single-distillation process. This process allows for a great complexity of the liquid, giving it a savory and balanced taste that pairs great with lighter meats.

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Miyazaki Kinmiya Soju

Packaged in a beautiful bottle that is colors of pale green and yellow, this shōchū is definitely worth a try. Its sweetness comes from being made with sugar cane, and it offers a light experience for the palate. The drink is versatile as it can be drunk at room temperature or made into a cocktail.