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What to eat & drink in Japan? Top 100 Japanese Alcoholic Beverages

Last update: Sat Feb 15 2025
Top 100 Japanese Alcoholic Beverages
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Japanese Alcoholic Beverage Types

01
Umeshu
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MAIN INGREDIENTS

Umeshu is a Japanese liqueur made by macerating sugar and ume plums (Prunus mume) in alcohol. It is usually made with rock sugar and ripe or green ume plums, while the base is generally made with shōchū, though other neutral spirits can also be used.


The result is a bittersweet liqueur with a fruity aroma. Apart from the classic version, umeshu comes in a variety of styles that may include other sweeteners such as honey or black sugar, while some add additional flavorings. Umeshu can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or diluted with water, tea, or soda. 
THE BEST Umeshu Fruit Liqueurs
1
Akashi-Tai
Shiraume Ginjo Umeshu

4.8

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Bartender Spirits Awards - Gold 2023

02
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Junmai is a type of sake made with rice that is polished with 70% of the grain remaining. The requirements specify that the only ingredients used to produce junmai include rice, koji, yeast, and water, while no other additions, such as alcohol or sugar, are allowed.


This sake is usually slightly heavier and full-bodied, with a more earthy character than its fruity and floral counterparts, but remaining light and refreshing. It is an easy-drinking sake that can be a good match to slightly heavier dishes. Junmai can be served chilled or warm.

03
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Japanese single malt, blended malt, and blended whiskies were inspired and modeled on Scottish tradition. They are double distilled from malted barley, which is occasionally peated (dried over smoked peat) and fermented grains. The spirit is then aged in oak casks, which may include American or Scottish oak, old Sherry casks, or Japanese Mizunara oak.


The official production of Japanese whiskey started in 1923 when the first distillery was opened in Yamazaki (Kyoto). The distillery was a joint effort of Shinjiro Torii and Masataka Taketsuru, who eventually went to found his own Nikka distillery on Hokkaido. 
THE BEST Japanese Whisky Spirits
1 Akkeshi Shoman Blended Whisky
Akkeshi
Akkeshi Shoman Blended Whisky

5.0

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ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold 2024

2 Akkeshi Hakuro Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Akkeshi
Akkeshi Hakuro Single Malt Japanese Whisky

5.0

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ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold 2024

3 Akkeshi Taisetsu Single Malt Japanese Whisky
Akkeshi
Akkeshi Taisetsu Single Malt Japanese Whisky

5.0

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ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold 2024

4 Junenmyo Half Decade
Wakatsuru Shuzo Co. Ltd.
Junenmyo Half Decade

4.8

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ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold 2020

5 Junenmyo Rouge
Wakatsuru Shuzo Co. Ltd.
Junenmyo Rouge

4.8

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ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold 2020

04

Spirit

OKINAWA PREFECTURE, Japan
4.0
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Believed to have been the first distilled beverage in Japan, awamori is almost exclusively associated with Okinawa. The drink is distilled from fermented long-grained rice and black koji mold, which is usually referenced as the key ingredient that gives awamori its distinctive flavor.


The drink improves and mellows with age and is typically stored in clay pots and allowed to mature. It is the most common drink on Okinawa that is usually served alongside water and ice, allowing each person to mix and adjust it according to their taste. 
05

Cocktail

TOKYO, Japan
4.0
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Chūhai is a mixed Japanese drink with fairly low alcohol content. In its original form, it was made with soda water and shōchū—Japanese spirit distilled from various ingredients such as barley, sweet potatoes, rice, or buckwheat.


Nowadays, shōchū is sometimes replaced with vodka, and the combinations usually include various types of fruit-flavored soda water, fruit juices, or syrups. The name chūhai originated as a portmanteau of the words shōchū and highball, and it is believed that the drink first appeared in izakayas in Tokyo. 
06
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Daiginjo is a sake variety made with polished rice, water, koji mold, and yeast. It is one of the pure sake varieties in which the rice is polished until at least 50% of the outer layer of the grain is removed. This refined premium sake is typically light, smooth, and incredibly fragrant, and its finesse and mellow flavors are best appreciated when it is served chilled.


It is typically paired with simple and light dishes, and it is often enjoyed as an aperitif or a digestif. Daiginjo sake can be adjusted with the addition of distilled brewer’s alcohol, while the category Junmai Daiginjo does not include any additives.

THE BEST Daiginjo Alcoholic Beverages
1 38 Daiginjo
Echigozakura Sake Brewery
38 Daiginjo

5.0

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Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars 2023

07
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Nigori is a sake variety that is characterized by its cloudy appearance. Although it is often mistakenly translated as unfiltered sake, nigori is in fact filtered, but not finely as other varieties. The rough filtration leaves some rice solids inside the sake which influence the final taste profile and texture.


Nigori is usually creamier, more fruity, sweeter, and milder than other varieties, and should be shaken before it is served. It is always enjoyed well-chilled and pairs exceptionally well with spicy Japanese or international dishes.

08
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Sparkling sake is an effervescent sake variety that can be made by natural tank fermentation, by directly adding carbonation, or by adding yeast and then allowing sake to undergo the second fermentation in the bottle. They can vary from light-flavored and fruity styles to more intense and earthy varieties, but they often have lower alcohol content than traditional sake—around 10% ABV, but usually below that.


Depending on the filtration method, sparkling sake can be clear or cloudy. This sparkling variety is a relatively new invention created in an effort to make sake more palatable and approachable for those who consider regular sake too potent and overpowering. 
09
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Japanese rice lager is a beer style that includes rice in the grain bill. Typically, rice will make one-third of the bill, while barley usually makes the rest. The style is traditionally associated with Japan, though some international brands and several craft breweries also include rice in their brews.


Rice lagers are light and refreshing. They are clean and crisp, with a light color and body, a good balance of hops and malts, and a dry finish. Most are approachable and easy-drinking, with an alcohol content of around 5% ABV. Because of their light character, these beers are an excellent pairing with food. 
THE BEST Japanese rice lager Lagers
1 Japanese Lager
pFriem Family Brewers
Japanese Lager

5.0

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World Beer Cup - Gold 2023

2 Money Cat
10 Barrel Brewing
Money Cat

5.0

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World Beer Cup - Gold 2022

10
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Sake is the most popular Japanese drink whose first written mention dates back to 3rd century. In its basic form, the drink is made by brewing yeast, koji mold, water and polished rice. All these elements influence the quality of sake, but the crucial part is polishing rice, since the outer layer of rice kernels may impart an undesirable flavor.


Depending on pasteurization, age, filtration, and the addition of distilled alcohol, sake may come in a variety of styles that may differ in complexity and the final taste profile. Best quality sake is usually served chilled or at room temperature, and most styles pair exceptionally well with traditional Japanese dishes. 
THE BEST Sake Alcoholic Beverages
1 Oishii Daiginjo
Koyama Honke
Oishii Daiginjo

5.0

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Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars 2023

2 Sherry Cask Aged Sake Ito
Hama Fukushima
Sherry Cask Aged Sake Ito

5.0

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Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars 2023

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Cocktail
YOKOHAMA, Japan
n/a
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Japanese Alcoholic Beverage Producers

01

Spirit

USA, Japan
5.0
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Iichiko is a renowned Japanese producer of shochu, a traditional Japanese spirit made from various ingredients like barley, sweet potatoes, and rice. Founded by Sanwa Shurui, Iichiko is famous for its commitment to high-quality production and innovation.


Headquartered in the Oita Prefecture of Kyushu, Japan, an area known for its clean water and natural beauty, Iichiko has become a global leader in the shochu industry. Iichiko's most notable products include its flagship barley-based shochu, iichiko Saiten, which is crafted using unique methods such as the "all Koji" fermentation technique. 
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024, 2023

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2022

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2024

02

Liqueur

KAGOSHIMA, Japan
5.0
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024, 2023

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2022, 2021

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2024, 2021, 2020

03
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Spring Valley Brewery is the original brewery of Kirin. Founded in 1869 by William Copeland, the brewery was purchased by a group of Japanese investors and eventually Spring Valley became Kirin. In 2014 the Spring Valley Brewing brand was relaunched and they currently have 3 locations in Japan.


The Daikanyama shop was the first to be launched and can be considered their head location with a brewery located inside the main building. With 2 spacious floors with ample seating and an outdoor area as well, you never have to worry about getting a seat. 
AWARDS

International Brewing Awards - Gold

2024, 2021

European Beer Star - Gold

2023, 2022, 2021

BEST Spring Valley Brewery Beers (Styles and Brands)
04
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Nagahama Distillery is a Japanese distillery located in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture. It is renowned for being Japan's smallest distillery, offering artisanal whiskies with unique and bold flavors. Nagahama Distillery uses traditional production methods, focusing on small-batch processes to ensure the highest quality and character in its whiskies.


The distillery offers tours where visitors can learn about the whisky-making process, taste their products, and explore the charming surroundings of Nagahama.
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold

2024

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2023

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2022

05
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2020, 2019

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold

2024

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy

2020

06
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2024

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2023, 2022, 2021, 2019

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2024

07
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold

2024

BEST Nozawa Onsen Distillery Spirits
08

Spirit

KAGOSHIMA, Japan
5.0
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024, 2023

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold

2024

09
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2020

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold

2024

10

Spirit

AKKESHI, Japan
5.0
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Located in Japan’s northern most island of Hokkaido and further east than any other distillery in the country, production at Akkeshi Distillery started in 2016. The goal of Akkeshi Distillery is to blend traditional Scottish methods with the unique flavors of Akkeshi, Japan.


With extremely unique aromas and flavors unlike anything else these whiskies will be a delight to aficionados worldwide. Akkeshi Distillery is the true embodiment of craftsmanship and is on track to be a leader in the highest quality Japanese whisky world. ​
AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold

2024

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold

2023, 2022, 2021

11
Spirit
KAGOSHIMA, Japan
5.0
12
Spirit
TOTTORI, Japan
5.0
13
14
Spirit
KANAZAWA, Japan
5.0
15
16
Spirit
JAPAN, Japan
5.0
17
18
Liqueur
OSAKA, Japan
5.0
19
Spirit
NARA PREFECTURE, Japan
5.0
20
21
22
23
Spirit
MIYAZAKI, Japan
5.0
24
25
26
27
Spirit
JAPAN, Japan
5.0
28
Spirit
KANAZAWA, Japan
5.0
29
30
Spirit
KAGOSHIMA, Japan
5.0
31
Spirit
KUMAMOTO, Japan
5.0
32
Spirit
NIIGATA, Japan
5.0
33
34
Spirit
JAPAN, Japan
5.0
35
Spirit
KAGOSHIMA, Japan
5.0
36
Spirit
KUMAMOTO, Japan
5.0
37
Spirit
KUMAMOTO, Japan
5.0
38
Spirit
KAGOSHIMA, Japan
5.0
39
Spirit
KUMAMOTO, Japan
5.0
40
Spirit
KAGOSHIMA, Japan
5.0
41
Spirit
YAMAGATA, Japan
5.0
42
Spirit
JAPAN, Japan
5.0
43
44
Spirit
TOTTORI, Japan
5.0
45
Spirit
HATSUKAICHI, Japan
5.0
46
Spirit
JAPAN, Japan
5.0
47
Spirit
FUKUSHIMA, Japan
5.0
48
Beer
TOCHIGI PREFECTURE, Japan
5.0
49
Beer
TOKYO, Japan
5.0
50
51
52
Beer
WAKAYAMA, Japan
5.0
53
54
Beer
KANAZAWA, Japan
5.0
55
56
57
58
59
60
Spirit
KORIYAMA, Japan
5.0
61
Spirit
CHIBA, Japan
5.0
62
63
Spirit
KAGOSHIMA, Japan
5.0
64
Spirit
TOKYO, Japan
5.0
65
66
67
Beer
HYŌGO PREFECTURE, Japan
5.0
68
69
70
71
72
73
Beer
SENDAI, Japan
5.0
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
Spirit
FUKUOKA, Japan
4.8
83
Spirit
TOYAMA PREFECTURE, Japan
4.8
84
Wine
JAPAN, Japan
4.8
85
Spirit
TOKYO, Japan
4.8
86
87
88
89
90
91
Spirit
AICHI PREFECTURE, Japan
4.8
92
93
Spirit
WAKAYAMA PREFECTURE, Japan
4.8
94
95
96
97
Spirit
MISHIMA, Japan
4.8
98
99
100
Spirit
NIIGATA PREFECTURE, Japan
4.8
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Japanese Alcoholic Beverages

01
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Iichiko Frasco Shochu is a premium barley-based Japanese spirit with a clear, delicate aroma and rich, deep flavor. It is crafted using a highly refined fermentation process at low temperatures and is produced using pure barley koji. This shochu, with an alcohol content of 30%, is considered one of the top-tier products from Iichiko, reflecting their commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2023

USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy

2023, 2022, 2020

USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100

2023, 2022, 2020

02
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Iichiko Saiten is a premium barley shochu with an ABV of 43%. It's known for its smooth, clean flavor profile, which is the result of a meticulous single-distillation process. The spirit is crafted using barley koji, allowing it to retain a rich depth of flavor while maintaining a crisp, refreshing finish.


This high-quality product is popular both in Japan and internationally, especially in cocktail culture.
AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024, 2023

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2022

03
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This authentic fruit beer features the pleasant acidity of raspberries, a refreshing taste, and a gorgeous ruby ​​color. It is made by adding raspberry juice to malt and hops and brewing with wine yeast. We paid particular attention to the combination of ingredients, aiming for a jazz-like flavor in which the various parts show off their individuality while harmonizing together.
AWARDS

International Brewing Awards - Gold

2024

European Beer Star - Gold

2023, 2022

04
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2023

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gin Gold Trophy

2023

05
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AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2024

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold

2024

06
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Very mellow in style with roasted pineapple, vanilla, cinnamon and spice flavours that give weight and lovely complexity. There are stone fruits towards the finish and a layer of warm honey gently lingers.
AWARDS

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding

2022

IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Whiskey Gold Trophy

2022

07
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2023

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2023

08
Rate it
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2022, 2021

09
Rate it
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AWARDS

SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold

2024, 2023

10
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AWARDS

ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold

2020, 2019

11
12
13
Spirit
NARA PREFECTURE, Japan
5.0
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Spirit
KAGOSHIMA, Japan
5.0
26
Spirit
KUMAMOTO, Japan
5.0
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
Spirit
KUMAMOTO, Japan
5.0
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
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69
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100

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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Japanese Alcoholic Beverages