Best Japanese Alcoholic Beverage Types
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.
VARIATIONS OF Umeshu
THE BEST Umeshu Fruit Liqueurs
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.
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
![Akkeshi Shoman Blended Whisky](/images/products/d11810d123ad4d05bed27112596c5a96.jpg?w=234&h=140)
![Akkeshi Hakuro Single Malt Japanese Whisky](/images/products/60f71d55af0544a286f2f543b06e1bf6.jpg?w=234&h=140)
![Akkeshi Taisetsu Single Malt Japanese Whisky](/images/products/2da159b11855497292ed7449ed1f3422.jpg?w=234&h=140)
Akkeshi
Akkeshi Taisetsu Single Malt Japanese Whisky
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold 2024
![Junenmyo Half Decade](/images/products/821781f8a3aa43629e66a82c5f7b3552.jpg?w=234&h=140)
![Junenmyo Rouge](/images/products/c9ead507de614b9f83f4a326cec82644.jpg?w=234&h=140)
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.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
VARIATIONS OF Sake
THE BEST Sake Alcoholic Beverages
Best Japanese Alcoholic Beverage Producers
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
![2 stars](/images/productawards/d816aeb6bd344c7ab5140c3695e9809f.png?w=160)
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
![2 stars](/images/productawards/decc278c19bb49b2bda7200a764b6509.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2022
![2 stars](/images/productawards/985e060b37e9467c954630085a0f256a.png?w=160)
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
BEST Iichiko Spirits
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/d816aeb6bd344c7ab5140c3695e9809f.png?w=160)
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
![2 stars](/images/productawards/decc278c19bb49b2bda7200a764b6509.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2022, 2021
![2 stars](/images/productawards/371fca31668d499a80da25f39b39ad47.png?w=160)
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024, 2021, 2020
BEST Hombo Shuzo Liqueurs
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
![2 stars](/images/productawards/7d6c4d8d99c94026b64f415ce7addea8.png?w=160)
International Brewing Awards - Gold
2024, 2021
![2 stars](/images/productawards/f8a25616ce584364b6d3ae8f1a796f80.png?w=160)
European Beer Star - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021
BEST Spring Valley Brewery Beers (Styles and Brands)
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
![2 stars](/images/productawards/ccf6334fdb3c499daa9ec38172e674ad.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
![2 stars](/images/productawards/85debd67b164433bbc0cbebe649be3e4.png?w=160)
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2023
![2 stars](/images/productawards/7fd44aa133634c7fb3397a02334530ca.png?w=160)
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
BEST Nagahama Distillery Spirits
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/8699ffe9fc2f4d4abb2e8fdf4284ee45.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2020, 2019
![2 stars](/images/productawards/ccf6334fdb3c499daa9ec38172e674ad.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
![2 stars](/images/productawards/7d6837ba81a1498281969353736c1277.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold trophy
2020
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/5a0904329a2a4f93a97f6f987ec6ad75.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2024
![2 stars](/images/productawards/a02953b89be24ca298ed055f84957f86.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023, 2022, 2021, 2019
![2 stars](/images/productawards/985e060b37e9467c954630085a0f256a.png?w=160)
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
BEST Suntory Liquors Limited Spirits
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/d816aeb6bd344c7ab5140c3695e9809f.png?w=160)
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024
![2 stars](/images/productawards/985e060b37e9467c954630085a0f256a.png?w=160)
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold
2024
BEST Nozawa Onsen Distillery Spirits
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/d816aeb6bd344c7ab5140c3695e9809f.png?w=160)
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
![2 stars](/images/productawards/ccf6334fdb3c499daa9ec38172e674ad.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/98442c3bebca45ae9ca5c420a1629250.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2020
![2 stars](/images/productawards/ccf6334fdb3c499daa9ec38172e674ad.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
BEST VentureWhisky Ltd. Spirits
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
![2 stars](/images/productawards/ccf6334fdb3c499daa9ec38172e674ad.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
![2 stars](/images/productawards/3f71a219fc1943338f7998c96e23379f.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2023, 2022, 2021
Best Japanese Alcoholic Beverages
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/d45f8044d0f8418d862854e61bc1c9a8.png?w=160)
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
![2 stars](/images/productawards/44dbf39d3ca541cdb810592060717499.png?w=160)
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Chairman's Trophy
2023, 2022, 2020
![2 stars](/images/productawards/db7ae55f1b514a61bb7439531561dba8.png?w=160)
USC- Ultimate Spirits Challenge - Top 100
2023, 2022, 2020
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
![2 stars](/images/productawards/d816aeb6bd344c7ab5140c3695e9809f.png?w=160)
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
![2 stars](/images/productawards/decc278c19bb49b2bda7200a764b6509.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2022
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/06504bd1624a4df8845edca26a092d22.png?w=160)
International Brewing Awards - Gold
2024
![2 stars](/images/productawards/b72b0bade2a4418897b8fe8a5f4ac48a.png?w=160)
European Beer Star - Gold
2023, 2022
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/7bdc0be3159644c9b64d4d225a644e9a.png?w=160)
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2023
![2 stars](/images/productawards/6d9752db1a17426a9d25593dffce2e28.png?w=160)
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gin Gold Trophy
2023
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/9e0fd07e4f9b43e1ab346912e62ac824.png?w=160)
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2024
![2 stars](/images/productawards/ccf6334fdb3c499daa9ec38172e674ad.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Gold
2024
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/7fd44aa133634c7fb3397a02334530ca.png?w=160)
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Spirit Gold Outstanding
2022
![2 stars](/images/productawards/a444e60af6c14c649ea540cdef19f662.png?w=160)
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Whiskey Gold Trophy
2022
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/d45f8044d0f8418d862854e61bc1c9a8.png?w=160)
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2023
![2 stars](/images/productawards/a02953b89be24ca298ed055f84957f86.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2023
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/decc278c19bb49b2bda7200a764b6509.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2022, 2021
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/d816aeb6bd344c7ab5140c3695e9809f.png?w=160)
SFWSC - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - Double Gold
2024, 2023
AWARDS
![2 stars](/images/productawards/8699ffe9fc2f4d4abb2e8fdf4284ee45.png?w=160)
ISC-International Spirits Challenge - Double Gold
2020, 2019
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