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Japanese whiskies have, in recent years, risen in ranks in steep competition against widely loved Scotch, bourbon, Islay and Canadian whiskies — winning over the hearts of whisky aficionados&nbsp; the world over for its unique lightness and sweeter tones. From award winning bottles like the Yamazaki 12 and Hibiki 17, both products of the now internationally renowned Japanese distillery Suntory, premium whiskies are in-demand, and are increasingly hard to get your hands on given the supply shortage. Though if you’re looking to discover a new world of flavours through Japanese whisky, here are the top four bottles you must try…

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1. Yamazaki 12 Years Old Single Malt Whisky 
Almost a decade ago, this bottle put Japanese whisky (and Suntory distilleries) on the map. Offering a new flavour to traditional scotch distillation, the Yamazaki 12 years is an excellent introduction to Japanese whisky given its floral, vanilla and fruity notes. 
Price: HK$2,880 / bottle 
Available at <a href="https://www.thebottleshop.hk/suntory-suntory-yamazaki-12-years-old-single-malt.html">thebottleshop.hk.</a>
2. Hibiki 17 Years Old Blended Whisky 
Suntory’s flagship bottle, Hibiki, truly shows off the distillery’s mastery of blending. The Hibiki 17 years in particular is an aged whisky blended grain and malt whiskies. It boasts a silky smooth and fruit-laden flavour that offers whisky aficionados a versatile bottle to serve neat or in a highball.&nbsp; 
Price: HK$6,980.00 
Available at <a href="https://www.thebottleshop.hk/suntory-suntory-hibiki-17-years-old-blended-japane.html">thebottleshop.com.</a>
3. Hakushuku 12 Years Old Single Malt Whisky 
Expressing scotch influence in Japanese whisky making, the Hakushuku 12 years is a smokey single malt, also owned by Suntory, produced in the Japanese Alps where the water used to craft the distillery’s whiskies run deep in the forest nearby. Yet, it boasts a unique lightness that contrasts the more peated scotch whiskies, while offering sweeter notes of fruit and honey. 
Price: HK$2,580.00 
Available at: <a href="https://www.hkliquorstore.com/hakushu-12-years-single-malt-whisky.html">hkliquorstore.com.</a>
4. The Akkeshi Usui (2021 bottled) Blended Whisky 
The Akkeshi Usui by Hokkaido Akkeshi Distillery is a blended whisky from a combination of bourbon, sherry, mizunara and wine casks which explains the complex notes this bottle offers. Although aged relatively young (three years), this vibrant and harmonious blend of sweet, fragrant and peaty flavours that feature custard, cacao and raisins with citrus overtones makes for a deliciously refreshing tipple. 
Price: HK$3,480.00 
Available at <a href="https://www.hkliquorstore.com/index.php/the-akkeshi-usui-bottled-2021-blended-whisky.html">hkliquorstore.com.</a>
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gafencu magazine wine whiskey Top four must-try premium Japanese whiskies

Top four must-try premium Japanese whisky brands

It&#8217;s no secret that Berry Bros &amp; Rudd boasts an impressive 300-year history as one of the world&#8217;s leading wine and spirits merchants. In fact, they&#8217;re pretty much the go-to purveyor when it comes to buying any number of hard-to-find, high-end Bordeaux&#8217;s, Burgundies and San Gioveses. However, earlier this year, the august institute announced the launch of its first-ever series of personally crafted Blended Malts.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-39815 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudd-launched-four-own-label-blended-Scotch-whiskies-recently.jpg" alt="Berry Bros &amp; Rudd launched four own-label Blended Malts" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudd-launched-four-own-label-blended-Scotch-whiskies-recently.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudd-launched-four-own-label-blended-Scotch-whiskies-recently-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudd-launched-four-own-label-blended-Scotch-whiskies-recently-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudd-launched-four-own-label-blended-Scotch-whiskies-recently-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudd-launched-four-own-label-blended-Scotch-whiskies-recently-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudd-launched-four-own-label-blended-Scotch-whiskies-recently-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudd-launched-four-own-label-blended-Scotch-whiskies-recently-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Created as part of The Classic Range collection, four distinct expressions of some of Scotland&#8217;s iconic terroirs and cask techniques were hand-blended by Berry Bros &amp; Rudd&#8217;s Spirits Buyer Doug McIvor and Ronnie Cox, its Brands Heritage Director.
Cox says of these newly-launched tipples: &#8220;The name Berry Bros &amp; Rudd in connection with wine and spirits means liquid in a bottle which exudes ever-trustworthy quality and flavour. It was with these values that Dougie and I assembled this range – a hugely enjoyable task. The result is a variety of top quality Blended Malts that are a ‘go-to’ portfolio to suit a variety of palates and moods.&#8221;
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-39816 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudds-blended-Scotches-are-part-of-its-Classic-Range-offerings.jpg" alt="Berry Bros &amp; Rudd's Blended Malts are part of its Classic Range offerings" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudds-blended-Scotches-are-part-of-its-Classic-Range-offerings.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudds-blended-Scotches-are-part-of-its-Classic-Range-offerings-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudds-blended-Scotches-are-part-of-its-Classic-Range-offerings-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudds-blended-Scotches-are-part-of-its-Classic-Range-offerings-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudds-blended-Scotches-are-part-of-its-Classic-Range-offerings-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudds-blended-Scotches-are-part-of-its-Classic-Range-offerings-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Berry-Bros-Rudds-blended-Scotches-are-part-of-its-Classic-Range-offerings-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
The Classic Range of Blended Malts – all priced at HK$330 include: 
Speyside Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, fruity and floral with subtle wood notes 
Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, smoky and peaty with a lingering aftertaste 
Sherry Cask Matured Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, matured in luxurious Sherry casks, citrusy and nutty with strong Sherry undertones 
Peated Cask Matured Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, peaty on the nose with an unusually fruity finish

Introducing Berry Bros & Rudd's own-label Blended Malts

Are Berry Bros & Rudd’s all-new own-label Blended Malts worth a try?

<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-26264" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-230-421x280.jpg" alt="" width="580" height="386">
Narcisa Pheres, talented jewellery designer and CEO of Italian fashion label Pheres, recently added one more feather to her cap when she was invited to the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Mentorship Programme. As a mentor to the brand, she travelled to Scotland’s picturesque countryside and explored the almost ‘mystical’ process of whisky making.&nbsp;We recently caught up with Narcisa to find out more about her exhilarating experience.
How did you feel about being named a Johnnie Walker Blue Label mentor?
I was honoured to be chosen by Johnnie Walker and, more specifically, to represent the Blue Label brand because it is such a unique product.
It was also a pleasant surprise. I did not expect a woman to be chosen to represent a whisky brand in the beginning, but then I learnt that a part of Johnnie Walker’s early success was actually due to the efforts of one woman in the late 18th century. More power to us!
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-26267" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-082-421x280.jpg" alt="" width="578" height="384" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-082-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-082-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-082-800x532.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-082-768x511.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-082-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-082-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-082-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-082-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-082.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 578px) 100vw, 578px" />
How was the experience of travelling to Scotland as part of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label brand?
I went to Scotland as part of the mentorship programme for Johnnie Walker Blue Label. They invited me to explore the local scenery and to visit their distillery to learn the process behind creating each bottle.
Given my background in artisanship, design and craftsmanship, it was a thoroughly educational trip for me.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-26265" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Narcisa-Pheres-Interview-Photo-187x280.jpg" alt="" width="273" height="409" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Narcisa-Pheres-Interview-Photo-187x280.jpg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Narcisa-Pheres-Interview-Photo-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Narcisa-Pheres-Interview-Photo-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Narcisa-Pheres-Interview-Photo-500x750.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Narcisa-Pheres-Interview-Photo-400x600.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Narcisa-Pheres-Interview-Photo.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 273px) 100vw, 273px" />
Where did you stay?
We stayed at the Craigellachie Hotel in a beautiful part of Scotland called Speyside, which is close to the Johnnie Walker distillery.
The hotel was wonderful, and looked like a castle. In the room they even prepared lovely cashmere socks with my logo on them, as well as a beautiful vintage basket holding a complimentary bottle of whisky for me. Such a lovely touch!
What intrigued you about the Blue Label brand?
How much effort goes into making just a single bottle! Only one in every ten thousand bottles of blended whisky makes the cut to becoming a Blue Label. It’s not only about attention to detail and having the right skills, it’s also about maintaining a very high quality every single time.
Of course, this is challenging because making whisky relies so heavily on nature producing perfect crops of wheat and barley, clean water and just the right amount of rain and sunlight. Since nature isn’t so reliable, there are years where nothing is added to the Blue Label stock.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-26266" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-133-421x280.jpg" alt="" width="578" height="384" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-133-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-133-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-133-800x532.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-133-768x511.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-133-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-133-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-133-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-133-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/D280717-133.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 578px) 100vw, 578px" />
Which part of the crafting process left an impression on you?
Watching the specialists at the Cardhu distillery – which supplies some of the best whiskies that go into Johnnie Walker blends – building the casks was simply amazing. They source rare white oak trees from America which they shape into barrels without any nails. It’s just oak and metal rings!
The casks are then fired and smoked for conditioning, which, in turn, allows the oak to flavour the whisky that is aged inside it. Attaining this level of cask-building skill can take up to ten years. I really admired their dedication to their craft.
Do you feel like this trip has inspired you?
Yes, of course. I draw inspiration from the places I travel to. Being surrounded by the beautiful Scottish countryside with its trees, clear sky, cold water and crisp air, all these things open up a brand new perspective for me. It’s a sharp contrast to being in Hong Kong!
Thank you!
Interview: Sadia Lima 
Text: Tenzing Thondup

Tag: blended whisky

Top four must-try premium Japanese whisky brands

Are Berry Bros & Rudd’s all-new own-label Blended Malts worth a try?

Johnnie Walker Blue Label mentor Narcisa Pheres talks about her trip to their distillery in Scotland

Tag: blended whisky

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Top four must-try premium Japanese whisky brands

Are Berry Bros & Rudd’s all-new own-label Blended Malts worth a try?

Johnnie Walker Blue Label mentor Narcisa Pheres talks about her trip to their distillery in Scotland