Japanese whisky is known for its unique characteristics and has gained global recognition in recent years. While it is true that Japanese whiskies are generally less peated compared to their Scottish counterparts, there are still several distilleries in Japan that produce peated whiskies.
One of the most well-known distilleries for peated whisky in Japan is Yoichi, located in Hokkaido. Yoichi whiskies are known for their robust and smoky flavors, which are achieved through the use of peated barley during the production process. The peat used in Yoichi whiskies is sourced from Scotland, giving them a distinct smoky character that is reminiscent of traditional Islay whiskies.
However, Yoichi is not the only distillery in Japan that produces peated whiskies. White Oak, located in Hyogo Prefecture, also produces a peated single malt called Akashi. This whisky is made using a mixture of peated and unpeated barley, resulting in a balanced and slightly smoky flavor profile. While not as heavily peated as Yoichi, Akashi offers a delightful hint of smoke that adds depth to the whisky.
Chichibu, a relatively young distillery founded by Ichiro Akuto, also produces a peated single malt called “The Peated.” This whisky is known for its bold and intense smoky character, showcasing the distillery's commitment to experimenting with different flavors and styles. Chichibu whiskies are highly sought after by whisky enthusiasts worldwide, and “The Peated” is no exception.
Even Suntory, one of the largest and most renowned whisky producers in Japan, has ventured into the world of peated whiskies. They have released limited editions of heavily peated versions of their Yamazaki and Hakushu single malts, showcasing the diversity and innovation within the Japanese whisky industry. These peated expressions from Suntory provide a unique twist to their already well-regarded range of whiskies.
In my personal experience, tasting Japanese peated whiskies has been a delightful journey. The balance between the peat and other flavors present in these whiskies is often well-executed, resulting in a harmonious and complex drinking experience. While they may not be as heavily peated as some Scotch whiskies, Japanese peated whiskies offer a unique and distinct character that sets them apart.
To summarize, Japanese whisky is generally known for its less peated style, but there are distilleries in Japan that produce peated expressions. Yoichi, White Oak, Chichibu, and Suntory have all ventured into the world of peated whiskies, each offering their own take on the smoky flavor profile. Exploring these peated Japanese whiskies can be a fascinating and rewarding experience for whisky enthusiasts.