Japanese Whisky

Three of Suntory's most celebrated distilleries — Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita — come together in Toki, a blend that exemplifies the Japanese art of harmony. Toki means "time" in Japanese, and there's a patience to this whisky that shows: Hakushu American white oak cask malt brings freshness and delicacy, Chita heavy-type grain adds silky body and weight, and select Yamazaki malts layer in depth and complexity. The result is something quietly remarkable — vivid yet balanced, with a sweetness on the nose (green apple, basil, honey), a smooth and slightly sweet palate, and a long, subtly spiced finish. It upends the traditional malt-over-grain hierarchy and is equally at home neat, on the rocks, or as the foundation of a first-class Highball.

• Style: Blended Japanese Whisky
• Distilleries: Yamazaki, Hakushu & Chita (Suntory)
• Proof: 86 (43% ABV)
• Format: 750ml
• Country: Japan

Serving Suggestions

Exceptional in a Japanese Highball (whisky + chilled sparkling water, tall glass, plenty of ice). Also excellent neat or over a single large ice cube. Pairs beautifully with sushi, grilled chicken, or light seafood.

Expert Reviews

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | The name of this whisky has nothing to do with coffee—rather, it's named for a type of still invented by Aneas Coffey, which is used to make this golden spirit. It offers mild vanilla-pear aromatics and is relatively light and silky on the palate. Look for a light vanilla sweetness at first, which gives way to a rounded dark chocolate note and baking spice finish. Recommended for highballs and other mixed drinks. 

Producer Description 

Coffey Malt is made from 100% malted barley. However it is not categorized as “malt whisky” but as “grain whisky” since it is not distilled in a pot still. This unique production method results in extraordinary flavors and texture. 

Memo Summary Notes

The Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky is a unique and celebrated expression from Japan that defies traditional Scotch-style categorizations. While it is made from 100% malted barley, it is classified simply as "Whisky" (rather than Single Malt) because it is distilled in a Coffey still (a traditional column still) rather than a pot still.

Nikka Whisky Days 80 Proof 750ml

Nikka Whisky was founded in 1934 by Masataka Taketsuru — the father of Japanese whisky, who studied distillation in Scotland and brought that knowledge home to build one of Japan’s two great whisky empires. Today, Nikka operates two legendary distilleries: Yoichi on Hokkaido’s rugged northern coast, and Miyagikyo in the lush mountain valley of Sendai — each producing whiskies of distinctly different character that the master blenders artfully combine. Nikka Days was created with a clear mission: whisky for every day, approachable and joyful without sacrificing the craft that defines Nikka.

The result is a beautifully balanced blend of mellow grain whiskies and slightly peated malts — silky, floral, and fruit-forward, with a delicate complexity that rewards sipping neat or shines in a Japanese highball. The round bottle and vibrant label are no accident: this is a whisky designed to brighten your day, whatever the occasion.

"A delicate balance is achieved by the skillful blending of mellow grain whiskies and slightly peated malts. With impressive floral aromas, this expression offers an extremely silky mouthfeel and fruity flavors that rise and expand, leaving behind a delightful aftertaste." — Nikka Whisky

• Producer: Nikka Whisky Distilling Co., Japan (Yoichi & Miyagikyo distilleries)
• Style: Japanese Blended Whisky
• Blend: Mellow grain whiskies + slightly peated malts
• Proof: 80 (40% ABV)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Floral aromas, silky mouthfeel, fruity, light peat, delightful lingering finish
• Best With: Neat, on the rocks, Japanese highball (whisky & soda), or refreshing cocktails

Japan’s most approachable everyday whisky — Nikka Days brings the craft of two legendary distilleries to any moment worth celebrating.

Producer Description 

The Miyagikyo is Nikka’s second distillery, having been founded in 1969. The distillery uses chimney and large steel stills, so itswhiskies tend to be fruity and light, in comparison with the heavier Yoichi whiskies.

This affordable, non-age statement, single malt is perfect for those wishing to try out the wonderful whiskies that come from the Miyagikyo distillery. 

Produced Description 

Hibiki Blossom Harmony, is a blend of various malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. In choosing the finishing cask type for this blend, the Sakura wood was one that was said to have “intrigued Fifth Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo.” “I have been mesmerized by the Sakura cask for the last five years now due to its symbolism, but also because of its distinctive, subtly floral and spicy aroma and flavor notes,” said Fukuyo in a prepared statement.

“There have been many experiments with malt and grain whisky components, and we found that there was a special alchemy between the grain whiskies and the Sakura cask. “It is this special relationship – harmony – that inspired me to create this blend.” In speaking to the symbolism noted above, the Sakura blossom season in early spring, it was explained by Suntory, “has always been an occasion for celebration in Japan, with many gathering around the beautiful flowering Sakura trees that inspire the Japanese to appreciate life as it blooms.” “As a limited edition, I wanted our Hibiki aficionados to enjoy a Hibiki they had never experienced before – something unexpected, something surprising,” continued Fukuyo.

“This is a Hibiki that celebrates a particular moment in your life, a harmony that blossoms. It would mean so much to me if you could enjoy it with someone special, someone who makes you blossom.” Color: Amber Nose: Wafting floral scents, sakura, fragrant olive Palate: Smooth mouthfeel, expanding fragrance, acacia honey, French pear and a refined sweetness suggestive of sakura mochi Finish: Long-lasting rich and brilliant aftertaste. Producer Description. 

Producer Description 

100th Anniversary Limited Edition Design. The Hakushu 12 Single Malt is made up of carefully selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 12 years in various casks, created in honor of Suntory Whisky's centenary. Nestled deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, The Hakushu Distillery draws on its unique natural surroundings.

The illustration on the bottle captures the Hakushu distillery in soft hues of verdant green, representing the forest surrounding the distillery. The blenders work with peat, while softening the palate using the exceptional mountain water of the area, filtered through ancient granite rocks. This creates a fresh and gentle smoky single malt whisky, a true revelation in Japanese single malts that must be experienced. Producer Description.

Producer Description 

Yamazaki 18 Year Old is an award winning Japanese single malt. This legendary 18 year old whisky earned a Gold at the 2007 International Spirits Challenge and a Double Gold at the 2005 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Being one of Suntory’s most popular products, you know you have quality when you have Yamazaki.

Finish

Long, spicy, smooth

Gold Medal, International Spirits Competition, 2024

Producer Description

This limited edition of Yoichi single malt was introduced in 2021 as the first of the “Nikka Discovery” series. In anticipation of Nikka Whisky’s 90th Anniversary, the series offers an inside look at the various experiments in the whisky-making process that Nikka has practiced over the years.

This expression is comprised solely of unpeated malts as opposed to the preconceived “peaty” image of Yoichi. It offers a delicate balance of bright fruitiness and rich mouthfeel, along with its distinctive smokiness generated by coal-fired distillation.

The Whisky Advocate 95 Points | The Whisky Advocate writes: Watch out, because Miyagikyo has moves you’ve never seen before. Smoke builds as you nose, from sweet smoke, caramel, and vanilla to bonfire smoke with savory and spicy elements, tarry ropes, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. A multi-faceted tasting experience with sweet vanilla, chocolate, malt, spice, and cocoa, then cherry, raisin, and baked citrus, with a huge chewy mouthfeel and unrelenting flavor delivery through to the finish. Send more peat to Sendai!