Award Winning Bottles.

The world was shocked when a bottle of Japanese Whisky received the highest ranking from one of whisky’s most renown experts, Jim Murray. In his 2015 Whisky Bible, he ranked Yamazaki Sherry Cask as the world’s best whisky. Today this doesn’t seem as surprising as Japanese Whisky has continued to receive new accolades each year since. In fact, Japanese Whisky has received so many awards that it can be difficult to keep track. On this page we do our best to keep track of all awards.

Did we miss an award winner?Let us know by sending us a message at cs@dekanta.com and we’ll be sure to get it added.

Yoichi 10 Year Old

The Yoichi 10 Year Old is a firm fan favourite among lovers of Japanese whisky the world over. You can expect plenty of fruits on the nose, with dried berries, gentle poached pears and sweet peach combining perfectly with hints of vanilla, nutmeg and building peat smoke. The palate arrives with more peat smoke that is followed by soft oak and more juicy fruits, before the finish lasts for a medium length with rich oak, peat and creamy vanilla.

Best Japanese Single Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2024)

Nikka The Grain

Introducing Nikka The Grain Whisky 2023—a testament to Japanese whisky excellence, where precision and flavor unite. In this latest release, a diverse array of grain whiskies takes center stage. This includes the use of ‘specially reserved’ aged Coffey grain and Coffey malt, as well as innovative new grain expressions crafted from a blend of corn and rye.

Best Japanese Grain Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2024)

Mars The Y.A. #2

Elevate your senses with Mars The Y.A. #02 Blended Malt Japanese Whisky—a series that represents a captivating blend of Japanese whisky, carefully matured in the Yakushima aging cellar under the ownership of Mars. This unique blend combines the original whisky distilled at the Mars Shinshu Distillery and the Mars Tsunuki Distillery, resulting in a whisky that encapsulates the essence of these renowned establishments.

Best Japanese Blended Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2024)

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Fuji Single Blended

Inspired by the serene landscapes of Mount Fuji, Kirin Fuji Whisky offers a crisp aroma with subtle floral notes. Its smooth taste unfolds with hints of vanilla, oak, and spice, leaving a satisfying finish.

Best Japanese Blended (World Whiskies Awards, 2024)

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Hibiki 21 Year Old

The Hibiki 21 Year Old is the most awarded whisky from all of Japan, and in fact one of the most awarded whisky in the world. Awarded as the best blended whisky in the world again and again and again, it is pretty safe to say that the Hibiki has outclassed even the most prestigious of Scottish blends.

Best Japanese Blended Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2020)
World’s Best Blended Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2019)
World’s Best Blended Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2017)
World’s Best Blended Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2016)
World’s Best Blended Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2013)
World’s Best Blended Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2011)
World’s Best Blended Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2010)
Trophy (International Spirits Challenge, 2013-2015)
Gold Medal (International Spirits Challenge, 2012)

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Hakushu 25 Year

Another world class whisky, the Hakushu is the “third whisky” from Suntory, like the Hibiki and the Yamazaki it is in a class of its own. It was selected as the best Japanese single malt at the World Whisky Awards in 2016 and recived a gold award at the International Spirits Challenge in 2013-2015. And for a good reason too!

World’s Best Single Malt Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2020)
Best Japanese Single Malt Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2019)
World’s Best Single Malt Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2018)
Best Japanese Single Malt Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2016)
Gold Award (International Spirits Challenge, 2013-2015)

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Taketsuru 25 Year

A very limited and exclusive edition. The Nikka Taketsuru 25 year old was bottled in 2012 and represents the epitome of Nikka’s expertise in the art of whisky making. A true work of art, this whisky is a remarkable tribute to Masataka Taketsuru – the founding father of Nikka. If you want to experience the very best by Nikka then this is for you. It also comes with a beautiful box, so there is no harm in just keeping it as a prized part of your collection!

World’s Best Blended Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2019)

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Ichiro’s Malt & Grain ‘Japanese Blended Whisky’ Limited Edition 2020

This year’s Japanese Blended Whisky Limited Edition bottling from Ichiro’s Malt & Grain is the latest in a line of incredible, award-winning expressions released by the much-loved distiller and bottler. These fine releases have been named “World’s Best Blended Limited Release” at the annual World Whiskies Awards in three of the past five years, highlighting their supreme quality, and the expertise and talent of those who created them.

World’s Best Blended Limited Release (World Whiskies Awards, 2020)

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Ichiros Malt & Grain ‘Japanese Blended Whisky’ Limited Edition 2019

Building on the classic white-label, Ichiro’s Malt and Grain is a gorgeous new limited edition bottle of the expression and one of the very first Chichibu releases in 2019. Made using malt whisky from Chichibu and grain whisky from abroad. This bottle was named “World’s Best Blended Limited Release” at the 2019 World Whiskies Awards. Get one while stock lasts.

World’s Best Blended Limited Release (World Whiskies Awards, 2019)

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Kirin Fuji-Gotemba Single Grain 30 Year Old

This stunning new single grain 30 Year Old from the Fuji Gotemba distillery is the latest in a line of hugely successful, award-winning whiskies from the brilliant distillery, situated at the foot of Mt.Fuji. In recent years, they have released a number of small batch, well-aged expressions and their 25 Year Old won World’s Best Grain Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards in 2016 and 2017.

World’s Best Grain Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2020)

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Kirin Fuji-Gotemba Single Grain 25 Year Old

Kirin is the major maker of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages in Japan. It also makes whisky and has a distillery at the foot of Mt. Fuji – Japan’s sacred mountain. This 25 year old single grain whisky was released in 2015 and won the award for ‘World’s Best Grain Whisky’ at the World Whiskies Awards 2016 and again in 2019. It was created from a blend of a small number of casks matured for at least 25 years. Presented with a box.

World’s Best Grain Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2019)
World’s Best Grain Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2016)

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Mars Single Cask Komagatake 1990 Aged 27 Years No. 1040

A fabulous expression that will tantalize your senses with an abundance of remarkable flavors at full cask strength. This limited release is rare and highly collectible.

Best Japanese Single Cask Single Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2019)

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Ichiro’s Malt Peated Chichibu Edition Cask #2067

Chichibu distillery is a small distillery with only nine full-time employees. The distillery is owned by Venture whisky, which was founded in 2004 in Chichibu city, Saitama, just outside of Tokyo (hence its name). This particular newborn offering from Ichiro’s range is a peated whisky that was distilled in 2012 before being bottled in 2017. Only 276 bottles were released for this bottle. As with everything else from the Chichibu distillery, it can be highly recommended!

Best Japanese Single Cask Single Malt
(World Whiskies Awards, 2018)

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Nikka Coffey Malt

Previously only released as part of single casks, Nikka decided to add their Coffey Malt to their core range in 2014. Coffey stills are normally used for grain whisky production, and they make the malt delightfully fruity and spicy. This is one of our favourites here at dekantā. Distilled in the continuous Coffey stills at the Miyagikyo distillery, which were imported from Scotland in 1963. A malt whisky made in a grain whisky still, you won’t find such a dram outside Japan.

“2018 Japanese Whisky Of The Year” in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible
Trophy (International Spirits Challenge, 2017)

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Taketsuru 17 Year Old

It’s a good indication that a company is certain about the quality of its product when it names it after the company founder. And Nikka has every reason to be certain about the Taketsuru 17 Years Old, as it was won the World Whisky Awards for best blended malt whisky more often than ANY other whisky on Earth! If you want to try the best there is, then the Taketsuru is your bottle!

World’s Best Blended Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2018)
World’s Best Blended Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2015)
World’s Best Blended Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2014)

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Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013

The world has been ecstatic over this whisky since Jim Murray named it the best whisky in the world back in 2013. Ever since then, people have been fighting over a bottle of this wonderful whisky, and it’s not easy to get your hands on one. Lucky for you, we try to keep at least one in stock at any times!

Whisky Of The Year (Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, 2015)

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Ichiros Malt & Grain ‘Japanese Blended Whisky’ Limited Edition 2018

Building on the classic white-label, Ichiro’s Malt and Grain is a gorgeous new limited edition bottle of the expression and one of the very first Chichibu releases in 2018. Made using malt whisky from Chichibu and grain whisky from abroad. This bottle was named “World’s Best Blended Limited Release” at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards. Get one while stock lasts.

World’s Best Blended Limited Release (World Whiskies Awards, 2018)

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Yamazaki 18 Year

One of our favorites. Yamazaki’s legendary 18 year old 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.Best Japanese Single Malt Whisky 13 to 20 Years (World Whiskies Awards, 2016)

Gold Medal (World Whiskies Awards, 2018)
Double Gold Medal Award (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2015)
Gold Award (International Spirits Challenge, 2013-2014)
Best Japanese Single Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2015)

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Venture Chichibu Whisky Matsuri 2017

Chichibu Distillery, owned and operated by Venture Whisky Ltd., is a small, yet renowned, Japanese whisky distillery that specializes in producing exquisite whiskies that have a full-bodied, bold flavor profile.

World’s Best Single Cask Single Malt (World Whiskies Awards, 2017)

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Yamazaki 25 Year Old

An elite bottle for those who demand only the best. Being a winner of the World Whisky Awards in 2012 for best single malt and earning a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2015, the Yamazaki 25 is a coveted and increasingly rare item. If you want to know what Suntory really is capable of when it comes to whisky, then you must try this!

Double Gold Medal Award (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2015)
World’s Best Single Malt Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2012)

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Yamazaki Mizunara 2014

This is a 2014 release of the Yamazaki Mizunara – a no-age statement, single malt Japanese whisky, which matures in casks made from Mizunara Oak. These special casks impart some beautifully unique hints of sandalwood and fragrant of wood that make this whisky a truly singular experience.

Gold Medal (International Spirits Challenge, 2017)
Gold Medal (International Spirits Challenge, 2015)

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Hibiki 17 Year Old

Yet another wonderful offering from Suntory, the Hibiki 17 won gold award at the International Spirits Challenge in 2013. This one is a treat!

Gold Award (International Spirits Challenge, 2009)
Gold Award (International Spirits Challenge, 2012)
Gold Award (International Spirits Challenge, 2013)
Gold Award (International Spirits Challenge, 2016)

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Nikka Single Malt Yoichi

Of all Nikka whiskies, perhaps the most celebrated is their Yoichi, strictly selected from among the malts, distilled and matured for 20 years or more at the Yoichi distillery – the birthplace of Nikka whisky. This single malt whisky is characterized by the fragrance of aged casks, a mellow well-rounded palate, and a bold powerful taste.

Gold Medal (World Whiskies Awards, 2016)
Whisky of the Year (Whisky Advocate, 2016)

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Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select

As you can clearly see from our list, the Hibiki is much liked by the international whisky community as almost all versions of it win medals at international awards. This particular version is a perfect entry into the world of Japanese whisky in our view!

Gold Medal (World Whiskies Awards, 2016)

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Nikka Tsuru 17 Year

The Nikka Tsuru 17 Year Old is a yet another winner from Nikka. Acquiring a gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge in 2015, it is also priced moderately for a 17 year old, we recommend that you try!

Gold Medal (International Spirits Challenge, 2015)

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Nikka Whisky From The Barrel

Nikka From the Barrel is was a surprise winner for some at the World Whiskies Award in 2016 when it was named the best blended Japanese whisky. Priced very moderately and hugely popular in Europe, especially France. It is without a doubt worth every penny!

Best Japanese Blended Whisky No Age Statement (World Whiskies Awards, 2016)

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Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt

As you can see the Taketsuru features prominently at international whisky award ceremonies. This should come as a no surprise to anyone who has ever tried it, the Taketsuru is named after the founder of the company, is truly is world class stuff!

Best Japanese Blended Malt Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2016)

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Hibiki 12 Year Old

No surprises here, almost every version of the Hibiki wins awards at international competition. This truly is a blended whisky in a class of its own!

Gold Award (International Spirits Challenge, 2015)
Double Gold Medal Award (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2014)

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Yamazaki 12 Year Old

One of our customer favorites for those looking to experience an entry-level Yamazaki bottle.Yamazaki 12 is a favorite among Japanese Whisky connoisseurs, frequently finding it’s place into cocktails and Sushi pairings.

Double Gold Medal Award (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2013)
Gold Award (International Spirits Challenge, 2010)

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Hakushu 18 Year Old

Another world class whisky, the Hakushu is the “third whisky” from Suntory, like the Hibiki and the Yamazaki it is in a class of its own. It 18 year old won Double Gold Medal Award in San Francisco from 2013-2015 and gold awards at the International Spirits Challenge in 2013-2014.

Double Gold Medal Award (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2015)
Gold Award (International Spirits Challenge, 2013-2014)

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Hakushu 12 Year Old

And finally, the Hakushu 12, although some might say it does not compare to its older siblings the 18 and 25 year old it is none the less smashing stuff, being named the best Japanese Single Malt 12 Years and younger for a reason!

Best Japanese Single Malt Whisky 12 Years and Under (World Whiskies Awards, 2016)

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Nikka Whisky Single Malt Miyagikyo

The Miyagikyo, the fruity, many say lowland style whisky from Nikka. If you have not tried it yet, you should, we believe it is every bit as good a the Yoichi and the Taketsuru.

Silver Medal (World Whiskies Awards, 2016)