Japan Whiskey Market Overview, 2028

The story of Japanese whiskey begins with the visionaries who sought to bring the art of whisky-making from Scotland to the shores of Japan. Inspired by Scottish techniques, these pioneers meticulously studied and honed their craft, incorporating their own cultural sensibilities and techniques along the way. Their commitment to perfection and unwavering attention to detail set the stage for the rise of Japanese whisky. The Japanese approach to whiskey production is characterized by an unwavering dedication to quality. From the selection of the finest ingredients to the precise blending and aging processes, every step is executed with meticulous care. Distilleries often employ a combination of malted barley and locally sourced grains, resulting in whiskies with a distinct flavor profile that reflects the terroir of Japan. One of the defining features of Japanese whiskey is its emphasis on harmony and balance. Whiskey blenders meticulously craft their expressions, carefully selecting and blending different whiskies to achieve a harmonious and well-rounded flavor. This pursuit of balance extends to the choice of casks used for aging, with Japanese distilleries often utilizing a variety of barrels, including ex-bourbon, sherry, and Mizunara oak casks. The latter, in particular, imparts a unique aromatic quality, infusing the whiskey with notes of sandalwood, incense, and spices.

According to the research report "Japan Whiskey Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, The Japan Whiskey Market was valued at above USD 3.45 Billion in 2022. The Yamazaki distillery, established in 1923, is Japan's oldest whiskey distillery. It was founded by Shinjiro Torii, the visionary behind the creation of Japanese whisky. Yamazaki whiskies have gained global recognition for their exceptional quality and complexity. Founded by Masataka Taketsuru, often referred to as the "Father of Japanese Whisky," Nikka Whiskey is another prominent distillery in Japan. Taketsuru traveled to Scotland to learn the art of whisky-making and brought his knowledge back to Japan, establishing Nikka in 1934. Also, Japanese whiskey is renowned for its exceptional blending techniques. Whiskey blenders meticulously select and blend different malt and grain whiskies to achieve a harmonious and balanced flavor profile. Japanese whiskies have gained international acclaim, consistently winning top honors at prestigious whiskey competitions around the world. In recent years, Japanese whiskies have even been awarded the title of "World's Best Whisky" by renowned whiskey publications. Japanese distilleries often produce limited edition and single cask releases, which are highly sought after by collectors and whiskey enthusiasts. These unique expressions showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of Japanese whiskey producers. The Japanese whiskey market has seen a rise in whiskey tourism. Visitors can explore distilleries, take guided tours, and participate in tasting experiences to learn about the whisky-making process and the history of Japanese whisky. Some Japanese whiskey distilleries have collaborated with Scottish distilleries, exchanging knowledge and expertise. These collaborations have resulted in unique limited-edition releases that blend the best of Japanese and Scottish whiskey traditions.

The Japanese whiskey market is largely dominated by two major companies: Suntory and Nikka. Suntory, the parent company of Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, and Nikka, which operates the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries, are known for their diverse range of high-quality whiskies. Similar to Scotland, Japan has distinct whiskey regions. The main regions are Hokkaido, where the Yoichi distillery is located, and Honshu, where the majority of Japanese distilleries, including Yamazaki and Chichibu, are situated. Each region has its own microclimate and terroir, influencing the flavor profiles of the whiskies produced there. Japanese whiskey often carries an age statement on the bottle, indicating the minimum number of years the whiskey has been matured. Similarly, due to the increasing demand and limited supply, age-statement whiskies are becoming rarer and more expensive. In Japan, the whiskey highball has become a popular way to enjoy whisky. It typically consists of whisky, soda water, and ice, creating a refreshing and lighter alternative to sipping whiskey neat. Japanese distilleries have even developed specific whiskey expressions designed for highball consumption.

Over the time, Japanese whiskies have garnered global recognition and numerous accolades. They have achieved remarkable success in international competitions, often triumphing over their Scottish and American counterparts. As a result, the demand for Japanese whiskey has soared, leading to a surge in popularity and a global whiskey craze. Japanese whiskey market continues to evolve and innovate. New distilleries have emerged, adding their own unique expressions to the already diverse range of whiskies available. From small, artisanal producers to well-established distilleries, each has its own story to tell and its own distinct flavor profile to offer. Furthermore, the Japanese whiskey market has also embraced the concept of whiskey tourism, with distilleries opening their doors to enthusiasts from around the world. Visitors can embark on immersive tours, witnessing the whisky-making process firsthand, and even participating in tasting sessions to deepen their appreciation and understanding of the craft. Moreover, Japanese whiskey market is a tapestry of tradition, innovation, and artistry. It is a testament to the passion and dedication of Japanese distillers who have managed to create whiskies that rival the best in the world. So, whether you're a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or a curious explorer, immerse yourself in the wonders of the Japanese whiskey market and experience the harmonious blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and exceptional flavors that make it truly remarkable.

Considered in this report:
• Geography: Japan
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028



Aspects covered in this report:
• Japan Whiskey Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Grain Type:
• Malt/ Barley Whisky
• Wheat Whisky
• Rye Whisky
• Corn Whisky
• Blended Whisky
• Others

By Type:
• Scotch Whiskey
• American Whiskey
• Irish Whiskey
• Canadian Whiskey
• Japaneese Whiskey
• Others

By Quality:
• Premium
• High-End Premium
• Super Premium

By Beverage Type:
• Alcoholic
• Non-Alcoholic

By Flavor:
• Non-Flavored
• Flavored

By Distribution Channel:
• Off Trade
• On Trade

By Off Trade Distribution Channel:
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Liquor Stores
• Online Stores
• Others

By On Trade Distribution Channel:
• Hotels, Restaurants & Bars
• Others

By Age of Whisky:
• Below 12 Years
• 12 to 18 Years
• Above 18 Years


The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us. we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to whiskey industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.