No fail, whisky cocktail – Japanese Whisky
On the third edition of the No Fail – Whisky Cocktail, we take a dive into the world of Japanese whiskeys. With their unique and intriguing flavours, we bet you never though you could create amazing yet interesting cocktails with this type of whisky.
Diving into the world of the oldest distillery in Japan – Suntory Yamazaki Distillery, we introduce you the incredible Yamazaki Whisky. Yamazaki is Suntory’s flagship single malt whisky offering a variety of layered tastes.
As you know, this is just a suggestion for use in these cocktails, so should you have any other Japanese preference, try them out in these recipes.
Yamazaki Whisky
Stablished in 1923, the Yamazaki Suntory Distillery is the first and oldest Japanese malt whisky distillery. Surrounded by the three famous rivers, Katsura, Uji and Kizu, they offer a steamy climate with one of Japan’s softest waters. This climate creates the perfect conditions to age the casks developing a unique whisky range influenced by its temperatures and humidity.
Yamazaki Distillery is the birthplace to Japanese whisky, having a very special place in the history and growth of this unique beverage.
One of the company’s flagship single malt whisky is the Yamazaki whisky offering a layered and fruity aroma with unique notes. This is a highly appreciated whisky by the whisky connoisseurs around the world due to its spicy, vanilla, fruit and sweet flavour notes.
For the development of the below cocktails, we recommend you to use the Yamazaki 12 year old whisky which came into market in 1984. On the nose, you will feel touches of nut oils with a floral character and a bit of tropical fruit notes. Once you take a sip, a soft and smooth taste of sweetness and spices will invade your mouth with a touch of citrus. In the end, it will leave a fruity and zesty medium taste with a warm note. These different notes and flavours will match perfectly with the below cocktails, offering a unique character and personality.
Yamazaki Whisky Cocktails
Some might argue that you should only drink Japanese whisky straight or on the rocks however; this whisky is actually very interesting in cocktails.
Most bartenders around the world do not think that a bourbon or a scotch is good enough to create innovative and intriguing cocktails. This is where the Japanese whisky fits perfectly. Once you dilute the Japanese whisky, a beautiful and unique flavour pops out in a very elegant and smooth way.
Other whiskeys like a spicy rye or an American whisky fall apart once they are diluted with other liquids due to their strong and compact taste. The Japanese whisky will give you a delicate yet unique flavour to your cocktails.
The Smash
- 1 ½ oz. Yamazaki Whisky (or any Japanese whisky of your preference)
- 1 oz. lemon juice
- ½ oz. simple syrup
- 1 cocktail cherry
In a rocks glass add the Yamazaki whisky, lemon juice and syrup. Stir well the three ingredients and for a special touch add the cherry. Easy and delicious which will dazzle any friend or family
The Red Akuma
- ½ cup Yamazaki Whisky
- 1 cup blood orange juice
- 2 tbsp. Agave
- 1 Jalapeño, without the stem & chopped
In a shaker, mix the blood orange juice, Yamazaki whisky and the agave syrup, stirring well. Once all three ingredients are well stirred, add the chopped Jalapeño and shake three times. In a glass, add some ice. Pour the cocktail into the glass through a strainer so that the Jalapeño is not on the cocktail glass. Enjoy this spicy and interesting cocktail before it ends!
