Oct 18, 2019, 5:22 pm
Last edit by: armagebedar
This thread is about where to find whiskey in Japan. Extended discussion about where to find Japanese whiskey elsewhere is off topic and will be removed.
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Consolidated "Buy Whiskey in Japan" thread (was: Haneda/Narita Duty Free Whiskey)
Dec 26, 2019, 1:20 am
#1893
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 278
Good luck.
Dec 26, 2019, 10:31 pm
#1894
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: PacNW (SEA)
Programs: AS, IHG and post-loyal
Posts: 523
Thanks, any suggestions of something different / interesting to take back with that kind of flavor profile? Smokey, salty, not too much on the caramel / sugar path sweet...
Dec 26, 2019, 11:03 pm
#1895
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Chicago, USA
Programs: UA 1MM Gold AA Gold NW Silver Marriott Plat. SPG Plat. Hilton Gold Hertz 5 Star
Posts: 3,215
Nice! I went last month for a ~12noon tour, and didn't see any available in the gift shop.
Or do they hide those behind the counter and you have to ask? Or I might just been too late into the day already. Just didn't see it displayed anywhere at all.
On the side note. Anyone know what's the actual MSRP of Yamazki's Single Malt / Y12 / Y18 in Japan?
I do see some available for sale in Hong Kong, but I'm not sure how bad the mark up is.
Or do they hide those behind the counter and you have to ask? Or I might just been too late into the day already. Just didn't see it displayed anywhere at all.
On the side note. Anyone know what's the actual MSRP of Yamazki's Single Malt / Y12 / Y18 in Japan?
I do see some available for sale in Hong Kong, but I'm not sure how bad the mark up is.
so you can find y 12 at don q but at a silly price of 20000 so that is the same price in Hong Kong from parallel traders
My better half was able to grab a Yamazaki 25 at NRT T2 yesterday. Even though it was in a STEB, they tried to cut open the bottle with a pair of scissors during her connection in YVR 
Thankfully she made a fuss and they let her exit the security line to put it in a check in bag. I would definitely not trust any expensive bottles in a STEB for connections in the future.
Thankfully she made a fuss and they let her exit the security line to put it in a check in bag. I would definitely not trust any expensive bottles in a STEB for connections in the future.
Big cities are harder
my most recent haul included Y18 for 400-450 usd but that was in a small town in KYUSHU
and
man are prices ridiculous
Last edited by armagebedar; Dec 30, 2019 at 4:34 pm Reason: subsequent posts by same poster
Dec 27, 2019, 1:00 am
#1896
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TYO
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,744
Not sure how long you'll be in Hokkaido but if possible you can make a trip to yoichi and buy some of their flavored element whiskies.. peaty & salty sounds like a good fit for your profile
Dec 27, 2019, 2:03 am
#1897
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Kanagawa
Programs: JAL Global Club, ANA Super Flyers
Posts: 238
Seconding this. The distillery exclusive blend is pretty well balanced too, and there should be plenty of bottles of those available.
Dec 27, 2019, 6:08 am
#1898
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 278
Well, one of the best score in recent years. My Japan local bartender buddy surprised me with a perfect Christmas/New Year gift of regular Hibiki 21 at 25,000 yen before taxes. Have to treat him something good!! It's always good to make friends with locals!!
Dec 27, 2019, 7:31 am
#1900
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 278
A true friend indeed.
Dec 29, 2019, 7:11 pm
#1901
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: PacNW (SEA)
Programs: AS, IHG and post-loyal
Posts: 523
Assume I'll have to take the train as I've read that they won't serve me at Yoichi if I have car keys?In semi-related items of distillery touring earlier in the trip will be in Kyoto, but Yamazaki tours are all booked during my dates. May stop by the museum if convenient after sightseeing nearby. Interesting that needs to be reserved as well.
Dec 29, 2019, 11:03 pm
#1902
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TYO
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,744
Thanks both will plan for that. Was planning a daytrip to Yoichi and Otaru from Niseko. Now I'll really be forced to take that day off from the snow... Assume I'll have to take the train as I've read that they won't serve me at Yoichi if I have car keys?
In semi-related items of distillery touring earlier in the trip will be in Kyoto, but Yamazaki tours are all booked during my dates. May stop by the museum if convenient after sightseeing nearby. Interesting that needs to be reserved as well.
Assume I'll have to take the train as I've read that they won't serve me at Yoichi if I have car keys?In semi-related items of distillery touring earlier in the trip will be in Kyoto, but Yamazaki tours are all booked during my dates. May stop by the museum if convenient after sightseeing nearby. Interesting that needs to be reserved as well.
At NRT T2 now and it's completely dry. Assuming they won't get stocked again until after the holiday as most places seem to be shutting down in Japan for the week.
Dec 30, 2019, 12:53 am
#1904
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: LAS ORD
Programs: AA Pro (mostly B6) OZ♦ (flying BR/UA), BA Silver Hyatt LT, Wynn Black, Cosmo Plat, Mlife Noir
Posts: 5,992
Just note that last time I showed up for the tasting room without a reservation, one of the guys in the guard booth warned me that they will turn people away if it is too busy. So I'd definitely make a reservation - that's a long trip to make in vain.
Dec 30, 2019, 1:51 am
#1905
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TYO
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,744
wouldn't be in vain because you could just wait a few minutes until someone leaves. people aren't spending all day there.
