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.
Per FlyerTalk rule 10, nothing may be bought, sold, or traded on this forum:
Per FlyerTalk rule 10, nothing may be bought, sold, or traded on this forum:
FlyerTalk is not a marketplace and nothing may be offered for sale or barter. The exception to this rule is those items in the Coupon Connection (C.C.) Forum, which is governed by specific posting rules, and access to which is granted once you have achieved 180 posts and 180 days as a member.
Consolidated "Buy Whiskey in Japan" thread (was: Haneda/Narita Duty Free Whiskey)
Jul 24, 2022, 5:17 pm
#2701
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: SNA; LAX; KUL
Posts: 434
Hi James, how's the miyagiko? Will be transiting through soon, wondering what else to pick up.
Jul 25, 2022, 2:17 pm
#2702
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 278
I did end up buying the Yoichi Grande at the last minute before I boarded my flight. Haven't opened it either but I am planning on keeping that one and drink it myself!
Jul 25, 2022, 5:24 pm
#2704
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 159
What a lineup! I really envy that! I’ve been hunting years for these unsuccessfully.
I live in Japan and regularly go hunting for bottles but it really seems like the airport is the best bet for people visiting. That and the distilleries for tastings. Most shops are selling the more rare bottles at prices matching what you can find online now. The only exceptions being department stores and maybe some mom and pop stores but most of them have moved to lottery systems.
I live in Japan and regularly go hunting for bottles but it really seems like the airport is the best bet for people visiting. That and the distilleries for tastings. Most shops are selling the more rare bottles at prices matching what you can find online now. The only exceptions being department stores and maybe some mom and pop stores but most of them have moved to lottery systems.
At a donki in Kyoto I saw:
Hakushu 12: ¥29,900
Kurayoshi 8: ¥8,789
Hibiki blossom harmony 2022: ¥43,780
Hibiki Japanese harmony: ¥12,900
Kurayoshi 18: ¥17,800 (Haven't had this, any comments on kurayoshi?)
Yamazaki: ¥12,900 (no age statement)
I was going to pick up a bottle but I was late for an appointment and never made it back.
Jul 25, 2022, 5:53 pm
#2705
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 813
Kurayoshi is fake whiskey. Well, it is Scottish not Japanese.
This sadly, keeps getting longer with more fakes but always good to consult
https://www.nomunication.jp/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/nomunication-realvsfake-20200407.png
This sadly, keeps getting longer with more fakes but always good to consult
https://www.nomunication.jp/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/nomunication-realvsfake-20200407.png
Last edited by Topcare; Jul 25, 2022 at 6:08 pm
Jul 25, 2022, 6:21 pm
#2706
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2022
Posts: 39
Granted, “Aged 3 Years” is nothing to brag about but it’s how lots of wine and spirits producers in Japan started out. Import foreign wine and whisky and mix with local stuff. Establish a sound financial footing. Then, after ensuring that you won’t go bankrupt, gradually get into genuine Japan-only ingredients. It’s called “business”.
I’m off to Yamaya now to buy some Kurayoshi, and I will recommend it to anyone who will listen. At the end of the day, it’s all about the EFFECT OF THE ETHYL ALCOHOL. All else is frippery.
I’ve been to Japanese drinking parties (estimate - over 200) and I once brought up a local winery’s habit of hiding the fact that their wines were mostly local plonk blended with imported Spanish rot-gut. My stating the obvious was not well-received. You people should learn the virtues of modesty and discretion.
Artisanal chocolate manufacturers in the US do the same. And their chocolate tastes terrible!
I’m off to Yamaya now to buy some Kurayoshi, and I will recommend it to anyone who will listen. At the end of the day, it’s all about the EFFECT OF THE ETHYL ALCOHOL. All else is frippery.
I’ve been to Japanese drinking parties (estimate - over 200) and I once brought up a local winery’s habit of hiding the fact that their wines were mostly local plonk blended with imported Spanish rot-gut. My stating the obvious was not well-received. You people should learn the virtues of modesty and discretion.
Artisanal chocolate manufacturers in the US do the same. And their chocolate tastes terrible!
Jul 27, 2022, 11:21 am
#2709
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 813
Wonder if staff waiving you off had perhaps meant the stash he set aside for the regulars lined up were perhaps delayed a little.
Jul 27, 2022, 4:27 pm
#2710
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: SNA; LAX; KUL
Posts: 434
Jul 27, 2022, 5:13 pm
#2711
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 813
Jul 27, 2022, 5:51 pm
#2712
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Kobe, Japan
Programs: Bonvoy Platinum, IHG Diamond, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 1,532
Or "Don't take our picture because someone in the company will bust us (or ask for a cut) for having a nice side business of importing/reselling duty free"
Jul 27, 2022, 7:02 pm
#2713
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 278
That makes sense because me and my coworkers all flew out in the afternoon around 1500-1600 and they had all three Suntory products available! I bet they were anticipating people queuing up early morning expecting bottles. That's good, no more early bird special!!
Jul 27, 2022, 7:04 pm
#2714
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 278
Jul 28, 2022, 12:18 am
#2715
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TYO
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,744
IME it is entirely random between terminals and times they load the stock. One time the employee even pulled some bottles magically out of the back despite being sold out.