JHunter

Yes, these fill up very quickly. I reserved a mid-November slot at the Yamazaki site, but did so on the day they opened (September 1st); I looked again the next day, and the month was almost completely full.

As of now, the only day open is November 5th at 14:50 (3 slots).

JHunter

I don't know if this is OT, but any advice on finding/buying some high-end Shochu while in Japan? Is finding a Murao or Mori Izo like trying to find Hibiki 21?

daizawaguy

Available on Rakuten japan, so I imagine a bit of hunting around Sake no Sokuhai or Liquor Mountain, or Shinjuku Isetan will fill your order at much better prices than Japanese Whisky. On the Whisky subject, stocks are a little higher than a few months ago, with Hibiki NAS hitting a few shelves around town, and stocks of NAS Yoichi being replenished. Of course the age statements ones will be a different market altogether until the new production hits the shelves in many years to come.

daizawaguy

Just passed Hasegawa (two shops below Tokyo Station) yesterday - the original shop offers whisky tasting - 10ml for a few hundred Yen depending on bottle (no aged statements in Japanese whisky though). Tasted a Kavalan Solist for Yen 250. Some stock of NAS Yamazaki returning, 12 years was Y28K if I recall, two bottles of Karuizawa for Y598K. Hibiki under Y10k, but as I mentioned you can get this for Y5K in Kakuyasu.

james21_h

Which Kavalan Solist did you try? I love them all and every time I travel to Taiwan I end up buying few bottles!! Very good whiskies!!

invalyd

Slightly off topic, but whats the best place to pick up Kavalan bottles in Taipei? Duty free or at the distillery? Headed there in Oct and hoping to pick up a few!

Plato90s

It depends on what you want.

Duty Free will be the cheapest, but the selection at the airport will be limited. This is Ever Rich's site showing the Kavalan selections they always carry.

https://www.everrich.com/tw/185-%E5%...anufacturer=87

They also carry some of the higher priced ones like Sherry Fino, but it's variable. Sometimes the shops have the Port Cask, the PX or the Manzanilla.

If you want the current *hot* bottle of Vinho Barrique or a specific Solist bottle, you'd need to head to the distillery to be certain.

If you're fluent in Mandarin, you can probably call up some of the liquor shops in the city to ask. But even there, you'll find inventory to be more limited.



FWIW - I think the Podium is actually very good value for the money. I like the Solist Sherry and the Sherry Fino, but the Podium is what I'd pour for friends who aren't that into whisky.

NeTWorKz

I'll be in Tokyo/Osaka for about 2 weeks and planning on picking up a bottle or two of Whisky to enjoy back in the US. I've been out of the Whisky game for so long and I want to get back into it since I'll be in Japan.

What should I pick up while I'm in Japan for under $200 USD?

I would love to be able to pick up a bottle of H12, H18, Y12, and Y18 but judging from what I've been reading, that's highly unlikely.

invalyd

The only one of those bottles you'll find for $200 is Yamazaki 12 but you can get it for half the cost in the US.
I would say for your budget the best option is a Hibiki Master's Select from duty free which runs ¥10,000 and is usually in stock.

james21_h

If you just want the Sherry, Bourbon, Port Cask Solist I would suggest to pick them up at airport. But if you want the Peated, Rum, Viho, pick them up at their store branches. Viho would be harder to get. Last time I called and got their last bottle at one of store branches and the staff told me it would be 6 month waiting time on the next batch. I considered myself lucked out!
EVA air offers 20% off if you order 3+ item. If you fly with them, def take advantage of that deal!! That's how I got most of my Solist!!

daizawaguy

Wow, seems a great deal on Kavalan! With the scarcity of Japanese age statement whisky, how about changing the name of the thread once again to "Where to buy Kavalan Soloist"!!

armagebedar

Folks, let’s try to stay on topic and take discussion of Taiwanese whiskies elsewhere.

Regards,
armagebedar
Japan forum moderator

Duke787

Will be in Ginza for a night next week -- worth going anywhere? Seems like there's no chance I'll find H17 (thanks to this thread though I'm still in decent shape from my December visit) but would like to pick up a couple of things.

Haven't had either of the Nikka NAS and just killed my Nikka12yo so could give those a shot just not sure where to to go searching near Ginza (CY Ginza specifically)

daizawaguy

Sake no Sokuhai (2 shops in Ginza) and Liquor Mountain are the places to visit. H17 will be available, and is at Don Quixote certainly if not at the previous two, for Yen 35,000-45,000.

daizawaguy

Oh, and Nikka NAS Yen 4,500 or so at discount, with Nikka12 @ Yen 5,500 or so - all these pretty good supply. Bic Camera a backstop too.