How to Drink Whisky

Elevate your japanese whisky with serves to meet every moment.

Yamazaki 12YO Single Malt Japanese Whisky Bottle With Glass

The House of Suntory’s ritualistic whisky serves reunite our whiskies with water to elevate the diverse methods employed by our craftspeople to produce subtle and refined Japanese flavors. Varying the temperature, minerality, and volume of water in service are just a few examples of how craftsmanship and hospitality can be used to explore the complexity in our whiskies.

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  • Japanese Whisky Serves

Hibiki On The Rocks

Hibiki—which means “resonance”— is more than a whisky; it’s a timeless ideal. The whisky’s blossoming elegance, deep complexity, and roundness are enhanced when served over a hand-carved ice ball, which reflects nature elevated through the artistry of the bartender’s craftsmanship.

 

The refined and complex flavors of Hibiki Japanese Harmony come alive when served over marugori - a hand carved sphere of clear ice.

  • Easy
  • 1-3 min
  • Intense
Hibiki Rocks in a glass image
  • Japanese Whisky Serves

Yamazaki Water Drop

Yamazaki is the birthplace of Japanese whisky located at the base of Mount Tennōzan in the Yamazaki region of Osaka Prefecture. Shinjiro Torii chose the site because of its unique climate, where the convergence of three rivers creates a humid environment that’s perfect for whisky maturation. The region’s soft, pure water was the centerpiece of tea master Sen No Rikyu’s personal tearoom, where the Japanese tea ceremony originated. The Yamazaki Water Drop pays respect to the cultural heritage of the distillery’s water source through a service ritual that elevates the aroma and character of the whisky to new heights. 

 

By adding water slowly to a glass of Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky, you can experience how the unique multi-layered flavor o the whisky changes without becoming diluted.

  • Easy
  • 10-15 min
  • Intense
A glass of whisky neat
  • Japanese Whisky Serves

Japanese Whisky on the Rocks

Whisky on the rocks is much more than a way of serving it. In Japan, it becomes an act of contemplation. At House of Suntory, every moment is sculpted with precision: the polished glass, the carved ice that slowly reveals the layers of the whisky, its notes of cooked fruit, caramel, sandalwood, and Mizunara (Japanese Oak). Time stands still, and the everyday is transformed into a ceremony of harmony and depth, where each sip whispers the art of balance.

  • Easy
  • 1-3 min
  • Intense
Glass tumbler with Japanese whisky served on the rocks, accompanied by a single block of cut ice.
  • Japanese Whisky Serves

Half Rocks

Half rock is a type of whisky on the rocks made with one part whisky and one part water. This stylish drink gently brings out the whisky's aroma and flavor.

  • Easy
  • 1-3 min
  • Intense
A Half Rock in a whisky glass
  • Japanese Whisky Serves

Whisky And Water

The perfect companion when you're unwinding. Once you get the hang of it you'll make a delicious whisky and water every time. Leisurely enjoy in your favorite glass.

  • Easy
  • 1-3 min
  • Intense
A glass of Whisky and Water with large ice cube
  • Japanese Whisky Serves

Hot Whisky

An exquisite treat with a delicious aroma wafting from the warm glass. It can be enjoyed in many different ways, going nicely with a great variety of toppings like citrus.

  • Easy
  • 3-5 min
  • Intense
Small clear glass filled with Japanese Hot Whisky
  • Japanese Whisky Serves

Neat

Drinking whisky neat lets you savor it at leisure, relishing the aroma like a true connoisseur as you sip it. You'll love the subtle flavor and pleasurable aftertaste.

  • Easy
  • 1-3 min
  • Intense
A glass of whisky neat

How to serve and drink Japanese whisky

There are many ways to serve and enjoy whisky, each highlighting different characteristics of this exceptional spirit. Some styles, such as Mizuwari, are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, others, like whisky on the rocks or neat, are timeless classics enjoyed worldwide. Using Japanese whisky in these serves elevates the experience with its unique flavor profiles, a reflection of the meticulous Japanese whisky crafting process at House of Suntory. 

Each expression is crafted with a distinct purpose, offering unique nuances in taste and aroma. A refreshing highball is best enjoyed with Toki or Kakubin blended whiskies, while savoring the Yamazaki 25 Mizunara neat reveals not only remarkable depth and elegance, but also the rare character of Japanese oak. However you choose to serve it, Suntory whisky transforms every moment into an unforgettable experience.

The Art of Suntory Time

Experience a guided masterclass in Japanese bartending and hospitality.

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