Japanese vodka is a fascinating spirit that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Made using high-quality ingredients and traditional distillation methods, Japanese vodka is known for its smooth and clean taste. While vodka is often associated with Russia and Eastern Europe, Japan has put its own spin on the spirit, creating a unique and delicious product that’s worth exploring. It can be used in a variety of drinks, from classic martinis to more complex cocktails that incorporate Japanese ingredients like yuzu or shochu. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just looking to experiment with new flavors, Japanese vodka has something to offer.
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
Haku Vodka By Suntory
Haku Vodka uses white Japanese quality rice, causing the flavor to be a little different than what you might expect. It also uses bamboo charcoal filtration bolstering its premium flavor profile. The result is a clear and clean craft vodka full of rich taste with a sweet intricate rice flavor.
Ao Japanese Vodka
Ao Japanese vodka is another rice-based vodka that treats itself differently. Less is more with this vodka, as it intends to be sipped neat with a simple Japanese garnish. The ingredients are of high quality, making it a simple premium vodka with mild flavors intended to help you enter a zen state.
Kissui Vodka
While some vodkas choose to have a few ingredients to improve flavor, some do not. Kissui vodka consists of only one ingredient, rice. The distillation process is distinct and allows for high purity. The result is a luxury smooth drink that is lustrous and balanced.
Nikka Coffey Vodka
Nikka Coffey vodka uses two ingredients to create a unique texture and flavor. Corn and barley are both used in a distillation method that prioritizes precise blending. The result is an exceptionally smooth texture and provides exquisite quality. There are hints of zesty flavor, sweetness, and a pearly mouthfeel.
Okayama Craft Vodka
While some Japanese vodkas settle for less, others want to stand out from the crowd. Okayama Craft vodka aims to captivate you with its refreshing effect and crisp flavor. The ingredients use premium materials such as special barley and birch charcoal to leave you with a fresh vodka that is perfect for any occasion.
Fujimi Vodka
If you love cool bottle art, Fuijimi vodka has an iconic art design that matches Japanese samurai culture. Japanese quality molasses is used alongside water from Taisetsu Mountains on Japan's Hokkaido Island. The drink is distilled with Japanese craftsmanship and filtered using white birch and charcoal.
Ukiyo Rice Vodka
Ukiyo vodka is another rice Japanese vodka that has a distinct aroma and flavor. The bottle design is also unique and artistic. The producer uses premium Japanese rice that is distilled into a Japanese Awamori spirit. After this process, the spirit is redistilled, and the final result is the unique Ukiyo rice vodka. The aroma and flavor are strong and fragrant and are unlike any other vodka.