From elegant design to meticulous craftsmanship, Japan is renowned for turning the everyday into art—both whiskey and Japanese Whiskey Glasses are no exceptions. Japanese whiskey (ウイスキー, uisukī) has earned its place on the world stage with its nuanced flavours, refined techniques, and reverence for tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey lover or just getting started, there are many beautiful ways to enjoy Japanese whiskey that honour both the drink and the ritual behind it.
Neat or On the Rocks – For the Purists
Drinking Japanese whiskey neat is the best way to experience its delicate complexity. Many distilleries such as Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Nikka use pure mountain water and carefully selected grains, giving their whiskey clean, subtle flavours that shine best without mixers.
For a chilled experience that doesn’t dilute the flavour too quickly, try it on the rocks using a single large ice cube or hand-carved ice. To truly elevate the moment, serve your whiskey in our Japanese whiskey glass —a sculptural glass designed by one of Japan’s leading modern designers. Its softly crinkled shape adds a tactile charm while keeping your drink cool and stylish. As featured in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, it's a beautiful fusion of function and form.
With Water – The “Mizuwari” Way
One of Japan’s most iconic whiskey traditions is the mizuwari (水割り), which simply means “cut with water.” Usually made with a 2:1 ratio of water to whiskey, mizuwari is a smooth, easy-drinking option that’s popular in Japanese homes and bars alike. Adding cool, soft water (ideally filtered or spring water) helps open up the whiskey’s aroma and subtle flavour notes, making it an approachable choice even for beginners.
For a more elegant presentation, serve your mizuwari in a delicate glass with a clear ice sphere and stir gently to avoid bruising the whiskey.
Highballs – Refreshing and Balanced
The Japanese whiskey highball (ハイボール) is possibly the country’s most beloved way to enjoy whiskey—especially with meals. Combining whiskey, soda water, and plenty of ice, this drink is crisp, light, and incredibly refreshing.
It’s all about the method: chill your glass, ice, and whiskey before assembling. Pour your whiskey, add clear ice, top with soda water, and stir just once. Pair it with yakitori, karaage, or fresh sashimi for a complete izakaya-style experience at home.
Many Japanese bars pride themselves on perfecting this simple drink, showing how attention to detail transforms even the simplest beverage into something memorable.
Enjoy Japanese Whiskey your way
Beyond flavour, what makes Japanese whiskey special is the ritual around it—the pause, the glassware, the way it’s served. We believe that the tools we use to enjoy life’s quiet moments matter. Whether it’s a handcrafted Japanese whiskey glass, a perfectly formed ice cube, or a mindful pour, each element adds to the experience.
Japanese whiskey invites you to slow down, savour, and enjoy thoughtfully. From our curated homewares to our love of daily rituals, we’re here to help you enjoy it well.