Behind the bar at Kyoto Garden sits something you won’t find anywhere else in South Africa: the country’s largest collection of Japanese whisky. Over 60 bottles line the shelves, ranging from accessible everyday pours to bottles that collectors dream about.

The Rise of Japanese Whisky

Japanese whisky has gone from an insider’s secret to one of the most sought-after spirits in the world. When Suntory’s Yamazaki Sherry Cask was named World’s Best Whisky in 2014, it sent shockwaves through the industry. Suddenly, everyone wanted a taste.

But Japanese distillers had been perfecting their craft since the 1920s, when Masataka Taketsuru returned from studying in Scotland and founded what would become Nikka. The Japanese approach blends Scottish tradition with meticulous Japanese craftsmanship — and the results speak for themselves.

What’s on Our Shelves

Kyoto Garden’s collection spans the full spectrum of Japanese whisky:

The Legends

Yamazaki 18 — Rich and complex, with notes of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and Mizunara oak
Hibiki 21 — A masterful blend, often called the most elegant whisky in the world
Hakushu 18 — Forest-fresh with herbal notes, from the distillery high in the Japanese Alps

The Everyday Icons

Suntory Toki — Light, approachable, and perfect for highballs
Nikka From The Barrel — Punchy and flavourful at cask strength — a bartender favourite
Nikka Coffey Grain — Sweet and smooth, with notes of vanilla and tropical fruit

The Hidden Gems

Ichiro’s Malt & Grain — From the cult Chichibu distillery, complex and ever-changing
Mars Iwai Tradition — An underrated gem from the Shinshu distillery in the Japanese Alps
Akashi White Oak — Coastal character from the small Eigashima distillery near Kobe

Pairing Whisky with Japanese Cuisine

One of the most underappreciated aspects of Japanese whisky is how well it pairs with food. At Kyoto Garden, we encourage guests to explore this pairing, moving beyond the obvious wine-with-dinner routine.

Lighter whiskies like Hakushu or Toki work beautifully with sashimi and lighter sushi courses. The whisky’s subtle herbal and citrus notes complement the clean flavours of fresh fish without overwhelming them.

Richer, sherried whiskies like Yamazaki 12 or Hibiki stand up to bolder flavours — think teriyaki-glazed dishes, grilled eel, or wagyu beef. The whisky’s sweetness and oak character create a harmony that’s hard to achieve with wine.

Peated whiskies (yes, Japan makes those too) like Yoichi pair surprisingly well with grilled seafood. The smokiness mirrors the charcoal grill, creating a deeply satisfying combination.

The Dirty Ninja Saketini

No article about Kyoto Garden’s drinks would be complete without mentioning our signature cocktail. The Dirty Ninja Saketini has become something of a legend among regulars — a blend of premium sake, Japanese whisky, and a few secrets we’ll keep to ourselves.

It’s the kind of drink that’s deceptively smooth. You’ll want more than one, but we recommend pacing yourself.

Japanese Whisky Flights

For those who want to explore without committing to full pours, we offer curated whisky flights. Three carefully selected drams, served with tasting notes, that take you on a journey through different distilleries and styles.

Our bartenders are passionate about whisky and happy to guide you through the collection, whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or tasting Japanese whisky for the first time.

Visit Kyoto Garden and discover why our whisky collection has become a destination in its own right.