@PBMichiganWolverine I believe the definitions are quite loose and I may be completely wrong but the quality and characteristics of NAS can differ between a hakushu distillers bought at a convenience (180ml bottlles) store in Japan, at the distillery itself or even those exported to Australia. Same goes for the pure malt taketsuru which I had at the Miyagikyo distillery which was amazing. What I think is likely safest is buying NAS at the distillery or at reputable location (though they’re mostly dried up in Japan). I however strongly believe that aged Japanese whiskies have always been consistent and is likely why they’re nearly all gone or prices are off the roof

@worldwhiskies95 that’s a good (and scary ) point in the unlicensed retailers. They’re probably counting on folks buying likes of Hibiki 30 and not opening them

@PBMichiganWolverine As far as I know, supposedly Japan. But u never know due to lack of transparency and regulation. Here are some “japanese” imported from Scotland, Kurayoshi, Tuttori, Togouchi, Fujisan, 963 (Yamazakura only recently started making its own whisky), Golden Horse, Sensei. Seems like not many make a big deal of whistle pig 10/15, Hochstader’s Family Reserve, and Lock Stock and Barrel being imported Canadian, Virginia Highland being an American Scotch blend, but make a big deal with imported Scotch and Canadian in Japan due to lack of regulation and Japanese heavy labels. Recently, 2 unlicensed sellers at a vintage boutique shop in Japan got arrested for selling fake Hibiki 30s, refilling empty bottles and resealing them to make them look real on the outside and it was found fake when customers noticed a difference between the taste of that and actual Hibiki 30. This is why one should only buy from licensed places.

@worldwhiskies95 is this made in Japan? Some of the Japanese ones are made in Scotland, US, or elsewhere and aged in Japan.