Rating 94
Style
Produced In Japan
ABV 40%
Availability Year Round
Price $99.00 
Reviewed By
Review Updated 2023-12-05

Honkaku Spirits Takamine 8 Year Old Koji Whiskey Review

Named after Jokichi Takamine — the 19th-century professor who invented a whisky-distilling technique using traditional Japanese sake brewing methods — this 8-year-old spirit uses a malting process involving koji prior to fermentation and distillation. The resulting spirit carries strong, almost molasses-like aromas reminiscent of Carribean rums. A lively palate brings stone fruit flavors and an energetic, and peppery finish.

As of 2024, VinePair no longer participates in any affiliate programs. All links included in our content are as a convenience to our readers, not for earning commission — we receive no monetary value from them. Learn more about our tastings & review department here!

Related Reads

Related Japanese Whisky Reviews

Fuji Japanese Whisky

Fuji Japanese Whisky:
On top of being named after Japan’s most famous volcano, Fuji Japanese Whisky employs snowmelt water from Mt. Fuji in every stage of its ...

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old

Nikka Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old:
It’s been a while since we’ve seen age statements on Nikka’s Yoichi line, but we’re happy to see they're making a comeback. ...

Hibiki ‘Blossom Harmony’ 2022 Limited Edition

Hibiki ‘Blossom Harmony’ 2022 Limited Edition:
Hibiki Blossom Harmony, the highly-anticipated sequel to a 2021 release by Japanese whisky giant Suntory, is a blend of a ...

Mars 'The Lucky Cat May & Luna'

Mars 'The Lucky Cat May & Luna':
A blend of malt and grain whiskies, aged in ex-bourbon, sherry, new American oak, and Sakura casks, this installment of Mars’ “The ...

Featured Japanese Whisky Articles

The 50 Best Spirits of 2022

The 50 Best Spirits of 2022:
Read on for VinePair's authoritative list of the best 50 spirits of 2022! These are 50 of the best spirits you can buy. See them all now!

The 50 Best Spirits of 2023

The 50 Best Spirits of 2023:
Read on for VinePair's authoritative list of the best 50 spirits of 2023! These are 50 of the best spirits you can buy. See them all now!

Loved at Home, Ignored Abroad: Why European Whiskey Drinkers Aren’t Buying the Bourbon Hype

Loved at Home, Ignored Abroad: Why European Whiskey Drinkers Aren’t Buying the Bourbon Hype:
While bourbon is everywhere in the U.S., abroad there is no mania, not even in Europe, home to the world's biggest whiskey drinkers.

94
POINTS
Honkaku Spirits Takamine 8 Year Old Koji Whiskey
Named after Jokichi Takamine — the 19th-century professor who invented a whisky-distilling technique using traditional Japanese sake brewing methods — this 8-year-old spirit uses a malting process involving koji prior to fermentation and distillation. The resulting spirit carries strong, almost molasses-like aromas reminiscent of Carribean rums. A lively palate brings stone fruit flavors and an energetic, and peppery finish.

Reviewed On: 11-29-2022
94
POINTS
Honkaku Spirits Takamine 8 Year Old Koji Whiskey
Named after Jokichi Takamine — the 19th-century professor who invented a whisky-distilling technique using traditional Japanese sake brewing methods — this 8-year-old spirit uses a malting process involving koji prior to fermentation and distillation. The resulting spirit carries strong, almost molasses-like aromas reminiscent of Carribean rums. A lively palate brings stone fruit flavors and an energetic, and peppery finish.

Reviewed On: 11-29-2022