Japanese Whisky substitutes
The closest substitute for Japanese Whisky is Scotch Whisky, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Blended Scotch is the closest style. Johnnie Walker Scotch and Irish Whiskey also work.
What to use instead of Japanese Whisky
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
Scotch WhiskyWorks, tastes different Blended Scotch is the closest style. Same amount | Same amount | 40–46% ABV | −1 point |
Johnnie Walker ScotchWorks, tastes different A blended Scotch, a little richer. Same amount | Same amount | 40% ABV | −1 point |
Irish WhiskeyWorks, tastes different Similarly light and smooth. Same amount | Same amount | 40–46% ABV | −1 point |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Japanese Whisky, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Japanese Whisky Highball
45ml (1½ oz) Japanese Whisky → 45ml (1½ oz) Scotch Whisky
About 11% ABV → about 10% ABV−1 point
- Long Look Back
22.5ml (¾ oz) Japanese Whisky → 22.5ml (¾ oz) Scotch Whisky
About 25% ABV → about 24% ABV−1 point
How they compare
| Property | Japanese Whisky | Scotch Whisky |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40–51.4% ABV | 40–46% ABV |
| Taste | Malt, Vanilla, Citrus, Soft spice | Malty, Honey, Vanilla, Fruit, Oak |
| Aroma | Honey, Green apple, Light oak | Malt, Honey, Heather, Fruit, Light smoke |
| Finish | Clean, Gentle oak, Light sweetness | Warming, Complex, Medium to long |
| Property | Japanese Whisky | Johnnie Walker Scotch |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40–51.4% ABV | 40% ABV |
| Taste | Malt, Vanilla, Citrus, Soft spice | Smoky, Spicy, Vanilla, Citrus, Malt sweetness |
| Aroma | Honey, Green apple, Light oak | Light smoke, Citrus, Malt, Spice, Vanilla |
| Finish | Clean, Gentle oak, Light sweetness | Smoky, Spicy warmth, Medium, Dry |
Already have one of these?
If you have Suntory Toki, Nikka Days, Nikka From the Barrel, Hibiki Japanese Harmony, Nikka Coffey Grain or Mars Iwai 45, you don't need a substitute: they are all Japanese Whisky. How they differ
What is Japanese Whisky?
Whisky made in Japan, usually in a delicate, balanced style close to Scotch. Blends like Suntory Toki are made for the highball.
Got Japanese Whisky? It also replaces
Questions about Japanese Whisky substitutes
What is the best substitute for Japanese Whisky?
Scotch Whisky is the closest substitute for Japanese Whisky, though the drink will taste a little different. Blended Scotch is the closest style. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Japanese Whisky in a Japanese Whisky Highball?
Scotch Whisky: swap 45ml (1½ oz) of Japanese Whisky for 45ml (1½ oz) of Scotch Whisky. It ends up about 10% ABV instead of about 11% (before the ice melts).
Which Japanese Whisky brands can I use?
If you have Suntory Toki, Nikka Days, Nikka From the Barrel, Hibiki Japanese Harmony, Nikka Coffey Grain or Mars Iwai 45, you don't need a substitute: they are all Japanese Whisky. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Scotch Whisky instead of Japanese Whisky change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Japanese Whisky Highball, which goes from about 11% to about 10% ABV (before the ice melts). The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More spirit substitutes
Out of Japanese Whisky?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.