Founded in 1949, this independent distillery is owned by the Hombo family and is currently the highest altitude distillery in the country, situated nearly 800 meters in the sky. Iwai-san looms large in Japanese whisky lore for, among other things, being the first person to install a Coffey Still for whisky production. The entry-level Iwai is a blended whisky comprised primarily of corn with a bit of malted barley aged entirely in used bourbon barrels. Notes include apple butter, apricots, honey, oak spice, red tea, a hint of ginger, and more. A great value all around.