Suntory Toki vs Chita: Japanese Whisky Comparison

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 02:14 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Explore the differences between Suntory Toki vs Chita in my in-depth comparison and choose your next whisky!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Suntory Toki vs Chita: Comparison

Suntory Toki: A light and approachable Japanese blend, with fresh notes of apples, pears, and honey. The palate is smooth, featuring green apples and vanilla, leading to a short, sweet finish of oak and caramel. Perfect for newcomers to Japanese whisky or as a versatile mixer in cocktails.

Suntory Chita: Offers a sweet and smooth experience with a nose of melon and vanilla. The palate is rich in honey and coconut, finishing with a gentle spice. Chita stands out for its creamy sweetness and subtle complexity, appealing to those who enjoy a softer whisky profile.

Verdict: Both Suntory Toki and Suntory Chita showcase the elegance of Japanese whisky with their smooth and accessible characters. Toki is ideal for an easy, casual drink, while Chita offers a bit more depth with its sweet and spicy finish. Each presents a unique entry point into the refined world of Japanese whisky, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Suntory Toki: A Smooth Introduction to Japanese Whisky

Nose: Apples, pears, honey, oak
Palate: Green apples, oak, vanilla, citrus
Finish: Oak, caramel, vanilla
Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Monkey Shoulder

Aroma: Toki opens with a gentle and inviting nose of apples, pears, honey, and a touch of oak.

Palate: This whisky boasts a silky-smooth texture, creating a pleasant mouthfeel. It enters smoothly and reveals flavors of green apples, oak, vanilla, and orange zest.

Finish: The finish is short and sweet, offering notes of oak, caramel, and vanilla, with a subtle hint of bitterness at the very end. Adding a touch of water introduces a delicate cherry note, enhancing the overall experience.

My Take: Suntory Toki offers a smooth and easy-drinking experience, free of any harshness. While the flavors are pleasant, they tend to be subtle and may not leave a lasting impression.

However, Toki serves as a perfect introduction to the world of Japanese whisky, thanks to its accessible and approachable profile.

It’s versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a highball, making it ideal for those who prefer a casual and effortless sip.

Suntory Toki Facts:

Blended with malt and grain whiskies from three Suntory distilleries: Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita.
Features Hakushu malt whisky matured in American oak casks, complemented by Chita grain whisky.
Incorporates Yamazaki single malts aged in both American and Spanish oak casks, contributing to the blend’s complexity.

Suntory Chita: A Smooth and Flavorful Grain Whisky

Nose: Melon, ginger, vanilla, chamomile
Palate: Honey, vanilla, coconut, oak spice
Finish: Medium, almond, honey, oak spice
Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Hibiki

Aroma: Chita greets you with a subtle and inviting nose of melon, ginger, vanilla, and chamomile tea.

Palate: This whisky offers a smooth and sweet entry, featuring honey and vanilla notes that transition to coconut, banana, and a touch of oak spice in the finish. The finish lingers with hints of almond, honey, and a mild oak spice bitterness.

My Take: Similar to Toki, Chita delivers a smooth and easy-drinking experience. However, Chita adds a touch of spice on the finish, making it slightly more complex and vibrant.

The corn base offers familiar notes for bourbon drinkers. While less readily available compared to Toki, Chita makes a valuable addition to any whiskey cabinet, offering a pleasant, youthful, and flavorful experience.

Suntory Chita Facts:

Crafted from 100% corn and distilled in column stills, resulting in a creamy and sweet profile.
Uses the single grain method, which doesn’t require barley or malting, preserving starches for sweetness.
Aged in a variety of casks for added complexity.