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House of Suntory 100th Anniversary Releases
The House of Suntory have been pioneers of Japanese whisky since 1923, when founder Shinjiro Torii built Japans first malt distillery. The birthplace of Japanese single malt, Yamazaki is inspired by traditional Scottish whisky making and is influenced by its surrounding nature and climate. Torii believed that the craftsmanship and mastery required to create single malt whisky appropriately reflected the values of the Japanese people and culture, whilst a unique climate, fresh water sources, and natural materials available would combine well in the pursuit of a world-leading whisky. He certainly wasn't wrong!
Hakushu distillery came 50 years later, in 1973, based in a forested microclimate located at the base of Mount Kaikomagatake - making it one of the highest distilleries in the world, standing at 2,300 feet above sea level. Hakushu single malt is known as to be fresh as the pure rainwater that gathers in the surrounding rivers.
To celebrate the past century of excellence, they have released four one-of-a-kind 100th Anniversary special editions from their Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries. Buy either of the 12 Year Olds, to receive an invitation to enter ballots for the respective 18-year-old bottlings. Read about all four expressions below.
Yamazaki 12 Year Old Suntory 100th Anniversary Release
The Yamazaki 12 Year Old is comprised of meticulously selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 12 years in various casks. Yamazaki is Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery, with a name meaning “mountain cape”, in reference to its secluded location amongst a range of forest covered mountains. The bottle's illustration captures this legendary distillery in deep copper tones from a low angle, looking up. This perspective is a reminder to always stay grounded and pay homage to our founder Shinjiro Torii’s dream of making whisky blessed with the riches of Japanese nature and craftmanship. Presented at 43% abv.
The amber liquid boasts aromas of ripe persimmon, peach, and vanilla bean, and a buttery palate full of coconut sweetness. The finish is pleasantly long, with notes of vanilla and oak.
Hakushu 12 Year Old Suntory 100th Anniversary Release
The Hakushu 12 Year Old is a peated expression comprised of meticulously selected malt whiskies, all aged for a minimum of 12 years in various casks. Hakushu is Suntory's mountain forest distillery, making their expressions with exceptionally pure granite-filtered water and maturing the liquid in a lush, forested microclimate. The illustration on the bottle captures the Hakushu distillery in soft hues green, representing the surrounding forest, and it depicts Shinjiro Torii’s dream to make whisky blessed with the riches of Japanese nature and craftmanship that is still carried on today. Presented at 43% abv.
Expect vibrant notes of sage, ripe green apple and hints of pineapple on the nose. The palate reveals layers of soft smoke, along with herbal, grapefruit and acacia honey notes, which develop into a smoky finish with an underlayer of lime zest.
Purchase a 12 Year Old expression for an invitation to enter the ballot for the following:
Hakushu 18 Year Old Suntory 100th Anniversary Release
Refined and elegant, this centennial Hakushu Peated Malt is a distinctly Japanese take on peated whisky. The smoke is less strong, never dominant and in typical Japanese style, is more complex and gentle. The Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Single Malt is comprised of meticulously selected malt whiskies all aged for a
minimum of 18 years in various casks. The gorgeous bottle design is layered with dark green and light flecks of gold to reflect the whisky’s verdant and smoky, yet delicate, flavours. Presented at 43% abv.
The nose opens with notes of green apple, fragrant jasmine and subtle smoke, which lead to a sweet palate of chocolate-chip biscuits and vanilla. The finish is reasonably dry, with more sweet and gentle smoke.
Yamazaki 18 Year Old Suntory 100th Anniversary Release
This Yamazaki Mizunara Single Malt is comprised of meticulously selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 18 years solely in Mizunara (Japanese oak) casks. The expression is a true showcase of the distinctive beauty of Mizunara oak, which is notoriously difficult to master, and considered the signature “enhancer” of Yamazaki - infusing the whisky with one-of-a-kind Japanese character and elegance. With a name meaning “mountain cape” in reference to its secluded location, Yamazaki is Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery, founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii. Presented at 43% abv.
Expect rich and elegant aromas of dark cherry and ripe peach, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The palate holds subtle spice, with notes of fragrant Japanese incense leading to a long and lingering finish full of clove and sandalwood.
Browse our full range of Suntory, here.
