Description

Suntory Kakubin Very Rare Old Liqueur Whisky Kotobukiya: A Glimpse into Japan’s Whisky Past

Suntory was once known as Kotobukiya. In 1963, coinciding with its entry into the beer business, the company name was changed from Kotobukiya to Suntory. The Kakubin featured on this page is from the final years of the Kotobukiya era.

While Suntory has released a replica of the Kotobukiya-era Kakubin bottle in 2015, the bottle offered here is an authentic product from the period between 1958 and 1963.

Today, Suntory Kakubin is often considered an affordable daily whisky, particularly suited for highballs. However, Suntory Kakubin Very Rare Old Liqueur Whisky produced during the Kotobukiya era was positioned as a premium whisky within the company’s lineup, holding the title of the company’s top-tier product until the release of “Old” in 1950 (still decades before the launch of Yamazaki single malt).

The base whisky used in Kotobukiya-era Kakubin differed significantly from those used in the current version. While the modern Kakubin offers a light and floral profile, the older version exhibited a more substantial and weighty character. (Reference page for the current version: Suntory Kakubin Yellow Label)

At the time, only the Yamazaki Distillery existed under Kotobukiya, and domestic malt was exclusively sourced from Yamazaki. The “AT YAMAZAKI” top label on the bottle attests to this. With limited access to grain whisky, the blend was likely crafted primarily from Yamazaki malt, supplemented by neutral spirits. The resulting flavor profile is characterized by a diluted maltiness with a subtle, shochu-like viscosity.

The specific casks used in the blend are difficult to pinpoint with certainty, but hints of sherry sweetness, maltiness, and wood spice suggest a combination of refill, first-fill, and various other cask types.

Released during a period with stricter regulations, this whisky shares certain characteristics with contemporary high-end Scotch whiskies of the time. Its rich, almost syrupy texture, while a product of its era, may appeal to those seeking a taste of Japan’s whisky history.

Rather than being enjoyed for its taste alone, this whisky holds significant value as a collectible, offering a tangible connection to Japan’s Showa era.

Suntory Kakubin Very Rare Old Liqueur Whisky Kotobukiya Tasting Note

Nose: A sweet and slightly bitter aroma with little complexity, reminiscent of neutral spirits. There’s an initial aged character, almost like oil paint, that mellows over time, revealing a malty, soothing honeyed sweetness and a floral, woody aroma.

Palate: Smooth and mellow on the palate. Notes of slightly bitter caramelization and chocolate wafers. A gentle alcohol prickle and a surprising depth and richness, despite the lack of complexity. Easy to drink.

Finish: A lingering finish with notes of burnt malt and caramel sauce. A bitter, clinging aftertaste.

Overall: While the flavors don’t change drastically, pouring a small amount into a tasting glass and swirling it to aerate reveals unexpected aromas over time. This is quite intriguing. The maturation seems to be around 10 years. Whether enjoyed as a highball, on the rocks, or with water, there’s a distinct taste of Showa-era Japan, a flavor reminiscent of the early days of Japanese whisky.