Description

Suntory Kakubin Yellow Label Bottling Note

Suntory Kakubin Yellow Label is a blended Japanese whisky that was first released in 1937. It is a flagship product of Suntory, and its name “Kakubin” means “square bottle” in Japanese. The whisky is a blend of malt and grain whiskies, with the malt whiskies coming from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries. It has a light, fruity flavor with notes of apple, lemon, and honey. It is bottled at 40% ABV.

Suntory Kakubin Yellow Label is a versatile whisky that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It is a popular choice for mixing in cocktails, such as the highball and the mizuwari (means “water cut”, a popular way to enjoy whisky in Japan). It is also enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

There used to be other series of Kakubin, such as the White Label and the Black Label, but they are no longer in production.

Suntory Kakubin Yellow Label is a classic Japanese whisky that has been enjoyed by generations of drinkers.

Kakubin Brief History

In 1929, Suntory released ‘Shirafuda’ (later known as Suntory White), the first full-scale Japanese whisky based on malt whisky. However, the Japanese public, unfamiliar with the taste of whisky at the time, rejected Shirafuda, describing it as ‘smoky’ and unpleasant. The following year, in 1930, they released ‘Akafuda’ (later known as Suntory Red) as a lower-priced whisky. However, this too failed to sell well and was eventually discontinued.

Eight years later, in October 1937, a premium whisky called ‘Suntory Whisky 12 Years’, bottled in a tortoise shell-patterned bottle with a yellow label, was released. Later known simply as ‘Kakubin’, this whisky was produced to cater to the tastes of the Japanese people. At the time of its release, Kakubin was Suntory’s top-of-the-line whisky (the current Kakubin is an affortable everyday whisky). Thanks in part to the maturation of the whisky that had been continuously made at the Yamazaki Distillery, this was a make-or-break product for Kotobukiya (Suntory’s former name). Coincidentally, as Japan was entering a wartime regime and imported whisky was halted, ‘Kakubin’ enjoyed strong sales.

Suntory Kakubin Yellow Label Tasting Note

Nose: Light and fruity, with notes of apple, lemon, and honey.

Palate: Smooth and mellow, with a touch of sweetness. There are also notes of spice and oak.

Finish: Medium-length, with a lingering sweetness.

Overall: A light and refreshing whisky that is perfect for everyday drinking. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.

Here are some tasting notes from critics:

• Whisky Advocate: “A light and refreshing whisky with a fruity nose and a smooth, mellow palate. Notes of apple, lemon, and honey are followed by a touch of spice and oak on the finish. A good choice for those who are new to whisky or who prefer a lighter style.” (90 points)
• Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible: “A classic Japanese whisky with a light, fruity flavor. Notes of apple, lemon, and honey are balanced by a touch of spice and oak. A good all-rounder that is perfect for everyday drinking.” (88 points)
• The Whisky Reviewer: “A well-balanced whisky with a smooth, mellow flavor. Notes of apple, lemon, and honey are followed by a touch of spice and oak on the finish. A good choice for those who are new to whisky or who prefer a lighter style.” (87 points)
• The Spirit Journal: “A refreshing and easy-drinking whisky with a light, fruity flavor. Notes of apple, lemon, and honey are followed by a touch of spice and oak on the finish. A good choice for those who are looking for a whisky that is both affordable and enjoyable.” (86 points)