Suntory Special Reserve
¥4,900
700 ml / 40%
Suntory Special Reserve is a blended Japanese whisky from Suntory, first released in 1969 to mark the company’s 70th anniversary. Featuring Hakushu malt as its key component, this 40% ABV NAS blend offers vanilla-led aromas, a creamy palate, and mellow grain sweetness, occupying the ideal middle ground between Suntory Old and Royal in the distillery’s classic blended whisky range.
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Suntory Special Reserve Bottling Note
Suntory Special Reserve is a blended Japanese whisky produced by Suntory Holdings Limited. First launched in 1969 to commemorate the company’s 70th anniversary, Special Reserve was created at a time when Japanese whisky producers were preparing to compete directly with imported Scotch and other international whiskies. Positioned above Kakubin and Old in Suntory’s core range, it has remained one of the company’s flagship long-selling brands for more than half a century.
The current Special Reserve is a non-age-statement (NAS) blended whisky made from both malt and grain whiskies. Bottled at 40% ABV, it complies with the Japanese Whisky Labelling Standards established by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association, meaning it qualifies as Japanese whisky under modern industry regulations.
The key malt is Hakushu malt from the Hakushu Distillery, matured in white oak casks. Sweet vanilla-like aromas, a creamy texture, and a mellow palate define the style, creating a whisky that balances accessibility with a more refined character. Within Suntory’s range, it occupies a position between the richness of Old and the elegance of Royal, serving as a bridge between the company’s traditional and premium blended whiskies.
The Special Reserve range previously included age-stated expressions such as 10 Year Old and 12 Year Old bottlings, both of which have since been discontinued.
Kakubin, Old, Special Reserve, Royal and Hibiki Compared
Suntory’s core blended whisky portfolio has traditionally evolved through a lineage of Kakubin, Old, Special Reserve and Royal.
Within this range, Special Reserve was developed for drinkers seeking a more refined experience than Kakubin or Old. Characterised by its fragrant aroma and mellow palate, it strikes a balance between everyday drinkability and premium quality.
In 1989, Hibiki was introduced and eventually became Suntory’s flagship premium blended whisky. While Hibiki focuses on complexity and depth, and Royal emphasises harmony, smoothness and refinement, Special Reserve occupies a middle ground, balancing elegance, approachability and value. It remains one of the cornerstone expressions in Suntory’s long-established blended whisky family.
- Kakubin: A light and approachable everyday blend.
- Old: A traditional blend known for sweetness and richness.
- Special Reserve: An upper-tier blend focused on balance between floral character and mellow drinkability.
- Royal: A premium blend built around harmony, smoothness and refinement.
- Hibiki: Suntory’s flagship premium blend, celebrated for complexity and depth.
Suntory Special Reserve Tasting Note
Nose: Sweet, elegant aromas of vanilla and honey lead the way. Notes of ripe white peach and lychee emerge alongside gentle oak influence, creating a bouquet that is both inviting and refined.
Palate: Creamy and mellow on arrival. Soft honeyed sweetness and vanilla notes develop across the palate, followed by gentle malt richness and hints of mature orchard fruit. A rounded grain-driven sweetness gives the whisky a smooth, almost velvety texture.
Finish: Medium in length, with lingering sweetness and delicate oak notes. The finish remains clean and approachable, never becoming overly heavy.
Overall: A well-balanced blended whisky built around fragrant vanilla-led aromas and a creamy, approachable palate. Although Hakushu malt serves as the key malt, the whisky is not especially defined by the distillery’s trademark smokiness. Instead, its appeal lies in the combination of rounded grain sweetness and a soft, creamy texture created through blending. Rather than pursuing the malt-forward character or sense of refinement found in Royal, Special Reserve focuses on achieving an appealing balance of elegance, drinkability and affordability, making it one of the most enduring expressions in Suntory’s core range.
| Weight | 2 kg |
|---|---|
| Name | Suntory Special Reserve |
| Distillery/Brand | Suntory |
| Classification | Japanese Whisky |
| Style | Blended Whisky |
| Region | Japan |
| Origin | Japan |
| Age | NAS (No Age Statement) |
| Cask Type | White Oak Casks (key malt matured in white oak casks) |
| Volume | 700 ml |
| Alcohol | 40% ABV |
| Released | First introduced in 1969 |
| Item Accessibility | Widely available core-range bottling and long-standing standard release within Suntory's blended whisky portfolio |
Suntory, a pioneer in Japanese whisky, has built a global reputation for its exceptional spirits. Founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1899, the company has been dedicated to producing whisky that captures the essence of Japan.
Key to Suntory’s success are its distilleries: Yamazaki, known for its complex and elegant whiskies; Hakushu, producing fresh and clean spirits; and Chita, specializing in grain whisky. These distilleries, along with Suntory’s meticulous craftsmanship, have contributed to the creation of iconic brands like Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki.
Hibiki, a harmonious blend of Suntory’s finest whiskies, is celebrated for its balance and complexity. Beyond its core range, Suntory has produced a vast array of whiskies over the years, including limited editions and discontinued products.
While Suntory is renowned for its Japanese whiskies, the company also owns and operates several distilleries and brands worldwide, including those producing Scotch, American bourbon, Irish whiskey, and Canadian whisky. This global reach has solidified Suntory’s position as a major player in the international spirits industry.
From its humble beginnings to its status as a global whisky powerhouse, Suntory continues to captivate whisky enthusiasts with its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.
Discover the rich history and diverse range of Suntory whiskies in our ultimate guide.
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