Suntory Whisky: Ultimate Guide to Varieties and History
Suntory, a name synonymous with Japanese whisky excellence, boasts a rich heritage and a diverse range of whiskies. This ultimate guide will delve into the captivating history of Suntory and explore its extensive portfolio, from the iconic Yamazaki to the harmonious Hibiki.
A Legacy of Japanese Whisky
Founded in 1899 by Shinjiro Torii, Suntory embarked on a journey to create world-class spirits. With a vision to produce whisky that reflected the essence of Japan, Suntory pioneered the art of whisky making in the country. Through decades of experimentation and meticulous craftsmanship, the company has established itself as a global leader in the whisky industry.
The Art of Whisky Making: Suntory's Approach
Suntory's commitment to quality is evident in every step of the whisky-making process. From selecting the finest grains to mastering the art of fermentation, distillation, and maturation, the company employs meticulous techniques to create exceptional spirits. The use of Japanese oak casks, particularly Mizunara, adds a unique dimension to Suntory's whiskies.
Suntory's Distilleries
Yamazaki Distillery: The Birthplace of Japanese Whisky
Located in Osaka, Yamazaki Distillery is often hailed as the birthplace of Japanese whisky. Founded in 1923, it has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's whisky-making heritage. Yamazaki is renowned for its complex and elegant whiskies, characterized by rich fruit and spice notes. The distillery's proximity to Kyoto provides a unique microclimate, influencing the maturation process and imparting distinctive flavors to the spirit.
Hakushu Distillery: The Highland Gem
In contrast to Yamazaki, Hakushu Distillery is situated in the mountainous Nagano Prefecture. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty, Hakushu produces whiskies with a fresh, clean character. The distillery's highland location and access to pure water from the Southern Alps contribute to the spirit's distinctive profile. Hakushu whiskies are often described as floral, fruity, and delicate.
Chita Distillery: The Grain Master
While Yamazaki and Hakushu are primarily known for their malt whiskies, Chita Distillery is Suntory's key grain whisky producer. Grain whisky is an essential component in many blended whiskies, and Chita plays a crucial role in crafting the smooth and harmonious character of Suntory's blends.
Suntory Whiskies
Yamazaki: The Heart of Japanese Whisky
Yamazaki Story of the Distillery 2024 Edition
Nestled in the Osaka lowlands, Yamazaki Distillery is often hailed as the birthplace of Japanese whisky. Founded in 1923, it has been at the forefront of whisky innovation. Yamazaki whiskies are renowned for their complex and elegant character, with notes of fruit, spice, and wood. The distillery's proximity to Osaka and Kyoto provides a unique microclimate, influencing the maturation process and imparting distinctive flavors to the spirit.
- Key Characteristics of Yamazaki Whisky:
- Smooth and complex
- Rich in fruit and spice notes
- Often finished in Mizunara oak casks
Hakushu: The Highland Spirit
Hakushu Story of the Distillery 2024 Edition
Located in the mountainous Nagano Prefecture, Hakushu Distillery offers a stark contrast to Yamazaki. Surrounded by pristine natural beauty, Hakushu produces whiskies with a fresh, clean character. The distillery's highland location and access to pure water from the Southern Alps contribute to the spirit's distinctive profile.
- Key Characteristics of Hakushu Whisky:
- Fresh and clean
- Floral and fruity notes
- Often exhibits a lighter, brighter character
The Art of Contrast: Yamazaki vs. Hakushu
While Yamazaki and Hakushu share a common heritage, their whiskies offer distinct personalities. Yamazaki's complex and rich character is a perfect complement to Hakushu's fresh and clean profile. Many whisky enthusiasts enjoy exploring the nuances between these two iconic distilleries.
- Side-by-Side Comparison:
- Aroma: Yamazaki often showcases deeper, richer aromas of fruit and spice, while Hakushu tends to be more floral and herbaceous.
- Taste: Yamazaki offers a complex palate with layers of flavor, while Hakushu delivers a clean and refreshing experience.
- Finish: Yamazaki typically has a longer, more complex finish, while Hakushu often provides a crisp and clean aftertaste.
Hibiki: A Symphony of Flavors
Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2024
Hibiki, the ethereal masterpiece from Suntory, stands as a testament to the art of blending. This iconic Japanese whisky is celebrated for its exquisite balance, complex flavors, and elegant presentation. Let's delve into the world of Hibiki and discover the symphony that unfolds with every sip.
Hibiki is a harmonious blend of whiskies from various Suntory distilleries, including the renowned Yamazaki and Hakushu. This intricate composition results in a whisky that is both complex and approachable. Expect a symphony of flavors, including ripe fruit, honey, vanilla, and subtle oak notes.
- Key Characteristics of Hibiki Whisky:
- Art of blending: Complexity and Balance
- Fruity and floral
- Smoothness
Chita: A Single Grain Masterpiece
Chita
Suntory Chita is a single grain whisky, meaning it's made entirely from grain, unlike malt whisky which is made from malted barley.
Chita is a smooth, elegant whisky with notes of sweetness, fruit, and spice, reflecting the careful craftsmanship and attention to detail that Suntory is renowned for.
- Key Characteristics of Chita Whisky:
- Single Grain: Crafted entirely from grain
- Smooth and elegant
- Diverse flavor profile
Exploring Suntory's Blended Whisky Range
Suntory offers several other blended whiskies, primarily including the following (These whiskies are generally listed in ascending order of price.):
Torys
A long-selling brand that has been loved for over half a century. In September 2010, the existing product was discontinued and "Torys Extra" was released. Furthermore, in September 2015, "Torys Classic" was released, positioned as the lowest price range among the company's blended whiskies.
Red
Suntory Red
Originally released in 1930 as "Suntory Akafuda" (Red Label), production was temporarily halted. However, it was relaunched in 1964 and has since become a staple brand of Suntory whisky.
White
Suntory White
Launched in 1929 as "Suntory Shirofuda" (White Label), making it Japan's first whisky brand.
Kakubin
Suntory Kakubin Yellow Label
A representative whisky of Suntory, launched in 1937. The name is derived from the shape of the container.
Old
Suntory Old
Launched in 1950. Due to its unique bottle shape, it is affectionately called "Daruma" (a traditional Japanese doll, often used as a good luck charm) by connoisseurs.
Special Reserve
Launched in 1969 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Suntory's predecessor, Kotobukiya, which was founded in 1899. It is one of the long-selling brands of Suntory whisky, following White, Red, Kakubin, Torys, and Old.
Royal
Known as a premium-class blended whisky, it was launched in 1960 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Suntory's predecessor, Kotobukiya, which was founded in 1899.
Ao
Suntory World Whisky Ao
A world blended whisky that blends the five major whiskies of the world: Ireland, Scotland, America, Canada, and Japan. It was first released in limited quantities on April 16, 2019.
Toki
"Initially released in 2016 for the US and Canadian markets, it was subsequently launched in the UK in 2018. 'TOKI' means 'time' in Japanese. While it's said to be blended with 'Hakushu 12 Years' as the key malt, along with 'Yamazaki' and a 'heavy-type Chita,' the actual taste is a light blend where Chita is more prominent than Hakushu."
Suntory Discontinued Whiskies
Rawhide
Named after the Western TV series that aired in Japan in the 1960s, Suntory was also a sponsor of the show. This whisky was marketed with a dry, bourbon-like flavor.
Suntory Gold
Launched in the 1960s, this whisky was advertised as a "hard amber liquid" despite its 42% ABV. In 1976, a larger 900ml version was released.
Suntory Imperial
Released in 1964 to commemorate the change of the company name from Kotobukiya to Suntory, Suntory Imperial is a super premium blended whisky. True to its name, "Imperial," it was crafted using only carefully selected aged malt whiskies and bottled in a Bohemian crystal decanter, a type of high-quality cut glass. As a result, it was priced higher than Suntory Royal at the time and became known as a phantom whisky that was rarely seen on the market. However, with the subsequent appearance of "Hibiki," the ultimate super premium blended whisky, Imperial gradually lost its significance and was discontinued in 2006 during a product review.
Suntory The Whisky
Sold between 1977 and 1989, this Japanese blended whisky was composed entirely of domestically distilled spirits, lavishly using Yamazaki malt with an average age of 30 years. Born from the idea of the writer Kaiko Ken during the era of Suntory's second president, Keizo Saji, this whisky was aimed to be the "greatest blended whisky in human history," a goal that was unmatched anywhere else in the world. Once a year, an ultra-aged Yamazaki malt was selected from the secret reserves, and the finest spirit chosen that year was used."
Suntory Custom
Launched in 1968 as a premium soft whisky. It was overshadowed by the later release of Reserve and was eventually discontinued, though the name was later revived for a different spirit in the 1980s.
Suntory Reserve (Reserve Silky / Special Reserve 10 Years Old / Special Reserve 12 Years old / Reserve 10 Years Sherry Cask Finish)
Launched in 1969, Suntory Reserve has been a popular choice among a wide range of customers as a refined, high-quality whisky. The key malt used for its flavor is Hakushu malt.
Reserve Silky, released in 1984 as a variation of Reserve, maintains the mild and smooth taste of the original Reserve but presents a different image with its white label and clear bottle. Matt Dillon appeared in a commercial for this product during that time.
Suntory Select
A lower-priced whisky released in 1971. Due to difficulty in differentiating it from Suntory Red, it was discontinued after a few years.
Suntory Q
Launched in 1983 as a casual whisky targeted at a new generation, it boasted a light and smooth taste. With its distinctive green bottle, it was positioned as a competitor to Cutty Sark, which was popular among young people in cafes at the time. It was available in three sizes: 250ml, 500ml, and 1000ml.
Suntory 21
Suntory 21 Light & Smooth
Launched in 1984, like Suntory Q, this whisky was positioned as a light and smooth option. It had the tagline 'Once you turn 20, it's 21,' and a brandy version was also released.
Suntory Classic
Released in the mid-1980s, this whisky was launched as a direct competitor to Nikka Whisky's popular "Nikka Pure Malt" series. It featured a rounded bottle design. Suntory Classic gained significant attention during the natural whisky boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Old Club House
Launched in the mid-1980s, this whisky was positioned as the "old" whisky one would enjoy at a golf club. This positioning was likely influenced by the golf boom at the time, during which Suntory actively sponsored various golf tournaments. The bottle had a flat shape and was labeled as a "second-class" product in accordance with the liquor tax law of that era. This whisky enjoyed a long product life, being sold until around 2000.
Suntory Cobra
Released in the 1980s, this whisky prominently featured a 1000ml capacity on its label, along with an American comic-style illustration on the front. The bottle had a flat shape and, like many other whiskies of that era, was labeled as a "second-class" product according to the liquor tax law.
Suntory ELK
Released in the 1980s, this whisky was marketed with the concept of "whisky created by the forest." Like Suntory Q, it featured a green bottle, and the label was adorned with illustrations of forest animals such as owls, eagles, woodpeckers, and squirrels.
Royal 12 Year Old (Blue Label) / Royal 12 Year Old (Black Label) / Royal Premium 15 Year Old
Suntory Royal 12 Year Blue Label was often referred to as the "Blue Royal" when it was released. Sold between 1995 and 1997, it was only available for a brief two years, making it one of the rarest bottles in the Royal series.
Suntory Royal 12 Year Black Label was released in 1997 as part of a product renewal. This 12-year-old expression carries on the legacy of the Royal series and is characterized by its taste that is particularly well-suited to Japanese palates.
Suntory Royal Premium 15 Year was also introduced in 1997 during the same product renewal, positioned as a premium expression within the Royal range. With the longest aging period among the Royal series, it has become synonymous with high-end Japanese whisky.
Suntory Crest 12 Year Old
Suntory Crest 12 Year Old
Released in 1989 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Suntory's founding, the Crest 12 Years was a blended whisky made with 12-year-old malt and grain whiskies. At the time of its release, it was considered a luxurious product among blended whiskies. The television commercial for this whisky featured Sean Connery. However, when the Royal series underwent a renewal in 1995, also featuring 12-year-old malt and grain whiskies, the position of the Crest became somewhat ambiguous. This made it difficult to differentiate the two, leading to a decrease in production. In 2006, with the introduction of Suntory's new slogan "Living with Water," a review of the production lineup led to the discontinuation of both the Crest and Imperial.
Suntory Prestige
Released in limited quantities in 1989 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Suntory's founding, Suntory Prestige was a blended whisky meticulously crafted using carefully selected malt and grain whiskies from the Yamazaki Distillery. It was available in two expressions: 18 years and 25 years.
Smokey & Co.
Launched in 1991 as a new type of whisky, Smokey & Co. was distinguished by its label featuring five laughing dogs. It was available in three varieties: Natural Mellow with a gold label, Super Smokey with a burgundy label, and Fine Mint in a green bottle.
Suntory Za
Launched in 2000, Suntory Za, like its predecessor Suntory Zen released in 1998, was positioned as a whisky that complemented Japanese cuisine. A distinguishing feature of Za was the use of whisky matured in casks with cedar wood lids. It was marketed as a whisky suitable for relaxing moments. However, due to difficulties in differentiating it from Zen, production ceased in 2002.
Suntory Pure Malt Whisky Millennium / Suntory Whisky Millennium 15 Year Old
Both the Millennium and Millennium 15 Years were released in limited quantities on September 21, 1999, to commemorate the year 2000.
AQUA VITAE
Launched in 2005 in 500ml bottles, Aqua Vitae was named after the Latin phrase meaning "water of life." The bottle featured a distinctive clear design with gold A and V letters. Positioned as an experimental product, it contained 200mg of "barrel polyphenols" sourced from whisky casks. However, production ceased in 2007.
Suntory Zen
A pure malt whisky designed for casual drinking, especially with Japanese cuisine. Zen offered a light and refreshing taste. Some of the whisky was matured in casks with cedar wood and then filtered through bamboo charcoal to enhance its smoothness. It was produced from 1998 to 2010.
Hibiki 17 Year Old
Hibiki 17 Years was the first product in the Hibiki lineup. Blended with over 30 types of malt and several types of grain, primarily matured in Mizunara oak casks aged 17 years or more (average 19 years), and then further matured. Due to the recent whisky boom, the production quantity could not keep up with actual demand, and the shortage of matured malt caused difficulties in production. As a result, shipments were terminated at the end of July 2018, and sales were discontinued in September of the same year.
Hibiki 17 Year Old 50.5
Hibiki 50.5 was released from 2004 to 2009 in parallel with the standard 17-year-old version. It was a non-chill-filtered, high-proof version of Hibiki. Like Hibiki 17 Years, it was a blend of malt and grain aged 17 years or more, and then further matured. Unlike other Hibiki series, it was bottled in a slender bottle similar to a Macallan, without undergoing chill filtration or addition of water, and had an alcohol content of exactly 50.5% (strictly speaking, it was labeled as 50.0% to 50.9%). Production ceased in 2009.
Yamazaki 50 Year Old / Yamazaki 35 Year Old
Yamazaki 50 Year Old was a highly limited product, with only 50 bottles available. Released in May 2005, it was priced at 1 million yen (excluding tax) and sold out immediately upon reservation. Due to its popularity, it was released again in September 2007 and December 2011, with limited quantities of 50 and 150 bottles, respectively.
Sanshiro
Concept: "Sanshiro, the whisky with a refreshingly smooth throat."
Burai-Ha
Launched in October 1998, Suntory Whisky Burai-Ha gained attention as a unique product that transcended the conventional image of whisky. The name, "Burai-Ha," conveys a message of independence, a sense of justice, and a determination to stick to one's beliefs without being swayed by easy living. The silver, metal-like packaging, reminiscent of a drum, further contributed to its distinctive appeal.
Zenmaru
Launched in 2005 as a whisky that pairs well with Japanese cuisine.
Hokuto 12 Year Old
Hokuto 12 Year Old was released in 2004 to commemorate the merger of Hakushu-machi, Yamanashi Prefecture, home of the Hakushu distillery, into Hokuto City. As a rare blended malt whisky for Suntory (with few other examples besides the Japanese Whisky Zen), it used charcoal-filtered Hakushu malt as its key malt, blended with Yamazaki malt. Bottled at 660ml with an alcohol content of 40%, it was a direct competitor to the similarly aged blended malt, Taketsuru 12 Year Old. However, with the surge in popularity of highballs made with Kakubin among young people starting in 2009, there was a sudden shortage of aged malt, leading to the discontinuation of Hokuto 12 Year Old in 2010.
Hokuto 50.5°
Hokuto 50.5° is a blended whisky released in 2006. It appears to have been launched as a competitor to Kirin Fuji Sanroku Barrel Aged 50% (released in 2005). As well as Hokuto 12 Year Old Pure Malt, it was discontinued in 2010.
Kakubin Series
- Ajiwai Kakubin (Taste Kakubin) (April 1996 - March 2007)
- Kuro Kaku (Black Kakubin) (April 2007 - March 2016)
- Kakubin Shin Premium 43° (New Kakubin Premium 43°) (April 2013 - March 2016)
- Shiro Kaku (White Kakubin) (April 1992 - March 2019)
While Shirakaku has been enjoyed as a companion product to the aforementioned Suntory Kakubin (Yellow Kakubin) since its launch in April 1992, due to the recent Japanese whisky boom and the resulting shortage of aged whisky, it was discontinued in March 2019. Currently, only the yellow-labeled Kakubin is available for purchase.
Overseas Whisk(e)y Distilleries/Brands Owned by Suntory (Beam Suntory/Suntory Global Spirits)
Scotch
- Ardmore distillery
- Auchentoshan distillery
- Bowmore distillery
- Glen Garioch distillery
- Laphroaig distillery
- Teacher's Highland Cream
American (Bourbon)
- Basil Hayden's
- Booker's
- Jim Beam
- Knob Creek
- Maker's Mark
- Old Crow
- Old Grand-Dad
Irish
- Cooley distillery
- Connemara
- Kilbeggan distillery
- Tyrconnell
Canadian
- Alberta distillery
- Canadian Club
Conclusion
Suntory's journey from a small distillery to a global whisky powerhouse is a testament to its unwavering dedication to quality and innovation. With a diverse range of whiskies that cater to every palate, Suntory continues to captivate whisky lovers around the world.
