In 1923, the legendary Torii Shinjirō opened the first of Suntory’s whisky distilleries, Yamazaki Distillery –Japan’s first commercial whisky distillery – giving the world some of its most delicious, elegant and remarkable whiskies.
The location of the distillery at the foot of a mountain and at the confluence of three mineral rich rivers, a place blessed by Japan’s rich nature, reflected his desire ‘to create a whisky that reflects the nature of Japan and the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship.’
Below are four limited edition releases from two of Suntory’s oldest and most distinctive distilleries, Yamazaki and Hakushu, specially released to celebrate 100 years of Suntory’s beloved whiskies that honour his philosophy of craftsmanship and nature in harmony.
The Yamazaki 12 Year Old 100th Anniversary is a limited-edition single malt made up of carefully selected malt whiskies that have been aged in casks.
Yamazaki means “foot of the mountain”, referencing the distillery’s unique geographic location – a distillery secluded amongst a range of forest-covered mountains where three rivers converge, providing water famous for its quality.
The bottle design pays tribute to the birthplace of Japanese whisky, Yamazaki, and captures this legendary distillery in deep copper tones.
Its colour is pure gold, and it has notes of peaches, pineapples, cloves, vanilla, ginger and cinnamon and comes at a strength of 43% ABV.
This is a deliciously sweet and fruity whisky.
This Yamazaki Mizunara 100th Anniversary Edition is a limited-edition single malt made up of carefully selected malt whiskies, aged only in Mizunara casks, carefully created in honour of Suntory whisky's centenary.
Yamazaki means “foot of the mountain”, referencing the distillery’s unique geographic location – a distillery secluded amongst a range of forest-covered mountains where three rivers converge, providing water famous for its quality.
Its colour is reddish amber, and it has notes of dark cherry, peach, clove and sandalwood with hints of cinnamon and comes at a strength of 48% ABV.
This is an elegant and very fruity whisky which showcases the extraordinary influence of Mizunara oak.
Hakushu 12 Year Old 100th Anniversary Edition is a limited edition single malt made up of selected malt whiskies aged in a variety of carefully selected casks, created to honour Suntory whisky’s centenary.
Hakushu Distillery is found in an area of remarkable beauty – nestled in Mt. Kaikomagatake.
The design on the bottle captures the Hakushu distillery in soft hues of verdant green, representing the forest surrounding the distillery. The distillery claims the distinction of being one of the highest distilleries in the world, producing green and crisp whiskies.
This beautiful whisky balances peat with gentle and pure local mountain water, giving a fresh and gently smoky single malt whisky.
Its colour is champagne gold, and it has notes of apple, pear, mint, kiwi, green tea and gentle smoke and comes at a strength of 43% ABV.
This is a gently peated fruity whisky of rare distinction.
Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt 100th Anniversary Edition is a limited edition single malt made up of selected malt whiskies, aged in a variety of casks, carefully created in honour of Suntory whisky's centenary.
Hakushu Distillery is found in an area of remarkable beauty – nestled in Mt. Kaikomagatake and the beautiful design of the bottle takes inspiration from the area. The distillery claims the distinction of being one of the highest distilleries in the world, producing green and crisp whiskies.
This elegant whisky balances peat with gentle and pure local mountain water, giving a remarkably gentle smoky single malt whisky.
Its colour is luminous gold, and it has notes of apple, pineapple, grapefruit, acacia honey and clean smoke and comes at a strength of 43% ABV.
This is a complex and gently peated whisky with wonderful fruity undertones.
