Japanese malt drinks are less known in the world than the ancient Scottish or Irish ones, but they managed to acquire a certain circle of admirers in their relatively short history.
Suntory is the leader among oriental brands: the company produces several varieties of whiskey and other types of alcohol. And it all started with a small shop in Osaka.
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History of Suntory Whiskey
The founder of Suntory, Shinjiro Tori, came to the alcohol industry very early. Already at the age of 13, after graduating from school, he went to work for a wholesaler supplying European liquors to Japan. It was at this time that the talented young man mastered Western techniques for mixing and tasting drinks.
The acquired skills were useful to him for organizing his own business.
At first it was a tiny wine shop “Torii Shoten” in Osaka, which eventually grew into a large production – the distillery “The Yamazaki Distillery” in the vicinity of Kyoto.
By 1923, a talented young man began to realize his own dream of creating a unique Japanese brand of whiskey. It was supposed to reflect the refined oriental taste and at the same time compete with Western drinks.
The first experiment ended in failure: released in 1929, Suntory Shirofuda whiskey, which mimics Scottish smoky notes, was not liked by consumers.
However, Shinjiro did not think to give up: a couple of years later, he surprised customers with a Suntory Kakubin drink in a square bottle. This time, the hardworking Japanese was a success: the new brand became the “heart and soul” of Japanese whiskey.
In subsequent years, the manufacturer began to actively promote the culture of proper whiskey consumption through its own chain of bars, Torys.
In these establishments, the Japanese learned to drink malt spirits in highballs and mix it with water.
In the 70s and 80s, the company’s possessions were replenished with two distilleries: The Hakushu Distillery began to specialize in the manufacture of single malt spirits, and Chita Distillery began to produce grain whiskey.
The result of these acquisitions was the appearance in the collection of “sunny Tory” new drinks, which received many international awards.
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Types of whiskey Suntory
The company’s malt products consist of 5 lines, among which there are single malt and blended brands of different aging levels:
YAMAZAKI
The legendary series that marked the beginning of the popularity of Japanese whiskey, which is in demand in more than 35 countries around the world. The collection includes single malts.
For maturation, European barrels from wine, bourbon, and containers made of Japanese oak wood are used.
Yamazaki products are characterized by: rich golden color, multi-layered, depth and refinement of the bouquet, the presence of bright fruity vanilla notes, a long spicy aftertaste.
HAKUSHU
Single malts have been produced since 1994 in a young distillery surrounded by mountains and forests.
The products of the plant are characterized by light smoky notes, brightness and freshness of the bouquet, the presence of grassy tones, and a lively “green” character.
CHEETAH
A rare single-grain whiskey produced in a single version since 2015, with a mild honey-mint aroma. Included in many blends.
Top notes: creme brulee, cardamom, acacia honey, rose bloom.
The aftertaste is clean, thin, bittersweet, spicy-oak.
HIBIKI
The prestigious collection, launched in 1989, consists of several harmonious long-term blends.
Aromas and tastes differ depending on the type of drink and the ripening period.
Tones of flowers, fruits, fresh pastries, spices, honey predominate.
Hue varies from subtle amber to rich copper.
Suntory Whisky Toki
A special blend that embodies the true spirit of Japan: old and new.
Silky pure gold colored drink has an apple-honey aroma with hints of basil, fruity-mint flavor, delicate sweet-spicy finish with hints of vanilla and oak.
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Relevance: 19.04.2019
Tags: Whiskey and bourbon, Whiskey brands, Japanese whiskey