Suntory is a brand name easily recognised outside its home country. It is a name associated with high-quality beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. When you think of Japanese whisky, Suntory will most likely be the first name that comes to mind.
Let us take a deep dive into Suntory’s history and its legacy in the culture of Japanese whisky.
History: The Story of the Suntory brand
The Suntory story began in 1899 when Shinjiro Torii opened the Torii Shoten store in Osaka. Following the success of his Akadama Port Wine and the establishment of the Suntory Plant, Shinjiro began envisioning a whisky inspired by Japan’s natural landscape that captured the true essence of Japanese culture, tradition, and craftsmanship.
In 1923, he began construction of the Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s first malt whisky distillery, on the outskirts of Kyoto. In 1929, Shinjiro introduced Suntory Shirofuda (white label) as Japan’s first whisky; it was a failure, prompting him to consider the delicate Japanese palate in later productions.
This consideration led to the success of Suntory Whisky Kakubin (“square bottle”) in 1937. It became the very heart and soul of Japanese whisky and remains one of the best-selling whiskies in the world.
Today, the brand continues to uphold Shinjiro’s vision of creating whiskies blessed with the riches of Japanese nature and ‘Monozukuri’, or craftsmanship. Three generations of Toriis have served as Master Blenders, continuing the founding patriarch’s mission and dedication to Japanese craftsmanship. The House of Suntory now represents a House of Japanese Culture, each bottle a homage to centuries of Japanese tradition.
Who owns Suntory?
Suntory is currently a subsidiary of Kotobuki Realty Co., Ltd.
Why is it called Suntory?
The Suntory name is a portmanteau of Sun (referencing the Akadama symbol), and Tory, the anglicised version of Torii’s name. The name came about as a way to honour the Sun, a giver of life, and the success of Akadama Port Wine.
What kind of whisky is Suntory?
Suntory whisky is a Japanese whisky that stands out from other whiskies due to the pure, clean water it uses in its production. Depending on the brand, a Suntory whisky can be a malt or grain whisky. The difference is that malt whiskies only use malted barley, while grain whiskies are a mix of malted barley and other grains.
Is Suntory whisky single malt?
Suntory’s signature whiskies – the Yamazaki and Hakushu – are single malts due to being produced at a single location.
Suntory Brands: What are the types of Suntory whisky?
Over the decades, Suntory has produced a wide range of quintessentially Japanese whisky. Each bottle is meticulously crafted to fully embody everything the brand strives for – perfection, craftsmanship, and quality.
Yamazaki
The Yamazaki is Suntory’s flagship single-malt whisky, made by the birthplace of Japanese whisky. Its signature multi-layered taste is achieved by carefully ageing each of the components in American, Spanish, and Japanese Mizunara oak casks. This process also imparts subtle fruity aromas and flavours that further enhance the whisky’s palate.
With a range of options from Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve to the 12, 18, and 25-year-old, this master-crafted Japanese whisky is a favourite of both newbies and enthusiasts worldwide.
Alcohol content: 43% vol.
Hakushu
The Hakushu, made using the soft, clear waters of the Southern Japanese Alps, is the brainchild of Keizo Saji, the second Master Blender. This delicious and gently smoky single-malt whisky embodies the four seasons of the Japanese Alps. Just one sip will enliven your palate and liberate the senses.
From the Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve to the classic 12, 18, and 25-year-old, this uniquely Japanese whisky is widely praised by whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy worldwide.
Alcohol content: 43% vol.
Suntory Whisky AO World
Blending the best whiskies from Japan, Ireland, Canada, America and Scotland, the Suntory AO World is the truest expression of the world of whisky. Unlike other blends that seek to unify individual whisky personalities, Suntory World Whisky AO achieves harmony at its base, layering and highlighting a multitude of unique characteristics. The result is a smooth, sweet and spicy palate that makes you feel like you are travelling to the five major whisky-making countries of the world.
Alcohol content: 43% vol.
Hibiki Suntory Whisky
Hibiki, meaning “resonance”, was launched in 1989 to commemorate Suntory’s 90th anniversary. This blended whisky has since been embraced as the paragon of The Art of Japanese Whisky, the very product of Japanese nature and her people. The Hibiki meticulously blends a selection of malt and grain whiskies from the Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries, creating an orchestra of flavours and aromas.
The Hibiki Whisky range includes the original Japanese Harmony blend, the luxurious Blender’s choice and the complex 12, 17, and 21-year-olds.
Alcohol content: 43% vol.
Toki Suntory Whisky
Toki means “time” in Japanese. It is the perfect name for a blend that combines the old and new — the House of Suntory’s proud heritage and innovative spirit — to create a Japanese whisky that is both groundbreaking and timeless. From the green apple aromas to the peppermint flavours to the subtly sweet and spicy finish, Toki truly embodies Suntory’s dedication to tradition and innovation.
Alcohol content: 43% vol.
Awards and recognition
Here are just a few of the awards and accolades that Suntory whisky has won over the years:
- Hibiki 30 Years Old – Gold Award, International Spirits Challenge 2022
- Hibiki 21 Years Old – Double Gold, International Spirits Challenge 2021
- Yamazaki 18 years Old – Gold Award, International Spirits Challenge 2020
- Hakushu 25 Years Old – World’s Best Single Malt Whisky, World Whiskies Awards 2020
- Hibiki 21 Years Old – World’s Best Blended Whisky, World Whiskies Awards 2019
- Distiller of the Year – Icons of Whisky, 2017
Conclusion
From its deep cultural legacy to its distinct qualities and palates, Suntory is a must-have for any liquor and whisky enthusiast. A single sip of Suntory whisky will take you all the way to Japan without ever leaving your doorstep! Buy a bottle of Suntory Whisky today and experience the House of Suntory’s dedication to both timeless tradition and groundbreaking innovation.
