Suntory Time. - Sydney, Australia
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF PIONEERING JAPANESE SPIRIT.
An exclusive night of Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki, and highballs in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Suntory, not many other whisky brands can boast such accomplishment. The House of Suntory has been setting the standard for exemplary Japanese whisky for 100 years now.
Mr Gumbatron was invited to attend the Australian premiere of the Suntory Anniversary Tribute to experience the meticulous craftsmanship and flavours of the new centennial releases. friends of the brand—comprising media, tastemakers, key opinion leaders, and whisky aficionados aplenty—gathered at Oborozuki, a Sydney’s kaiseki fine dining institution, for a celebration worthy of none other than Suntory’s 100th Birthday.
Oborozuki, P: Joe Cheng
Overlooking the Sydney harbour, the exclusive soiree included bottomless highballs, and the finest expressions of the House of Suntory’s finest, including, Hibiki 21, as well as limited-edition 100th anniversary labels of Hakushu Peated Malt & Yamazaki Mizunara vintages exemplify the epitome of luxury Japanese spirits. A degustation of premium hand crafted whiskies, enriching conversations and fine gastronomy marked the momentous occasion.
Suntory Time Event, Sydney Australia. P: Joe Cheng
Oborozuki, P: TheRobbReport.
Kanpai @suntorywhisky! We have no doubt your brand heritage, philosophies and craftsmanship will carry on for the next one hundred years.
ABOUT THE DISTILLERIES.
YAMAZAKI. WHERE IT ALL BEGAN IN 1923.
THE YAMAZAKI DISTILLERY IS JAPAN’S FIRST AND OLDEST MALT WHISKY DISTILLERY ESTABLISHED IN 1923 BY SUNTORY'S FOUNDER SHINJIRO TORII.
Inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, Torii envisioned a Japanese approach by choosing a terrain and climate completely different to those of Scotland to create a unique kind of whisky. The Yamazaki Distillery is thus the birthplace of Japanese whisky. Nestled proudly on the periphery of Kyoto, this region was formerly referred to as "Minaseno", where one of the purest waters of Japan originates.
Yamazaki is also home to Sen no Rikyu, Master of "The Way of Tea." Yamazaki Distillery is where the Katsura, Uji and Kizu rivers converge, providing a unique misty climate and one of Japan’s softest waters. The diversity of this region’s temperature and humidity creates ideal conditions for cask aging, known as the signature "Suntory Maturation".
Opened in 1923, and owned by Suntory, it was Japan's first commercial whisky and malt distillery. Seven thousand bottles of unblended malt whisky are on display in its "Whisky Library". Yamazaki Whisky is Suntory's flagship single malt whisky featuring multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas. From Yamazaki was born the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt whisky.
Yamazaki distillery is a Japanese whisky distillery located in Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture, Japan.
HAKUSHU.
The Hakushu Distillery was founded half a century after Yamazaki. Keizo Saji inherited his father’s vision in his quest for innovation and constructed this second Suntory distillery in 1973.
The exceptionally soft mountain water of Hakushu originates as clear-flowing rainwater and melted snow, which passes through Mt. Kaikomagatake of the Japanese Southern Alps and joins the Ojira and Jingu Rivers at the mountain foot. With four distinctive seasons, the clear air and cool, humid climate of Hakushu’s vast forests allow the distillery, one of the few situated at an elevation of 700 meters or more, to produce high-quality whisky through a slow, unhurried process.
Celebrating 100 years of Suntory Whisky Limited Edition Bottles. P: Joe Cheng
Suntory releases exclusive 100th anniversary whiskieS.
Four limited expressions which included Hakushu 12 YO, Hakushu 18 YO Peated Malt & Yamazaki 12 Mizunara and Yamazaki 18 YO exemplif0ingy the epitome of luxury Japanese spirits.
New limited-edition centennial bottles include Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara for £1,600 and Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt at £1,275.
YAMAZAKI 12YO ANNIVERSARY EDITION
100th Anniversary Limited Edition Design. The Yamazaki 12 Years Old Single Malt is comprised of meticulously selected malt whiskies all cask-aged aged for a minimum of 12 years. This special limited-edition bottling was created in honor of Suntory Whisky's centenary. Part of the Yamazaki family, Japan’s quintessential whisky, it is made in Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery which was founded in 1923. Yamazaki means “mountain cape”, referencing its unique geographic location – secluded amongst a range of forest covered mountains. The bottle design pays tribute to Yamazaki, the birthplace of Japanese Whisky, captures this legendary distillery in deep copper tones, and is a reminder to always honor our past.
Colour: Pale gold.
Notes: Peach, pineapple, grapefruit, clove candied orange, vanilla, Mizunara (Japanese oak).
Palate: Coconut, cranberry, butter.
Finish: Sweet ginger, cinnamon, long finish.
ABV: 43%.
YAMAZAKI 18YO MIZUNARA ANNIVERSARY EDITION
100th Anniversary Limited Edition. This Yamazaki Mizunara Single Malt is comprised of meticulously selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 18 years in solely Mizunara casks, created in honor of Suntory Whisky's centenary. The result showcases the rare, distinctive beauty of Mizunara oak, which is considered the signature “enhancer” of Yamazaki, providing unique Japanese character and elegance. We invite you to experience this distinct and elegant single malt whisky.
Colour: Reddish amber.
Notes: Rich and elegant top notes of dark cherry and ripe peach, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Palate: Subtly spiced organette with undernotes of Japanese incense.
Finish: Long and lingering, accentuated with clove, sandalwood and hints of dried coconut.
ABV: 48%.
HAKUSHU 12YO ANNIVERSARY EDITION
100th Anniversary Limited Edition Design. The Hakushu 12 Single Malt is made up of carefully selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 12 years in various casks, created in honor of Suntory Whisky's centenary. Nestled deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, The Hakushu Distillery draws on its unique natural surroundings. The illustration on the bottle captures the Hakushu distillery in soft hues of verdant green, representing the forest surrounding the distillery. Our blenders work with peat, while softening the palate using the exceptional mountain water of the area, filtered through ancient granite rocks. This creates a fresh and gentle smoky single malt whisky, a true revelation in Japanese single malts that must be experienced.
Colour: Champagne gold.
Notes: Basil, pine needle, green apple.
Palate: Sweet Pear, mint, kiwi.
Finish: Green tea, subtle smoke.
ABV: 43%.
HAKUSHU 18YO PEATED MALT ANNIVERSARY EDITION
100th Anniversary Limited Edition. The Hakushu 18 Peated Malt is made up of carefully selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 18 years in various casks, created in honor of Suntory Whisky's centenary. The Hakushu Distillery blenders work with peat, while softening the palate using the exceptional mountain water of the area, filtered through ancient granite rocks. Refined and elegant, this centennial Hakushu Peated Malt brings smoke that is less strong, never dominant and in typical Japanese style, more complex and gentle. The result is a spicy, peppery welcome, a slow wave of smoke that deepens as it reveals its herbaceous notes and green fruity undertones.
Colour: Luminous gold.
Notes: Vibrant with top notes of sage, ripe green apple and hints of ripe pineapple.
Palate: Complex smoke revealing layers of herbal, grapefruit and acacia honey notes.
Finish: Clean smoke that lingers with under notes of fresh green citrus.
ABV: 48%.
THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY.
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dress well, drink well. live well
L.M
