WHISKY JOURNAL

Centenary celebrations for Japanese Whisky

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Centenary celebrations for Japanese Whisky

July 17, 2023

Scotland has been producing whisky for generations – around 800 years in fact, and in that time, it has forged a reputation for many of the finest whiskies on the planet. In stark contrast, Japanese whisky is a baby, yet Japan has still managed to produce some of the most sought-after whisky, with both connoisseurs and novice drinkers alike. As they celebrate 100 years of whisky distillation, we’ll take a look at the factors which have played a part in the success of the Japanese whisky industry and the special releases to mark this momentous year.

The conception of the Japanese whisky industry was due to Shinjiro Torii, founder of the House of Suntory and his primary distillery, Yamazaki. Since its inception in 1923, House of Suntory has become a global success and is probably the most well-known Japanese whisky, encompassing brands such as Yamazaki, Hibiki, Hakushu and Toki.

Peaks and troughs with sales

As with countries across Europe, Japanese whisky has experienced periods of listless sales, which resulted in a decline in the quantity of casks being laid down to mature. Therefore, the advent of the young consumer interest coupled with the increasing demand for premium spirits has seen the demand for Japanese whisky outstrip supply in recent years, especially with regard to the more well aged bottles.

What makes a Japanese whisky so different?

Like all whiskies, climate and environment are huge factors, and in the case of the Yamazaki (meaning “mountain cape”) distillery, the water plays a significant part. Situated in a valley between Mt.Tennozan and Mt.Otokoyama where 3 rivers converge, the humid environment coupled with some of the softest waters in Japan, filtered through ancient granite rocks, create perfect conditions for whisky maturation.

Environmentally, Japan’s four seasons provide a huge fluctuation in both temperature and humidity, resulting in greater expansion and contraction of the cask. This ‘breathing’ of the cask allows for more absorption of the tannins in the wood and flavours from first fill.

Of course, Japan also has access to some very special wood for their casks. As well as commonplace ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, Suntory also uses Ex-Umeshu (Japanese plum wine) and Mizunara oak, which grows incredibly slowly. These rare wood casks add a uniqueness of flavour, known only to Japanese Whisky.

Centenary celebratory releases

In both celebration and honour of the House of Suntory, 3 x 100^th Anniversary Limited Edition whiskies have been released.

Yamazaki Mizunara Single Malt 18yo

Blended from a careful selection of whiskies, all ages for a minimum of 18 years, purely in Mizunara oak casks.

Tasting notes: (directly from Suntory)

Colour: Reddish amber

Nose: 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

Hakushu 18yo peated malt

Selected malt whiskies aged for 18 years in a variety of casks, gently peated to provide a subtle, not overpowering smokiness.

Tasting notes:

Colour: Luminous gold

Nose: 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 undernotes o fresh green citrus

Yamazaki 12yo

Carefully selected single malt whiskies, all aged for 12 years have been chosen to create this special limited-edition bottling, featuring the unique aromas of the Mizunara Oak.

Tasting notes:

Colour: Pure gold

Nose: Peach, pineapple, grapefruit, clove, candied orange, vanilla, Mizunara (Japanese Oak)

Palate: Coconut, cranberry, butter

Finish: Sweet ginger, cinnamon, long finish

And what better way to release these celebratory, anniversary editions, than by fronting them with a rather familiar, famous face……

Keanu Reeves has long been a fan of Suntory Whisky, having been the face of their Reserve campaign in 1992.

In a recent interview Reeves is quoted as saying:

“I’m a huge fan of Suntory Whisky, so it’s very special to collaborate in honor of this milestone anniversary. My admiration for the whisky goes beyond tasting the whisky. It is the elevated Japanese craftsmanship and attention to every detail that makes Suntory Whisky so special. As an actor honing and perfecting my own craft, sharing this process in a docuseries is a thrill.”

Reeves also stars in a short film tribute compiled by Academy Award winning Sofia Coppola, in which she also includes the image of Bill Murray starring in ‘Lost in Translation’ and his glass of Suntory Whisky, and the now famous line “(For relaxing times) make it Suntory time.”

The tribute is a visual delight, depicting the history of Suntory and their many ad campaigns, and a few more famous faces to boot!

Japan has achieved an enormous amount in just a few short 100 years. We look forward to seeing what the next 100 bring!

Kanpai, O tanjobi omedeto gozaimasu

(Cheers, happy birthday!)