World Whiskies

Tasting note: Brilliant pale straw colour. Opening aromas are of pristine, pure malt. The toasty cereals have a subtle sulphury tinge that’s pardonable. The aromas become sweeter with aeration - choc fudge, cocoa, caramel and vanilla emerge. Like the Chapter 9 release tasted previously, terrific aromatic complexity for such a young spirit. Soft silky entry. At mid palate gentle spices marry with medium dry, rich malty flavours. Good concentration. Finishes clean and dry followed by a creamy vanilla / cocoa aftertaste. Non chill filtered. 46% Alc./Vol.

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

"A unique composition and a quintessential Japanese whisky experience." - whiskyadvocate.com

At the 2010 World Whisky Awards, whiskies from Japan won prizes in two of the top three categories for Scottish-style whisky. It was a turning point of sorts, yet those in the know weren't surprised; Japanese whiskies have been snapping up awards at international competitions for the last decade. The problem has been keeping up with international demand, with the majority being consumed within Japan. This situation is slowly turning around, with Suntory significantly increasing exports.

Production wise, Suntory's Hakushu distillery (pronounced "Hack-shoo") is one of the largest malt whisky distilleries not only in Japan, but in the world. Built in 1973 coinciding withe Suntory's 50th anniversary, it's set amidst spectacular pine forests close to the Japanese Alps. Suntory also purchased the distillery surrounds to protect water quality and conserve the local environment. In fact, water from the district is considered the best in Japan, something Suntory have capitalised on by bottling and selling it throughout the country.

All the barley required for single malt whisky production here is imported from Scotland or elsewhere (including countries like France, England and Australia). Due to the height above sea level (700m), low pressure distillation occurs naturally, said to contribute to the light, fruity style. The latest renovations mean a variety of stills with different shapes, sizes, lyne arm orientations, heating methods and condenser types are geared towards diversity and quality rather than quantity. The resulting whiskies make a significant contribution to Suntory's large number of malts and blends.

The 12 year old Hakushu is considered a fine introduction to Japanese styles for those who enjoy smokey malts, though the degree of smokiness is said to vary from batch to batch. Our tasting from 2014 found a bright gold coloured whisky with restrained aromatics and faint suggestions of toast and honey. Several minutes does little to stimulate the bouquet adding muted scents of sponge cake without budging the intensity. A semi-sweet, juicy delivery features lipsmacking, biscuity mid palate malt, hollowing towards the finish with some late sweetness and delicate oils entering. Ends more aperitif-like - clean and crisp with the biscuity malt lingering. Youthful and vibrant, but not peaty. Refer to Whisky Advocate's notes below for a more recent review.

Other reviews... Fragrant and herbal aromas, with pine needles, basil, green bell pepper, pea pod, black truffle, peppercorn, and smoke from smoldering dry mosses and wood shavings. It’s very smooth and refreshing, with pear, peppermint, lemon, lime, green tea, kiwi, and herbal notes, finishing with chopped mint, more herbal layers, and gentle peppery spice. A unique composition and a quintessential Japanese whisky experience. [2023 tasting] 91 points - whiskyadvocate.com

A floral nose, slightly smoky, with some brine. Huge flavour in the mouth, toffee, fruit and peat smoke. This could almost be Caol Ila. The finish is medium, smoky, with drying notes of oak. An extremely well structured, traditional malt whisky. - www.whisky-pages.com

...Light amber/marigold color; excellent purity. Smells of sawdust and pecans in the opening sniffs, plus a bit of summer flower garden (carnation) and spice (nutmeg); there’s an acute nuttiness to the aerated bouquet that becomes more like candle wax with further exposure to air; intriguing and unique. Entry taste is cocoa-like, bittersweet and nicely textured, almost oily (a plus); midpalate stage reveals an intensely grainy core flavor that’s both astringent, slightly sweet and caramel-like. Concludes in a stately manner that’s bittersweet, honeyed and refreshing. A superb blended whisky. Highly Recommended www.spiritjournal.com

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.

A very hard-to-find Hibiki reported to be a pre 2000 bottling.

Hibiki was launched in 1989 to commemorate Suntory’s 90th anniversary. Since then it's been embraced as one of the benchmarks in blended Japanese whisky. The 17 year old was famously featured in the 2003 movie, 'Lost In Translation'. In 2018 it was officially discontinued due to lack of stocks. 43% Alc./Vol.

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

Introducing the centennial limited-edition of the popular Hibiki Japanese Harmony, created to celebrate Suntory’s milestone and a philosophy of living in harmony with people and nature. The bottle design is rooted in “Monozukuri” craftsmanship and features a bridge with the traditional Japanese ​art of Setsugekka – snow, moon and flowers - showcasing ​the passing of time. The bridge is a connection to the four seasons, connecting our past and future, ​in the hope that tradition and history won’t be forgotten, ​but always respected as we look forward. As usual, collectors will appreciate the spectacular 24-faceted bottle which represents 24 hours in a day, with 24 Japanese seasons in a year. 43% Alc./Vol.

Notes from the producers... COLOR: Amber. NOSE: Rose, lychee, hint of rosemary, mature woodiness, sandalwood. PALATE: Honey like sweetness, candied orange peel, white chocolate. FINISH: Subtle, tender long finish, with hint of Mizunara (Japanese oak).

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

An extremely rare Suntory edition with a charming Dog figurine bottle, one of many that were released by the company. Obviously collectable, but also an ideal gift for those born in the year of 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 or 2018. 43% Alc./Vol.

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

An extremely rare Suntory edition with a charming Rooster figurine bottle, one of many that were released by the company. Obviously collectable, but also an ideal gift for those born in the year of 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 or 2017. 43% Alc./Vol.

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product pictured.
Directly translated to 'time' in Japanese, Toki draws from all three of Suntory's distilleries, placing Hakushu and Chita forward in the blend. Expect a light herbaceousness with some fresh, crisp green apple and citrus, followed by a delicate sweetness.

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

The Yamazaki Limited Edition bottlings have been some of the most sought after annual Japanese whisky releases of recent times. Composed of malt twelve years and older, these releases are also reported to contain some much older material for added depth and complexity. 43% Alc./Vol.

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks.

In the tradition of previous Suntory limited editions, the presentation of this bottling is spectacular. The design pays tribute to the Ryusui-Hyakka (One-Hundred Flowers and Flowing Water), symbolising the cyclical passage of time captured through nature’s lens. The blossoms of the Japanese 24 seasons are intertwined with the ever-changing flow of water, connecting one passing season to another. Released in 2021. 43% Alc./Vol.

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

Hibiki Blossom Harmony is based on the classic Hibiki blend, mixed with whisky aged in Sakura cherry wood barrels, as suggested by the floral box design. Yamazaki and Hakushu single malt is aged in Bourbon casks then blended with Chita grain whisky - the latter making up the Sakura aged component in the union. The flavour is reported to be reminiscent of sakura flowers, mellow on the palate, with a rich lingering finish. Bottled in 2022. 43% Alc.Vol.

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

A slight variation on the original 18 year old Hakushu. So far as we can tell, the presentation is the main point of difference with this expression coming in 'limited edition' packaging. Collectable.

Production wise, Suntory's Hakushu distillery (pronounced "Hack-shoo") is the largest malt whisky distillery not only in Japan, but in the world. Built in 1973 coinciding with Suntory's 50th anniversary, it's set amidst spectacular pine forests close to the Japanese Alps. Suntory also purchased the distillery surrounds to protect water quality and conserve the local environment. In fact, water from the district is considered the best in Japan, something Suntory have capitalised on by bottling and selling it throughout the country. All the barley required for single malt whisky production here is imported from Scotland or elsewhere (including countries like France, England and Australia). The resulting whiskies make a significant contribution to Suntory's large number of malts and blends. Due to the distillery's height above sea level (700m), low pressure distillation occurs naturally, said to contribute to the light, fruity style of the whiskies

Other reviews... Unlike their colleagues in Scotland, Japanese distillers do not exchange stock for their blending requirements. This means that each distillery is set up to produce a wide range of styles. Hakushu uses four different types of malt (unpeated to heavy) run through four pairs of differently-shaped stills. Each single malt is a different blend of these bases. While still herbal, this example shows more sherried notes along with sour orange zest, tropical fruit, and some smoke. Complex. 43% Alc./Vol. 90 points - maltadvocate.com

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

Considerable progress has been made by the Japanese in popularising their own whiskies which very often contain a large proportion of Scotch Malt whisky to enrich the flavour. Investment in the Japanese industry is large and major brands such as Suntory and Nikka have become very popular in their home market. We must say this has not been the case in Australia for one obvious reason: their prohibitive price in relation to the genuine article. This frustrating reality ensured we only ever sold one bottle of Japanese whisky for the many years that we stocked them – and that bottle was to a Japanese tourist! The situation is now changing and our latest shipment makes a range of these world class offerings more accessible than ever.

Apart from Single Malts, Suntory also produce a premium series of blended whiskies under the label 'Hibiki' (meaning 'harmony'). However, the Hibiki 17 year old contains an unusually high proportion of Single Malt for a blend, upwards of 50% according to one of the company's blenders. Thirty different malts are employed from Suntory's three distilleries, most with an age well above 17 years. The Hibiki was recently awarded a Gold 'Editor's Choice' award from Whisky Magazine, picking up the top prize in its category at the World Whisky Awards in 2010.

Tasting note: Bright gold. Fairly subdued showing hints of almond and dried grass. Great balance as this glides through the mouth with flavours of almonds, sweet cereals and cocoa followed by a light fruitiness towards the finish. A thread of peat through this? Being overly shy on the nose slightly detracts from what's otherwise a delicious whisky. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... A multi-award winning blend, Hibiki presents a fragrant and floral nose, with orange blossom, almonds and spices. Full bodied and creamy on the palate, with a beguiling blend of stewed fruits and spices. Long, fruity and spicy in the finish, with pleasing oak notes and a final touch of vanilla. A rich, confident blend, full of class and elegance. Scotch watch out! 43.0% - www.whisky-pages.com

Launched in March 2015 as the fifth addition to Suntory's celebrated "Hibiki"collection, "Harmony" follows on from Yamazaki and Hakushu Distiller's Reserve which are also younger, NAS (no age statement) whiskies, aimed at maintaining sales due to the scarcity of older whisky stocks. (Several years ago, Nikka decided to discontinue a large number of their whiskies due to increased demand and a decrease in supply).

Details of the composition of Japanese Harmony haven’t been revealed, but, like the Distiller’s Reserve, it's likely a blend of young and old material. Single malts entering in the blend come from Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, while grain whisky comes from Chita. The whisky resounds with calm complexity and “Wa,” oneness - at least that's how the producers like to describe it. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Poised and complex, with typically lifted fruitiness: strawberry ice cream, pineapple, peach, balanced by delicate oak, bamboo shoot-like delicacy, then lemon. The palate is more rounded than that very forward nose, with toffee notes adding some weight. A touch of smoke comes along in the mid-palate, before fruits and caramelized coffee biscuits. Water allows the flavors to flood the palate. Exemplary blending skills and classically Hibiki.
90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, Reviewed by: Dave Broom (Winter 2015)

This older bottling is a 'Pure Malt' as opposed to a single malt iteration of the famous Yamazaki 12. Bottled as a 750ml, probably some time in the 1980s. One only. Very good to excellent condition.

Other reviews... Colour: gold. Nose: drier and more phenolic than the more recent 15yo. Tea, sandalwood, cedar wood, patchouli… Gets maltier after that. Hints of olive oil, waxed paper, fresh almonds. Less sexy, I’d say. No OBE yet on the nose. Mouth: we’re extremely close to the 15yo now, with roughly the same profile. Same rather big dryness. Grassy. Bigger spiciness arising, though (pepper, mustard.) Not an easy whisky. Finish: long, peppery, liquoricy and a little resinous. Comments: very punchy and very, very spicy old Yamazaki. 80 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

Hibiki Blossom Harmony is based on the classic Hibiki blend, mixed with whisky aged in Sakura cherry wood barrels, as sugggested by the floral box design. Yamazaki and Hakushu single malt is aged in Bourbon casks then blended with Chita grain whisky - the latter making up the Sakura aged component in the union. The flavour is reported to be reminiscent of sakura flowers, mellow on the palate, with a rich lingering finish. Bottled in 2021. 43% Alc.Vol.

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

The Yamazaki Limited Edition bottlings have been some of the most sought after annual Japanese whisky releases of recent times. Composed of malt twelve years and older, these releases are also reported to contain some much older material for added depth and complexity. 43% Alc./Vol.

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

One of the most difficult to source age statements in the Japanese pantheon is this ultra rare 25 year old Yamazaki. Since it was awarded World’s Best Single Malt in 2012 at the World Whiskies Awards, it's continued to pick up accolades. Jim Murray comments, "Being matured in Japan, the 25 years doesn't have quite the same value as Scotland. So perhaps in some ways, this can lay claim to be one of the most enormously aged, oak laden whiskies that has somehow kept its grace and star quality."

By all reports, the incredibly deep sienna brown colour is indicative of some profound Oloroso sherry input. Prolific whisky taster, Serge Valentin of whiskyfun.com has experienced multiple bottlings and has never failed to be impressed, commenting, "No other malt I know is as excessive as this baby in this ultra-heavy sherried style."

You’ll rarely see it on the market, let alone on a back bar. One only to sell. 43% Alc./Vol.

Awards include: Best Japanese Single Malt 21 Years and Over (World Whiskies Awards, 2015)
Double Gold Medal Award (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2015)
World’s Best Single Malt Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2012)

Launched in March 2015, this is yet another NAS addition to Suntory's sought after "Hibiki" series. More exclusive than the standard Harmony bottling, it's the first Hibiki created for the global duty free market. A combination of over ten malt and grain whiskies aged in five different types of casks from the Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries, Suntory chief blender Shinji Fukuyo was involved in its creation, with production overseen by the third generation Master Blender and great-grandson of Suntory's founder, Shingo Torii. Beautifully presented in the brand's trademark 24-faceted bottle representing the Japanese seasons, the bright brass colour shows impeccable purity. The initial pass finds subdued, resinous, woody aromas with extended air contact finally amplifying the bouquet beyond mediocre, releasing attractive fragrances of dusty cocoa, dates, oak shavings, cinnamon and pepper. Medium bodied, the mid palate expands with dried fruits, hazelnut, light cocoa and peppery warmth. At the finish, there's wood spice and wood shavings followed by a subtle vanilla and honey undercurrent. It improves over time, ending up richer and more robust than most Japanese blends at its level, probably due to some sherry casks in the mix. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Some NAS blend and a loco-loco price of more than 100€ a bottle – 250€ at some online crooks’. Of course the older age-stated Hibikis are/were great whiskies, but this is just very scary and feels a bit like extreme cow milking, if you see what I mean. But okay, let’s assume some kind of master actually selected this, and proceed… Colour: gold. Nose: your average American-oak doped young whisky at first, but I have to admit it develops nicely and with unusual traits, such as genever, tapioca, and soft cinnamon. Lacks depth though, while it feels a little too ‘technological’ for me. Nice hints of new tyres, though. Mouth: right, this is good despite the wood that’s too apparent for me. Feels wood-flavoured. Then tangerines and papayas, nectarines, and Greek muscat. And why not? Finish: medium, with a little cedar wood, Turkish delights, and more peaches or nectarines. Comments: feels a bit like whisky made in a lab – you’re right, aren’t they all these days – but of course, they made it well. Very well, actually. Honestly, it’s still worth a solid 82 in my book. 82 points - whiskyfun.com

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product shown.

Note: This is a 500ml bottling.

A legendary Japanese blend comprising of more than 20 components, including single malt whiskies from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries and grain whisky from the Chita distillery (an exclusive producer of grain spirit), ranging from 12 to 30 years in age.

The twelve year old incorporates an otherwise standard oak regime, utilizing a combination of American oak ex-bourbon barrels and European ex-sherry butts, with the additional twist of including American oak previously used to mature Umeshu, a traditional Japanese plum liqueur. Interestingly, these types of casks were originally used for efficiency's sake, however is now an integral part of its trademark flavour profile. After marrying all the components, the final blend ungergoes an exotic filtration through bamboo charcoal.

Tasting note: Deep brass / gold colour. Gently prickly in the initial inhalations; Second pass finds sweet American oak and vanilla notes nicely balanced with fresher, fruitier notes - think kumquot jam. Third inspection yields deeper scents of dried apricot, fig and fruit'n'nut chocolate. Lively spirit gives backbone to the medium dry, grainy profile; lovely late sugars at the finish with the honeyed cereals and drying oak making for a lipsmacking finale. Rival for any Scotch blend of similar age. Gets more appealing with every sip. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other Reviews…Pale golden amber color. Exotic aromas of anise, coconut butter cookie, praline, tropical citrus, and delicate peat are very attractive and follow through on a silky entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with superb depth and complex layers of flavor. Finishes with a very long dried fruit, nut, mineral and spice crescendo. A fantastic blended whisky.
International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal
RATING: 93 points (Exceptional)

Note: There is a very minor ding to the left hand side of the gift box.

This is the whisky that won the big prize for World's Best Single Malt in 2012 (second year in a row) at the World Whisky Awards. By all reports, the incredibly deep sienna brown colour is indicative of some profound Oloroso sherry input. Prolific whisky taster, Serge Valentin of whiskyfun.com has experienced multiple bottlings and has never failed to be impressed, commenting, "No other malt I know is as excessive as this baby in this ultra-heavy sherried style." Review below. One only to sell.

Other reviews...Great whisky no doubt, but I remember I had found earlier batches rather too sherried. Yes, Serge speaking. And it’s no cheap whisky at +/-1200 €. Colour: coffee. Nose: ah? No, it’s not that sherried. I mean, it’s ridden with raisins and dried figs and many jams and several chutneys, but the relatively low strength seems to have kept it rather fresh and even kind of easy. But that’s just the nose. Lovely touches of cigarette tobacco and flowers in the background (iris, dandelions), then more soy sauce, walnut wine, old rancio and all that. Certainly more delicate than earlier batches – as far as I can remember. Mouth: a feeling of old Demerara rum at first sips, then a growing feeling of raw cinnamon, probably from the oak. More walnuts as well and then a dozen wheelbarrows of dark chocolate. Liquorice again, even some tar, and more and more strong coffee, Italian ristretto style. Very heavy, I’m wondering what would have happened at cask strength. Finish: long, a notch grapy perhaps. Comments: what’s sure is that I liked it better than last time. They may have made it a wee bit lighter. I mean, less heavy. 89 points43% Alc./Vol.

Awards include: Best Japanese Single Malt 21 Years and Over (World Whiskies Awards, 2015)
Double Gold Medal Award (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2015)
World’s Best Single Malt Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2012)

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. Actual product not pictured.

Created by Suntory Chief Master Blender Shinji Fukuyo, this latest Yamazaki bottling blends several single malts from the distillery. Beautifully packaged, the bottle features imagery of Yamazaki’s barrel halls and the kanji characters for Yamazaki in gold.

Shinjiro Torii, the founder of the Suntory company, was a pharmaceutical wholesaler importing liquor from the West before he was inspired to create a uniquely Japanese whisky. In 1923 he built the country's first malt whisky distillery (in fact, the first of its kind outside of Scotland) on a site in the Vale of Yamazaki outside Kyoto where pure water, a diverse climate and high humidity made it an ideal environment for whisky production and maturation. To complete the formula, Torii hired Masataka Taketsuru (of Nikka fame) who had studied the art of distilling in Scotland. In 1929, the company introduced Suntory Shirofuda (Japanese for white label), Japan's first genuine domestically produced whisky. Kakubin (square bottle), a premium Japanese whisky, was born in 1937. The whiskies have become more and more sophisticated over the decades, in particular the older bottlings under the Yamazaki label.

Other reviews... Yamazaki’s puncheons contain 480 liters and are made at the distillery’s cooperage from American white oak. The greater size means there are lower levels of oak extract, immediately apparent in the paler hue and more restrained aromas, where flowers mix with the gentle blandness of pear, lychee and, with water, pineapple. Best neat, here is distillery character (or one of the distillery characters, Yamazaki makes many styles) to the fore. Less immediate than the bourbon barrel, but ultimately more rewarding. 87 points - www.maltadvocate.com, (Vol. 21, #4) Reviewed by: Dave Broom 

Reportedly one of the most popular whiskies in Japan, no doubt partly due to the handsome, decanter-style bottle.

Suntory's single malts have recently taken out headlines but Japan's oldest whisky producer is traditionally known for its award winning blends. This is one. Made to celebrate the company's 60th anniversary, Suntory Royal reportedly includes whiskies from Hibiki, Yamazaki and Hakushu. "Royal" has had many incarnations over the decades. The 660ml version is a rare sight in Australia. Expect a lighter bodied blend for delicious everyday drinking. 43% Alc./Vol.