The fifth edition of the "The Essence of Suntory Whisky" series was officially only released in bars and was never available for purchase in stores in Japan. There were 2 different bottlings. For this one, barley was used that was dried over peat from the Scottish island of Islay. The whisky matured in bourbon barrels from 2010 to 2021, i.e. 11 years, before being bottled at cask strength.
This single malt has been made using Optic barley that was dried using Islay peat. It has been aged for 11 years in ex-American oak casks.
About Suntory
The House of Suntory is a House of Japanese artisans, crafting world-class spirits, inspired by Japanese nature and mastered with Japanese craft. In addition to our luxury brands Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita and Hibiki, we also have Suntory Whisky Toki, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka as premium offerings. We do more than create high-quality spirits; we embody the Japanese philosophy and traditions that are a full expression of everything we make.
At House of Suntory, we’ve been pioneering fine Japanese whisky since 1923, and invite you to celebrate this exciting milestone with us. The House of Suntory was built on a singular dream – founder Shinjiro Torii wanted to enrich the lives of the Japanese people, and so he grew into an entrepreneur, maker and doer. Inspired by the riches of Japan’s nature, he chose the Yamazaki area for its reputed soft water, unique climate and beautiful seasons—all of which would contribute to the distinctive Japanese character of Suntory whiskies.
Shinjiro achieved his dream to “create an original Japanese Whisky blessed with the riches of Japanese nature and ‘Monozukuri’ craftsmanship.” Today, that vision continues, and The House of Suntory now represents a House of Japanese Culture—a rich experience and homage to Japan in every bottle, ready to be discovered by the world as we enter our second millennium.