The 1960s were a notably creative and exciting decade in which many good things were born, including Suntory’s Yamazaki 55 Year Old whisky – the oldest in its history.
The House of Suntory has now released its highly anticipated blend of unique and exquisite single malts. Yamazaki 55 is a whisky whose journey began during the 1960s under the supervision of Suntory’s founder Shinjiro Torii, who built the Yamazaki Distillery in 1923. It stands as Japan’s first and oldest distillery, and is the birthplace of Japanese whisky.
The House of Suntory Distillery
The distillery is nestled in a misty valley at the foot of Mount Tennozan near Kyoto, where the region’s humidity and diverse temperatures, and the exceptionally high-quality mineral water, create the perfect conditions for the making of fine whisky.
Japanese whisky: delicacy, balance and complexity
Japanese distillers follow the Scottish standard for whisky production, but they tread their own path and have their own ways. The unique Japanese whisky palate has three main requirements: delicacy, balance, and complexity.
Chief blender Shinji Fukuyo worked closely with third-generation master blender Shingo Torii, and with their art and wisdom, created a complex spirit of extraordinary depth and splendour.
The deep amber colour is distinctive of the Japanese Mizunara oak casks in which it is first aged; Mizunara is much scarcer and more expensive than European or American oak, and tricky to work with, but skilfully used, it imparts exquisite nuances of flavour. Yamazaki 55 offers notes of sandalwood and ripe tropical fruit; the finish is slightly bitter, yet sweet, rich and smooth, with some lingering smoky peat.
The House of Suntory’s chief blender Shinji Fukuyo with glass of Yamazaki 55 Year Old whisky
Did we mention that Yamazaki 55 is a rare whisky? Presented in an engraved crystal bottle whose neck is wrapped in handmade Echizen washi paper and bound with Kyo Kumihimo braided cord (a traditional Kyoto craft), only 200 bottles exist worldwide, each retailing at $60,000. It is rare indeed, and a fitting tribute to the legacy of the founding family of Japanese whisky.
INFORMATION
-
Prodrive updates its sleek racing simulator with new craft and fresh techRace at home in style with the latest version of Prodrive’s racing simulator, now equipped with Bang & Olufsen sound
-
A local architect’s guide to Joshua TreeMirtilla Alliata di Montereale shares her favourite things to do to slow down, look closely, and discover Joshua Tree through a more intentional lens
-
Art meets perfume in cross-disciplinary fragrance series Nez 1+1Talents from film and fragrance come together to create Ansongo, the latest scent resulting from a creative matchmaking project by perfume revue Nez
-
Raider of the lost cask: Harrison Ford dons a kilt for new collaboration with Glenmorangie whiskyHollywood legend, Harrison Ford has teamed up with the well-known Highland single malt, Glenmorangie, in a new global campaign.
-
The new dawn of Japanese whiskyJapanese whisky has long been the pinnacle of sophistication for connoisseurs. Our spirits writer Neil Ridley looks at this year’s best releases, and a new breed of distillers bringing innovation into the mix
-
New Glenmorangie whisky nods to nature, with botanical artist Azuma MakotoGlenmorangie unveils ‘Glenmorangie Dr Bill Lumsden x Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old’, an extraordinarily rare limited-edition whisky that embodies the wonder of the natural world
-
Elle Fanning and Sofia Coppola unite on a Japanese craft gin inspired by the seasonsElle Fanning and Sofia Coppola collaborate on a campaign for The House of Suntory’s Roku Gin – a seasonal blend inspired by Japan’s floral botanicals
-
30 years of Nobu: chef Nobu Matsuhisa on the trials and tribulations of a culinary empireNobu celebrates 30 years of its revolutionary Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. We speak with co-founder and chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa on setbacks, special guests and his love for painting
-
Kioku is a spectacular new Japanese restaurant at The OWO, LondonAt The OWO’s Kioku by Endo, James Bond vibes meet Japanese dining and spectacular London views
-
The Dalmore and Zaha Hadid Architects’ whisky collaboration up for auctionThe Dalmore 49 Year Old Luminary No.2 The Rare, a collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects is on auction at Sotheby’s (until 31 May)
-
Reborn distillery Port Ellen welcomes Islay whisky pilgrims with smoky delightsThe resurrection of Islay whisky distillery Port Ellen has been hailed by connoisseurs, among them Neil Ridley, who explored the smoky delights of this Scottish west coast gem
