Suntory Global Spirits announce second partnership with RSPB Scotland in latest expansion of Peatland Restoration Programme

The programme has funded £250,000 to restore 80 hectares of peatland in partnership with RSPB Scotland on Islay, the island home of Laphroaig and Bowmore distilleries.

This is the fourth major restoration project the Peatland Water Sanctuary™ has funded since launching in 2021.

SCOTLAND, UK (15 May 2024) – Suntory Global Spirits, previously known as Beam Suntory, announces that it has restored a further 80 hectares of peatland through the Peatland Water Sanctuary™ (PWS™) programme. The restoration work was carried out at The Oa reserve on Islay in partnership with RSPB Scotland and will help to maintain the important role of peatland ecosystems in Scotland’s natural environment.

The Oa is a large and diverse reserve with freshwater lochs and peatland bogs, as well as sea cliffs and coastal grasslands. It is home to many important breeding and wintering birds, including golden eagles, choughs and twites, alongside wildlife like otters and grey seals. Suntory Global Spirits has contributed £250,000 to re-establish the original peatland vegetation and water table, which will revive the natural ecosystem.

This project is the second partnership between Suntory Global Spirits and RSPB Scotland. In November 2022, the two organisations partnered to restore 160 hectares of peatland at the Airds Moss reserve in East Ayrshire. It also follows Suntory Global Spirits’ recent announcement in March that it is partnering with Northern Peat & Moss to restore peatland using novel techniques on Craigculter Moss in Aberdeenshire.

The completed restoration work at The Oa brings Suntory Global Spirits’ total area of restored peatland on Islay up to 150 hectares, with a further 70 hectares having been already restored near the Bowmore distillery.

As part of its commitment to promoting peatland conservation education and action, Suntory Global Spirits collaborated with RSPB Scotland to host a peatland awareness day at The Oa nature reserve. Conservation experts, members of the local community and the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) attended.

The SWA is wholly committed to achieving a sustainable future for the use of peat in the Scotch Whisky industry, and published the Commitment to Responsible Peat Use (CRPU) in 2023. The CRPU was developed with an expert group of Scotch Whisky producers, the Scotch Whisky Research Institute (SWRI) and supply chain partners such as The Maltsters’ Association of Great Britain (MAGB) to create a tangible action plan that aligns with Scottish peatland protections identified in the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4.

Alistair Longwell, Head of Distillation & Environment, Suntory Global Spirits comments: “We are proud long-term partners of RSPB Scotland as sponsors of the RSPB Scotland Nature of Scotland Awards for over a decade, and now collaborating on two important peatland restoration projects. The restoration at The Oa is not only integral to sustaining its resilience to climate change, but also in promoting a protected nature reserve on our special island of Islay, home to our Laphroaig and Bowmore distilleries and a thriving local community.”

Jack Fleming, RSPB Scotland Area Manager for Argyll, Arran and Ardnamurchan, adds: “We’re thrilled to have taken this latest step in our partnership with Suntory Global Spirits. As well as trapping carbon, healthy peatlands provide homes for iconic wildlife such as Curlews and Hen Harriers. They are among the most effective tools we have for tackling the nature and climate crisis, so to have restored 80 hectares at The Oa, on top of the previous work at Airds Moss, is an achievement well worth raising a glass to.”

Anna Graham, Head of Environment, Science and Innovation, Scotch Whisky Association, said: “Peatland restoration is a key pillar at the heart of the industry’s Commitment to Responsible Peat Use, and is crucial in ensuring the longer-term sustainability of what is a precious resource, not just for our sector but for its wider role in supporting climate change resilience. Initiatives and investment like that on display at Suntory Global Spirits’ peatland awareness day demonstrate the Scotch Whisky industry’s clear understanding of the responsibility it has to care for the land, and we look forward to seeing continued progress in the coming years.”

Harumichi Seta, Senior General Manager, Biodiversity/Water Stewardship Lead, Sustainability Management Division, Suntory Holdings comments: “Now in our fourth year, we are excited to see our PWS initiative making positive impacts in restoring Scotland’s peatlands, which play a vital role in improving water retention and quality as well as supporting carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Nature and water being the core of our business, the great progress we are making in Scotland exemplifies our commitment to furthering our efforts to protect the environment in which we operate.”

About Peatland Water Sanctuary™

The Peatland Water Sanctuary™ is a large-scale series of peatland restoration and watershed conservation projects in Scotland launched in 2021 by Suntory Global Spirits (previously known as Beam Suntory) and its parent company, Suntory Holdings. Through PWS™, the companies have committed to invest more than $4 million to the restoration and conservation of a minimum of 1,300 hectares of peatlands by 2030, enough to produce the same amount of peat that Suntory Global Spirits uses to make its peated whiskies on an ongoing basis. Beyond this, there is a longer-term aim to restore sufficient peatlands by 2040 to equate twice what Suntory Global Spirits uses.

The PWS™ programme began with work to restore and conserve peatland near the Ardmore distillery in November 2021 in partnership with the James Hutton Institute and Forestry & Land Scotland. Since this time, it has also partnered with the RSPB Scotland to regenerate peatland at the Airds Moss reserve in East Ayrshire, Scotland, and at The Oa nature reserve on the island of Islay, Scotland. In 2024, Suntory Global Spirits announced another PWS™ partnership with Northern Peat & Moss to restore peatland using novel techniques at Craigculter Moss in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

Across its projects, Suntory Global Spirits has already restored 206 hectares of peatland, with a further 435 hectares in active planning stages. The PWS™ programme aligns with the Suntory Group Sustainability Vision and Suntory Global Spirits’ ambitious Proof Positive sustainability strategy, as well as the Scotch Whisky Association’s environmental commitments.

About Suntory Global Spirits 

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com.

About RSPB Scotland 

RSPB Scotland is part of the RSPB, the UK’s largest nature conservation charity. Protecting habitats, saving species and helping to end the nature and climate emergency. Nature is in crisis. Together we can save it.

Our 157th Auction is spilling over with fantastic bottles, so in case you’ve been distracted by another week of wall-to-wall sport, here’s a glimpse at just a few of the iconic bottlings in our live auction. And remember, you have until Sunday night (BST) to get your bids in!

Firstly, an absolute gem from arguably the most esteemed distillery in Dufftown – this Balvenie 1970 Single Cask #16191 drew more than a few double-takes from SWA staff when it landed on our doorstep. Drawn from a single Sherry cask, this was bottled for the French market in 2007. Quelle joie!

Sticking to heavy, brooding spirit from Speyside, we have this dark-as-stout Linkwood 1959 Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection. Aged in a first fill Sherry hogshead, this is a masterpiece of cask management and has been given exemplary reviews by everyone lucky enough to have tried it – think stewed prunes, malt loaf, pipe tobacco… a mere 176 bottles of this under-the-radar behemoth made it to market back in 2009.

If you really, really wanted to, you could get from Linkwood Distillery to Nikka’s head offices in Tokyo in under 24 hours, where you could ask them for a sample of this iconic Nikka Taketsuru 35 Year Old 75cl. After politely refusing, they might instead tell you a bit about this keystone Japanese bottling, which was constructed using some of the oldest stocks then available at the Yoichi and Miyagikyo distilleries.

Oddbins, the iconic wine & spirits merchant, sadly closed their doors for the final time at the end of last year. This Ardbeg 1974 Single Cask #2752 was bottled for the chain in 2005 (indeed, a number of sought-after bottlings were commissioned as Oddbins exclusives). Bottled from a bourbon barrel, this is nuclear, pin sharp Ardbeg for the true devotees of the Islay distillery.

As always, we have a wide range of drams with something to suit everyone, so now is the time to get moving picking out your own personal favourites for your watchlist.  Best of luck to everyone in the auction, and as always………..don’t lose your bottle.

BENROMACH DISTILLERY LAUNCHES LIMITED-EDITION WHISKY MATURED IN AMERICAN VIRGIN OAK CASKS 

Benromach Distillery in Speyside has launched the latest addition to its Contrasts range – a 10-year-old limited-edition single malt whisky matured in the finest Virgin American Oak casks.

The Contrasts range features whiskies designed as a twist on the delicately smoky profile of brand’s core range, with other releases including Contrasts Triple Distilled and Contrasts Double Matured Bordeaux Wine Cask.

The unseasoned casks featured in this release were handmade by expert coopers in Speyside, then gently charred before being filled with Benromach’s signature subtly smoky spirit. The result is a fragrant whisky with dried banana aromas and lemon and fudge on the nose. Bursting with Seville orange zest combined with butterscotch and smooth smoke on the palate, it finishes with long-lasting citrus.

With an ABV strength of 46%, this whisky is currently available for purchase via independent whisky specialists at a recommended retail price of £60.

Keith Cruickshank, Distillery Manager at Benromach, said: “Every drop of this single malt whisky is made by hand using the sharpened senses of our distillers who put their heart and soul into creating our whisky. Having matured for ten years in Virgin American Oak casks, the result is liquid that is packed with fruity aromas from the offset, followed by zesty citrus and sweet butterscotch flavours. It’s a cracking dram.

“With a limited number of bottles available for purchase, this is the perfect dram for whisky enthusiasts looking to explore something a bit different.”

For more information on Benromach Distillery or Benromach Contrasts Virgin Oak, please visit: www.benromach.com

Tasting Notes: 

Benromach Contrasts Virgin Oak

RRP: £60

ABV: 46%

Nose: Fragrant dried banana aromas with lemon and vanilla fudge.

Taste: Seville orange zest flavours combine with butterscotch and smooth smoke.

Finish: Long-lasting citrus and mature oak on the finish.

About Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life by owners Gordon & MacPhail in 1993.

At Benromach, the team keep things simple: a handful of distillers relying entirely on their expertise and senses to make the finest handmade whisky.

Their processes honour the knowledge and experience used to make Speyside whiskies decades ago, because at Benromach they believe making whisky by hand delivers genuine character.

For more information, visit: www.benromach.com

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distilleries, Benromach and The Cairn, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert, and the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door.

JULY 2024 AUCTION NOW LIVE!

We have another small but dedicated auction for you this month with some interesting bottlings including this little cracker, distilled in 1982 at Port Ellen Distillery and then bottled at Cask strength in 2007 for the now closed Banff gift shop ‘Parkers’. Bottle number 188 of only 220 bottles produced.

Or how about this extremely rare expression of the closed distillery Glenlochy. Distilled at the Highland distillery, aged for 14 years and then bottled by Burn Stewart Distilleries, exclusively for The Whisky Shop.

Released in 2002 as part of the Diageo annual releases, this classy Lagavulin was distilled back in 1977, aged for 25 years and then bottled in 2002 at Cask strength. Nice!

Distilled in 1972 at the Benriach Distillery near Elgin, this interesting expression was aged for 33 years before being bottled in 2005 as part of the distillery’s limited releases. This is bottle number 210 of only 261 bottles produced!

These are only a few of the bottles in our July Auction, to view more wee gems visit clickwhiskyauctions.com. Register to bid. Remember, you’ve got to be in it to win it! Auction ends Sunday 21st July from 8pm BST.

16 Year Old
American Oak

After 16 years of patience, yielding just 213 bottles, we introduce TD0207: a celebration of the bounty that is American oak, and a showcase of the remarkable potential of Sullivans Cove spirit. Our Old & Rare American Oak single casks are our go-to at the distillery when we crave a pillowy, silky texture, fresh-cut fruits, and pure vanilla bean ice cream. The ballot will open on Monday, July 15 at 10AM AEST for 16 Year Old American Oak ex-Bourbon, TD0207.

16 Year Old American Oak ex-Bourbon
Old & Rare TD0207

“After 16 years of meticulous maturation, TD0207 reveals vibrant flavours, a luxurious texture, and elegant complexity that extends well beyond the palate in its generously sustained finish.” – Miranda Lidgerwood, Sensory Panel

Matured for 16 years in a 200L American oak ex-Bourbon cask, TD0207 yielded just 213 bottles at 47.6% ABV.

READ THE FULL TASTING NOTES HERE

You may have spotted that we’ve been working on our next whisky documentary! This time, we’ve delved into the world of blended Scotch and examined the past, present and future of this oft-misunderstood category.

The backbone of Scotland’s whisky industry for nearly two centuries, blended Scotch makes up around 90 per cent of all Scotch whisky sold today. Though often overlooked by whisky enthusiasts, a blended Scotch renaissance has begun and a new wave of blends is emerging.

We’ll be exploring the world of blends through the lens of our partner Ardray – one of the newest and most intriguing new-wave blends on the scene. Inspired by the blended Scotch whiskies of the early 20th century, Ardray is malt-rich, lightly peated, and bottled un-chill filtered at 48% with only its natural colour. Together, we’ll look behind the label and learn how this exquisitely balanced whisky is sparking new delight in blended Scotch.

Sound good? To be notified when the video goes live, head over to our YouTube channel now and hit the subscribe and bell buttons.

Curious Casks – American Bourbon Cask

14 Year Old | 70cl | 47.8 % ABV

This Whisky has lived its 14 years in some of the highest quality Bourbon casks Balvenie has to offer. Initially this Whisky was set aside to become Single Barrel 12, however when it came time to taste it was noted the Whisky picked up a subtle smoky flavour – the barley used is not peated at all. This was because the spirit was distilled straight after peat week, and the residual smoky phenols had imparted a surprising yet welcome hint of smoke.

£89.95

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TASTING NOTES:

NOSE
Velvety sweetness, rich toffee and smouldering oak reveal crisp citrus aromas and ever flowing honey musk.

PALATE
Candied orange peel is grounded in woody, earthy flavours from beautifully roasted malt and deep vanilla oakiness.

FINISH
Smooth and lingering, with a hint of oak and a gentle warmth.

Curious Casks – French Pineau Cask

18 Year Old | 70cl | 47.9% ABV

These casks are the original experiment by David Stewart to finish The Balvenie in French Pineau casks. After a few years the results were not as desired, so he investigated using a different source of Pineau – and so the French Oak 16 was born! This particular batch however continued to live in these Pineau casks, waiting to be discovered 8 years later. Patience is a virtue, as this batch has really developed into something incredible.

£299.95

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TASTING NOTES:

NOSE
Warming amber tones from toasted oak and delicate spice are immersed by smooth butterscotch and hints of ripe berries.

PALATE
Intriguing layers of spice and rich sweetness layer on creamy vanilla and honey before revealing gentle oaky tannins.

FINISH
Layers of subtle sweetness and refined elegance, enhancing the traditional Balvenie profile with an intriguing twist.

Diagram: Grist Ratio

Nowadays, milling is often the first stage of the Scotch whisky production process that takes place at a distillery. The 4 roll mill is most commonly used and, as explained in this diagram, milling is simply the process of grinding dried malt through giant rollers, creating a coarse flour called grist. The grist is made up of three fractions: husk (20%), flour (10%) and grits (70%).

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Our July 2024 collection schedule has now been finalised. Please click HERE to see the list of dates, locations and to register your interest in the collection service.

The deadline for collection requests is 12noon on Monday 15th July 2024.

Home collections are available for those customers sending 10+ bottles or bottles to the value of £1000. Lots can be split over the next three auctions.  Unfortunately this service is not available in London or to those customer who live within 10 miles of a collection point.

Collections are limited and offered on a first come first served basis.It is essential that a submission sheet is completed, you can find the link to do so under the selling section on your ‘My SWA’ page.

It would be appreciated if bottles could be packed for uplift with your name clearly marked on the front of the box. A winner in our auction? We are now offering a delivery service to customers who are dropping bottles off for a future auction. This service is charged at £12 (inc VAT), optional loss and breakage cover is available.

Submission Form & Label

Extraordinarily rare Glenmorangie encapsulates the wonder of nature

 — Aged 23 years, elemental whisky celebrates special collaboration with Azuma Makoto —

Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky today presents a rich, elemental and extraordinarily rare limited edition, embodying the wonder of the natural world. Glenmorangie Dr Bill Lumsden x Azuma Makoto 23 Years Old arises from a partnership between Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden and the Japanese botanical artist Azuma Makoto. Dr Bill’s delicious single malt reflects their shared love of nature and all that it encompasses, a concept known in Japanese as shinra bansho. Inspired by that whisky’s complex notes of flowers, rain-soaked moss and earthy hints, Azuma Makoto has created a botanical masterpiece, depicted on the edition’s packaging.

During a trip to Glenmorangie’s Highland Distillery, Dr Bill and Azuma – a close friend of the brand – were inspired by the beauty of their surroundings. The acclaimed botanical artist shared with Dr Bill the notion of shinra bansho, which embraces the ground, the sky and everything in between. And together they imagined how they might collaborate to create a uniquely delicious single malt which celebrates nature in all its forms.

Dr Bill began to envision a whisky entwining Glenmorangie’s floral side with the underground world which brings all plants to life. With such a single malt in mind, he first took a classic Glenmorangie, long aged in bourbon casks, heady with aromas of lemon balsam and orchids. He united that single malt with Glenmorangie’s first whisky ever finished in casks which once held Chardonnay white wine from the Meursault appellation in Burgundy. With its notes of moss dampened by rainfall, burning oak and earthy scents of the forest floor, he created a truly elemental whisky: rich, mellow and intriguingly deep.

In his Tokyo studio, Azuma Makoto drew on the whisky’s flavours to create his own masterpiece. Gathering orchids, roses and countless wild flowers from Scotland and around the world, he skilfully wove them through tree bark, roots and moss. His complex, flowing botanical sculpture (entitled Shinra Bansho to reflect the notion at its heart) is Azuma’s own tribute to nature’s evolving harmonies. Beautifully reflecting the layered depths of Dr Bill’s creation, it is showcased on the whisky’s packaging.

Dr Bill said: “Our collaboration with Azuma Makoto is a delicious celebration of nature’s wonder. Including our first whisky finished in Chardonnay casks from Burgundy, this 23-year-old single malt encapsulates nature in all its forms, through notes of lemon balsam, poached pears and cocoa powder layered on the oaky, earthy tones of the forest floor. Azuma-san’s stunning sculpture, featured on the whisky’s packaging, evokes the fragrant scents and elemental depths of this extraordinarily rare whisky – a gift from nature itself.”

Azuma Makoto said: “I was honoured to partner with Dr Bill for this special celebration of shinra bansho. My sculpture is a response to my view of Earth’s blessings – my sense of gratitude for nature – and for the flavour of the Highlands, expressed deliciously in Dr Bill’s whisky.”

The whisky will be available in select retailers in the UK, China, Japan, Taiwan, India and the USA, on glenmorangie.com, as well as Glenmorangie’s inaugural boutique at London’s Heathrow airport, Terminal 2. It has already charmed whisky critics, having received a Double Gold award at the International Spirits Challenge 2024.

The whisky will be available in select prestige retailers in the UK, China, Japan, Taiwan, India and the USA for an RRP of £1,050

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

Follow Glenmorangie on:

Instagram and Facebook: @Glenmorangie

For exclusive access to new releases, news and events, join Glenmorangie’s World of Wonder at https://www.glenmorangie.com/members

Tasting Notes:

The limited edition is bottled at 46% ABV

Colour: Deep Copper

Aroma: Rich, heady and fragrant. A burst of syrupy fruits such as peach, pineapple, damson and plum, followed by some more savoury notes like burning oak bark, roasting chestnuts, baking sourdough bread and some hints of damp forest floor. Water releases some herbal and floral notes, with a touch of scented incense, aromatic orchids and even some grapey, vinous notes.

Taste: Rich, sweet and fruity, with an almost waxy mouthfeel. There are flavours of lemon balsam, honeycomb, poached pears with a dusting of cocoa powder, followed by some gentle woody or balsamic notes.

Finish: Lingering and mellow, with hints of eucalyptus, lemon and toasty oak.

RRP: RRP €1,250/£1,050. 

About Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie’s whisky makers use endless imagination and five key ingredients – wood, water, barley, yeast and time – to dream up delicious single malt whiskies. They’ve been honing their craft for more than 180 years. They create a delicate and fruity spirit in stills as tall as an adult giraffe to allow for more taste and aroma. Led by Director of Whisky Creation Dr Bill Lumsden, this crackerjack crew are on a mission to bring new flavours and possibilities to the world of single malt.

Glenmorangie celebrates the joy of delicious single malt in every part of its universe, from Glenmorangie House to its colourful new brand campaign, shot by famed photographer Miles Aldridge. With its tagline “It’s kind of delicious and wonderful”, Glenmorangie invites whisky lovers old and new to see themselves in Glenmorangie’s world.

About Dr Bill Lumsden

Dr Bill Lumsden’s favourite phrase is “What if?”. And throughout more than 25 years with Glenmorangie, the Distillery’s Creative Director has challenged himself and his team to take whatever captures their imaginations and turn it into whisky – be that the spirit and flavour of Glenmorangie’s homeland (the Cadboll Estate series), the magic of a walk in the forest (Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest), a cup of coffee (Glenmorangie Signet), and more. With a PhD in biochemistry and decades of experience, Dr Bill has all the skills needed to bring these ideas to life. Already, he has earned the admiration of his peers many times over. He features in the Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame. He has won the International Whisky Competition’s award for Master Distiller of the Year more times than anyone else. And he was named twice Master Blender/Distiller of the Year by the International Spirits Challenge.

About the making of the limited edition

This extraordinarily rare limited edition was distilled in 1998, just three years after Dr Bill first joined The Glenmorangie Company. It was laid down in bourbon casks, to gain all Glenmorangie’s signature fruity and floral notes. Then as part of his experiments with wine casks, in 2006 Dr Bill transferred a parcel into French oak casks which had previously held Chardonnay white wine from Burgundy. Such casks had never before been used at the Distillery and, during its long finish, that whisky gained earthy notes, hints of burning oak, and rain-drenched moss. Brought together with whisky aged wholly in bourbon casks, it creates his rich, deep and elemental limited edition – an inspired reflection of the natural world. The edition is packaged in a cylindrical gift box which beautifully displays the different facets of Azuma Makoto’s work. Opened by the removal of two copper-coloured pins, it reveals an evocative wooden plinth evoking the flowing lines of the sculpture, on which the bottle is showcased.

About Azuma Makoto

Azuma Makoto began his floral art after setting up a haute-couture flower shop, JARDINS des FLEURS, in 2002. A few years later, he began to explore the world of botanical sculpture – and soon his work began attracting attention from around the world. Starting with a solo exhibition in New York, he has exhibited his works at art museums, galleries and public spaces all over the world. In 2009 he launched the experimental botanical lab Azuma Makoto Kaju Kenkyujo (AMKK). In recent years, he has been pursuing projects that take flowers to locations impossible in the natural world. For instance, he has plunged floral art more than 1,000m deep below the sea and launched it high into the atmosphere. Azuma previously collaborated with Glenmorangie to create a botanical sculpture reflecting the floral character of Glenmorangie 18 Years Old. A depiction of the sculpture adorned the packaging of a limited gift edition of the award-winning whisky.

About the collaboration

Azuma Makoto has been a friend of Glenmorangie for some time, having partnered with Dr Bill to create a limited gift edition for Glenmorangie 18 Years Old in 2021. And recognising this fellow creative as a kindred spirit, Dr Bill was keen to collaborate again with Azuma. He invited the artist to visit the Distillery and Glenmorangie House. There, a walk through the Highland landscape, inspired their latest partnership, to celebrate the idea of shinra bansho. Introduced to this notion by Azuma, Dr Bill first created his exceptionally rare whisky. Then, in his Tokyo studio, Azuma tasted the whisky and became inspired to create his flowing masterpiece. He first sketched his ideas on paper and on an iPad over some months. Finally he created his work using almost 100 different varieties of flowers and plants native to Scotland and around the world. The finished work, entitled Shinra Bansho, is showcased on the gift box and labels of the limited edition.

About shinra bansho

The Japanese term shinra bansho means all things in nature, the universe, the whole of creation. “shinra” means countless rows of trees of different varieties. “Bansho” means all forms and things – all natural phenomena. Combined, the phrase means: “All the things that exist in the universe without limit”.