Must-Have Limited Editions of Japan’s Most Iconic Whiskies

Suntory “100th Anniversary – Hakushu” 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($300.00)

Suntory “100th Anniversary – Yamazaki” 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($300.00)

We’ve just received an allocation of two coveted Japanese whisky collectibles. To mark its centenary as the most celebrated whisky producer in the Land of the Rising Sun, Suntory has released these special-edition bottlings of their iconic Hakushu and Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malts.

Of course, no avid Japanese whisky fanatic will want to miss a very special Suntory dinner hosted at République in Los Angeles on September 28th. Click here for full event and reservation details.

Suntory “100th Anniversary – Hakushu” 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($300.00)

K&L Notes: While the Hakushu distillery came a bit later than Yamazaki, the House of Suntory is celebrating its centennial with these limited-edition, special releases from their two single malt distilleries. Yamazaki and Hakushu both have 100th Anniversary offerings featuring an understated label and supremely delicious 12-year-old whiskies from their respective distilleries. The unique Japanese style utilizes a wide array of barrel types, peat levels, and still shapes and sizes to produce many different malts at each distillery. The blend of all of these makes for single malt of unmatched complexity and elegance and the limited supply makes for a fanatical following and highly coveted collectability with aficionados that is envied by nearly every other producer in the world.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: September 12, 2023

For my money, Hakushu is the most elegant peated single malt on the planet. It never loses the absolute perfect balance of sweet roasted malt and crisp apple that I find to be its true hallmark, and sumptuous peat that delivers earth, smoke, and savor all at once. An uplifting pine note keeps with the feeling of forest bathing that Hakushu 12 always brings. This bottle features the elegant and understated 100th Anniversary label to celebrate Suntory’s centennial. It seems that after 100 years, their prowess as a single malt producer only continues to grow. Bravo.

Suntory “100th Anniversary – Yamazaki” 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt Whisky (750ml) ($300.00)

K&L Notes: The most famous of all Japanese whiskies turns 100 this year. The House of Suntory has been committed to producing the highest quality malt whiskey for a century, and their flagship 12-year-old is one of the world’s most sought-after and collectible single malts. It’s comprised of a blend of whiskies aged in a multitude of barrel types. From ex-sherry and ex-bourbon to refill hogsheads and first-fill mizunara with a minimum age of 12 years old, the recipe does indeed include some much older malts, which create a complexity and refinement well beyond its stated age. The result is one of the most seamless and distinctive malts on the market today. No whiskey in the world currently commands such respect and recognition as the special Yamazaki Distillery, and only a minuscule lot of limited-edition bottles were created of this special whiskey to commemorate the exceptional achievements in quality over the last century.

Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: September 13, 2023

Yamazaki has undeniably set the standard for Japanese whisky for the past century. While there is no shortage of contenders popping up today, it seems that Suntory and Yamazaki in particular are poised to be the standard bearer for the category for the next 100 years. Adorned in a special yet understated 100th Anniversary livery, this latest batch of the 12-year-old single malt pours a solid gold. The nose is a complex array of ripe stone fruits, warm cereals, freshly churned cream, vanilla, and tropical fruits and spices. The Mizunara oak is seamlessly integrated. Candied ginger, lemon grass, and sun-dried raisins are carved in relief against a background of sweet baking spices. On the palate, the fine balance makes it somewhat difficult to pull obvious notes at first. With a little more time in glass and several sips, the beautiful weight and texture unfold into toasted coconuts, grilled peaches drizzled in honey, lemon curd, and nutty granola. The finish reprises the complex wood profile provided from a mix of cask types and the lovely spices that brings linger on the palate for a long time. While this is surely a collectors item to most, it tastes fabulous, so if you can bring yourself to do it, open it up and drink it!

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