Japanese whisky is an experience you’ll hold on to for longer than you expect, a symphony of nature, balance and craftsmanship. It’s the crisp mountain air in every sip, the silence of a bamboo forest echoing through your palate. And as awards and accolades continue to pour in, it’s clear that Japan is at the forefront of redefining the whisky game. 

Leading this golden wave? The House of Suntory- a name that’s become synonymous with excellence, elegance and heritage. Founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, Suntory set out to craft a whisky that would resonate with the Japanese palate—softer, more harmonious, and deeply attuned to nature’s rhythm. A century later, the world can’t stop sipping. From dimly lit whisky bars in Shibuya to speakeasies in New York and Paris, Suntory’s golden elixirs are leading the charge. Following last year’s milestone 100th anniversary of pioneering Japanese Whisky, The House of Suntory launched the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series – showcasing the exceptional blending and diversity of Japanese whisky. The innovative series comprises of Yamazaki Golden Promise, Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt and Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara. 

Tsukuriwake (pronounced soo-koo-ree-wah-keh) means ‘artisanship through a diversity of making,’ and the limited-edition 2024 Tsukuriwake Series is a true reflection of this. Suntory’s 5th Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo has pushed the boundaries of whisky making with this series by using ingredients like wood, and processes that expand the previous Tsukuriwake range to showcase the diversity of whisky making.  

In previous years, the Tsukuriwake Series has mainly focused on the casks matured in the lands of Yamazaki. The 2024 Series reveals that the Tsukuriwake approach goes beyond diversifying the whiskies in multiple casks to  incorporate elements of whisky-making, such as ingredient selection, peat and cask.  

Yamazaki: The Soul of Japanese Whisky 

Tucked away on the outskirts of Kyoto, the Yamazaki Distillery is where it all began. Often referred to as the “birthplace of Japanese whisky,” Yamazaki is known for its lush microclimate and incredibly pure water source, essentials for crafting nuanced whiskies. 

But in 2024, Yamazaki took it up a notch with its Tsukuriwake Series, showcasing the distillery’s evolving craftsmanship and ingredient-focused approach. Think of it as Yamazaki going into master-chef mode, selecting specific barley types, peat profiles, and casks to express new flavour frontiers. 

Yamazaki Golden Promise

Made from the heritage Scottish grain “Golden Promise,” a standout grain cultivated in Scotland in the 1960s, this expression delivers richness with a refined touch. Distilled in Japan since 2009 and matured in American Oak casks, it has a deep and rounded flavor, with notes of orange marmalade, custard, and a sweet, lasting finish.  

Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt

Islay Peat is often recognized as a distinctive character among scotch, with a softer and sweeter mouthfeel than Scotland’s mainland peat. The water and maturation process used to create Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt yields a balanced sweetness that complements the smoke, and adds complexity to the long enduring finish of Yamazaki. It has a smooth sweetness of brown sugar on the palate, with hints of bitter orange citrus and a warm, smoky finish.  

Both Yamazaki Golden Promise and Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt, enhance the intricate, multi-layered flavor profile of the Yamazaki core brand.  

Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara (Tsukuriwake 2024 Edition)

A limited-edition label for Suntory’s flagship Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara, it celebrates The House of Suntory’s legacy of mastering Mizunara oak. The Japanese oak is notoriously difficult to work with, but now known as a signature enhancer of Suntory whiskies. The complex, deep flavor of Mizunara gives depth to the multi-layered profile of Yamazaki. A long maturation period reveals its signature spiciness and incense-like sandalwood and aloe wood flavors that comprise this 100% Mizunara whisky. It offers subtly spiced orange notes and a long, lingering finish with hints of clove and dried coconut. 

Hibiki Japanese Harmony 

Where Yamazaki is bold and expressive, Hibiki is a harmonious blend that represents Japanese craftsmanship at its best. Introduced in 1989 to celebrate Suntory’s 90th anniversary, Hibiki translates to ‘resonance’ — a name that reflects both the blend’s complexity and its musical smoothness. 

Hibiki represents the pinnacle of Japanese luxury, seamlessly blending tradition, nature, and artistry in every sip. As the icon of The House of Suntory, it continues to redefine whisky experiences through cultural collaborations, curated events, and immersive activations. Committed to unmatched craftsmanship, The House of Suntory leads the category in authentic Japanese Whisky, adhering to the rigorous standards set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) to ensure transparency and authenticity. 

Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a fan-favorite, a meticulous blend of the finest whiskies, and represents Japanese craftsmanship at its best. It is known for its fine balance and complexity arising from a selection of malt from Yamazaki and Hakushu with grain whisky from Chita, aged in a variety of casks. It has a fruity aroma, with notes of rose, lychee, fresh rosemary, and just a hint of white chocolate, with delicate hints of Mizunara oak.

Toki: The Modern Classic 

Toki means ‘Time’ in Japanese. A complement to its sister label Hibiki, Toki is a blended whisky from Suntory’s three distilleries Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita, Toki is a rounded and sweet blend with a citrusy aroma, known for its spicy aftertaste. Light and approachable, Toki is perfect for cocktails, highballs, and summer nights that stretch into the early morning. With notes of green apple, basil, honey, and white grape, Toki is a refreshing change of pace.  

In line with this commitment, JSLMA recently introduced a new certification logo to reinforce its Standards for Labeling Japanese Whisky, established in 2021 and fully implemented in 2024. This logo, featuring the letters “JW” within a whisky cask design, will help consumers easily distinguish genuine Japanese whisky in domestic and international markets. As JSLMA works toward securing Geographical Indication (GI) status and establishing legal labeling standards, The House of Suntory remains dedicated to preserving the integrity of Japanese Whisky. By expanding production while maintaining its exceptional quality, it honors tradition while embracing new possibilities, continuing to set global benchmarks for excellence, artistry, and pioneering spirit. 

One Night in Toki-O: Where Time Dances Between Two Worlds 

TOKI means “Time” in Japanese. It’s a concept rich in meaning the world over, but particularly in Japan, where respect for tradition and reinvention sparks a powerful creative energy. A blend that moves things forward while staying connected to its roots. Inspired by that interplay, TOKI brought together old and new — the House of Suntory’s proud heritage and its innovative spirit — to create a blend that is both groundbreaking and timeless. Over the course of a year, the brand curated a six-city takeover, transporting participants to a captivating fusion of tradition and modernity. This journey spanned Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata and Gurgaon, offering attendees a unique perspective on Japanese culture through Toki Suntory Whisky’s lens. 

One Night in Toki-O was a concept that is a window into the timelessness of Japanese culture where the confluence of the traditional and the modern sparks an exciting world of creative reinvention. A vivid world that is dynamic, playful and whimsical. A cultural enrichment through the discovery of a new piece of Japan that is exciting, engaging and fun. A brand platform by Toki Suntory Whisky, that brings to life the old-world Japanese charm and the pulsating vibrancy of modern Tokyo through a series of immersive experiences across India which celebrated the brand’s ethos of ‘Old Meets New Japan.’ 

The aim was to introduce individuals to the Toki Suntory world, highlighting its unique charm and distinct flavour profiles and create a seamless brand narrative through innovative collaborations, contemporary experiences, and captivating visual design. 

The campaign’s core objective of blending “Old Meets New Japan” resonated deeply with audiences, as was evident with the interest it generated, the enthusiastic participation which led to increased brand affinity and recognition for Toki Suntory Whisky. 

The “One Night in Toki-O” campaign exemplified how cultural storytelling can create meaningful brand experiences. By bridging Japan’s heritage with contemporary Indian audiences, Toki Suntory Whisky positioned itself as a premium brand that celebrates creativity, culture, and collaboration. This series set a benchmark for experiential marketing in the beverage industry, offering a blueprint for future campaigns seeking to blend tradition with modernity. 

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