This limited edition release is a testament to The House of Suntory’s legacy of craftsmanship and to “Kogei”, meaning “traditional Japanese craft”.
A craft that appreciates both process and beauty and is an endless catalyst for creativity. It embodies House of Suntory’s Monozukuri philosophy and continuous commitment to innovation.
The debut 2024 Japanese Kimono Edition was created in collaboration with Chiso, Kyoto’s preeminent Kimono House, who have been crafting the finest Japanese kimonos since 1555.
Chiso’s pattern-makers harnessed the traditional method of Bokashi-zome (gradation dyeing) to imbue the story of the House of Suntory, and these unique Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies, into the bottle labels and outer packaging.
Featuring designs based on Chiso kimonos, the Yamazaki packaging incorporates intricate prints inspired by the serene Yamazaki distillery, with the depiction of three merging rivers evoking a sense of calmness. Gold accents, reminiscent of drifting clouds, add elegance.
Tasting Notes:
Color: Dark Amber
Nose: Rich floral notes of bitter orange marmalade and dark chocolate open softly with smoky notes.
Palate: Elegant smokiness with flavors of gentle sweetness and subtle citrus.
Yamazaki was built it 1923 under the guidance of Shinjiro Torii, the founding father of Suntory, with the first whisky running off the stills on November 11 1924 at 11.11am. Initially employing Masataka Taketsuru, who had lived in Scotland to learn the art in the preceding years, Yamazaki enjoyed popularity post World War 2 and is now one of the most famous names in Japanese whisky.
The distillery has eight wash stills and eight spirit stills, with the wash still direct gas fired and the spirit stills indirect steam heated. Two of the spirit stills have worm tub condensers, all the rest have shell-and-tube. An array of sizes and generally descending lyne arms create a range of spirit styles at the distillery, although whiskies used for the single malt releases are often unpeated with tropical fruits.
Whiskies are matured in a variety of American oak ex-bourbon barrels and Spanish ex-sherry casks as well as Japanese Mizunara oak, although it is believed that less than 200 are able to be made each year making these whiskies very rare. They also use wine and umeshu casks in small amounts.
