The House of Suntory Unveils Groundbreaking 2024 Tsukuriwake Series

Posted on by Jake Lewellen

Suntory’s Tsukuriwake Series showcases the exceptional blending and diversity of Japanese whisky.

Fast Facts on the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series:

  • Introduction of the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series: The House of Suntory launched the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series, a limited-edition collection featuring four unique expressions: Yamazaki Golden Promise, Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt, Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt, and Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara.
  • Focus on Diversity and Craftsmanship: The series emphasizes the diversity and innovation in whisky making, highlighting ingredient selection, peat, and cask usage, beyond the traditional focus on cask maturation.
  • Special Characteristics of Each Whisky:
    • Yamazaki Golden Promise is made from golden promise barley, offering rich notes of orange marmalade and custard.
    • Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt combines balanced sweetness and smoke with brown sugar and bitter orange citrus flavors.
    • Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara features deep, multi-layered flavors with spiciness and sandalwood from Mizunara oak.
    • Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt provides a refined smokiness with spicy, peppery notes and herbaceous minerals.
  • Legacy and Innovation: The release follows Suntory’s 100th anniversary, continuing the legacy of pioneering Japanese whisky and showcasing their commitment to heritage and craftsmanship.

Unique and exclusive four-expression series highlights diversity, innovation, and craftsmanship at the Yamazaki and Hakushu Distilleries

NEW YORK, US, JUNE 4, 2024 — The House of Suntory is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series, showcasing the exceptional blending and diversity of Japanese whisky. This limited-edition series includes Yamazaki Golden Promise, Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt, Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt, and Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara.

Tsukuriwake (pronounced soo-koo-ree-wah-keh) means “artisanship through a diversity of making,” and the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series embodies this concept. Suntory’s 5th Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo has elevated whisky making by using diverse ingredients and innovative processes. This new range expands the Tsukuriwake tradition to highlight the variety of whisky-making techniques used at the Yamazaki and Hakushu Distilleries.

Following the landmark 100th Anniversary of Japanese whisky, The House of Suntory continues to lead the industry with the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series. The previous Tsukuriwake selection was released in 2022.

Tsukuriwake translates to ‘artisanship through a diversity of making,’ which is truly what the 2024 Series represents with each of the four expressions included. While past releases focused on cask details, the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series emphasizes ingredient selection, peat, and cask, showcasing the incredible diversity involved in making Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies.

Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo

Introducing the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series:

Yamazaki Golden Promise

Yamazaki Golden Promise is crafted from golden promise barley, a distinguished grain from 1960s Scotland. Distilled in Japan since 2009 and aged in American Oak casks, it delivers a maltier, richer Yamazaki profile. Ideal for mature whiskies, it enhances Yamazaki 12 Year Old with a deep, rounded flavor. Expect a rich palate with notes of orange marmalade, custard, and a sweet, lasting finish.

Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt

Islay Peat, known for its distinct character among Scotch whiskies, offers a softer and sweeter mouthfeel. The water and maturation process for Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt yields a balanced sweetness that complements the smoke, adding complexity to the finish. Experience a smooth sweetness of brown sugar, hints of bitter orange citrus, and a warm, smoky finish.

Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara (Tsukuriwake 2024 Edition)

This edition features a special label for the flagship Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara, celebrating Suntory’s mastery of Mizunara oak. Known for its complexity, Mizunara oak imparts a deep, multi-layered profile. The 18-year maturation reveals spiciness, sandalwood, and aloe wood flavors, with subtly spiced orange notes and a lingering finish of clove and dried coconut.

Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt (Tsukuriwake 2024 Edition)

This edition offers a unique label for the renowned Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt. Honoring diverse blending at Hakushu, it produces over 100 different malt whiskies. The refined smokiness of Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt brings a refreshing quality, evoking a serene forest. The lengthy maturation in pure Hakushu water reveals smokiness with spicy, peppery notes, herbaceous minerals, and ripe apple undertones.

The Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara and Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt were first introduced during the House of Suntory’s 100th anniversary and continued due to their popularity.

All four expressions are available in select markets worldwide.

About The House of Suntory

Since 1923, The House of Suntory has been a pioneer of Japanese whisky, renowned for its Master Blenders and the Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii established Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the legacy continued with his son Keizo Saji, who expanded with the Hakushu Distillery. Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation, earning accolades like Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). The portfolio includes Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Whisky Toki, and Ao, as well as Roku Gin and Haku Vodka. Last year marked Suntory Whisky’s centennial, a milestone for both the brand and Japanese spirits culture.

About Suntory Global Spirits

Suntory Global Spirits is a leader in premium spirits, crafting rich experiences in harmony with nature. With renowned brands such as Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki®, and Toki™, and a global presence with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, the company is driven by values like Growing for Good and Giving Back to Society. Their Proof Positive sustainability strategy aims to positively impact the planet, consumers, and communities. For more information, visit Suntory Global Spirits and Drink Smart.

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