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THE ESSENCE of SUNTORY series Vol. 5 Volume 1
THE ESSENCE of SUNTORY series was created based on Suntory’s desire to pursue the “Essence” in whisky making.
| part 1 | Released on February 27, 2018 |
Single Malt Whisky Single malt whisky Yamazaki Distillery <peated malt Single grain whiskey Hakushu Distillery <Rye type Single grain whiskey Chita distillery〈Ripe after 4 years in wine barrels |
| part 2 | February 26, 2019 release | Single malt whisky Yamazaki Distillery <Spanish Oak Single malt whisky Yamazaki Distillery <Montillery Wine Cask Single malt whisky Yamazaki Distillery <Refill Sherry Cask |
| part 3 | Release on October 29, 2019 | Blended Japanese Whiskey <Clean Type Blended Japanese Whiskey (Rich Type) |
| Part 4 | To be released on April 28, 2020 |
Essence of Suntory Whiskey(Rice Whiskey) Single grain whisky Chita Distillery <Cherry Blossom Barrel Mature Blend |
| Part 5 | To be released on August 31, 2021 |
Single malt whisky Yamazaki Distillery <Golden Promise Single malt whiskey Yamazaki Distillery <Ira-peated |
This time, it was developed under the theme of “barley”. The label design is also based on the image of “barley” with ink art.
The single malt whisky is made from the rare “Golden Promise” malt, and the single malt whisky is made from dried, peat-fired malt from the island of Islay. These are two challenges that will expand the new possibilities of whisky making by utilizing Suntory’s pride in creating a variety of different types of raw materials.
“Golden” Promise is a barley malt variety developed in the 1960s. It is said to be the best malt whisky variety, although it is difficult to cultivate, and is famous for the fact that the Macallan distillery used to use only Golden Promise.
The Bottle
Single malt whisky aged for 11 years in American oak barrels.
The Golden Promise variety was widely cultivated in Scotland around 1968-1980, but is now a rare variety produced in only a few areas. This is the first time Suntory has commercialized a product based on this variety. This single malt whisky is characterized by a soft grain aroma and a dense mouthfeel derived from the Golden Promise variety, in addition to the strength typical of Yamazaki.
| Aroma | Soft aroma, sweetness of barley, honey |
| Taste | Dense mouthfeel, honey sweetness, faint sourness, deep flavor |
| Aftertaste | Creamy, long aftertaste with sweetness and acidity |
| Alcohol content | 53% alcohol by volume |
| by alcohol | Malt (Golden Promise non-peated malt) |
| Barrel type | American oak barrels |
| Contents | 500ml |
| Number of bottles sold | Limited quantity |
| Suggested retail price | 8,800 yen (tax included) |
| Release date | August 31, 2021 (Tuesday) |
Our Take
This whisky is created by Suntory’s diverse range of raw spirits.
It is a non-peated single malt whisky using only the rare Golden Promise variety, and is very mellow on the palate, with a sweetness from the grains and a depth of flavor from 11 years of aging.
“Both Golden Promise and Islay Peated are extremely difficult to find. On flea market sites, the price has quadrupled since the day it was released, and it has actually been sold at that price. I hope that the time will come soon when those who want it can buy it.
(All Images Courtesy of JPWhisky.net)
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