This year is a big year for Japanese whiskies, and it's been a long time coming! It marks the 100th anniversary of Japanese whiskies since Suntory's Yamazaki Distillery was established.

Of course, you can expect Suntory to celebrate their 100th Anniversary in style with a whole slew of new releases.

We previously reported on their eight commemorative whisky expressions:

• Yamazaki NAS - 100th Anniversary Edition
• Yamazaki 12 Years Old - 100th Anniversary Edition (43% ABV)
• Yamazaki Mizunara Japanese Oak Cask 18 Years Old - 100th Anniversary Edition (48% ABV)
• Hakushu NAS - 100th Anniversary Edition
• Hakushu 12 Years Old - 100th Anniversary Edition (43% ABV)
• Hakushu Peated Malt 18 Years Old - 100th Anniversary Edition (48% ABV)
• Hibiki Japanese Harmony - 100th Anniversary Edition (43% ABV)
• Hibiki 21 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Edition (43% ABV)

So far we've seen the sets of Yamazaki and Hakushu NAS and 12 Year Old expressions - which only feature a commemorative label but with the same whisky as the standard expressions.

Now, the real exciting bits are coming out with the Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara and Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt expression giving their first look!

"100th Anniversary Limited Edition. This Yamazaki Mizunara Single Malt is comprised of meticulously selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 18 years in solely Mizunara casks, created in honor of House of Suntory’s centenary. The result showcases the rare, distinctive beauty of Mizunara oak, which is considered the signature “enhancer” of Yamazaki, providing unique Japanese character and elegance. We invite you to experience this distinct and elegant single malt whisky."

Official Tasting Note

Color

Reddish Amber

Aroma

Rich and elegant top notes of dark cherry and ripe peach, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg

Taste

Subtly spiced organette with undernotes of Japanese incense

Finish

Long and lingering, accentuated with clove, sandalwood and hints of dried coconut

"100th Anniversary Limited Edition. The Hakushu 18 Peated Malt is made up of carefully selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 18 years in various casks, created in honor of House of Suntory’s centenary. The Hakushu Distillery blenders work with peat, while softening the palate using the exceptional mountain water of the area, filtered through ancient granite rocks. Refined and elegant, this centennial Hakushu Peated Malt brings smoke that is less strong, never dominant and in typical Japanese style, more complex and gentle. The result is a spicy, peppery welcome, a slow wave of  smoke that deepens as it reveals its herbaceous notes and green fruity undertones."

Official Tasting Note

Color

Luminous gold

Aroma

Vibrant with top notes of sage, ripe green apple and hints of ripe pineapple

Taste

Complex smoke revealing layers of herbal, grapefruit and acacia honey notes

Finish

Clean smoke that lingers with undernotes of fresh green citrus

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team