Suntory

Suntory is Japan’s most influential whisky producer and one of the world’s leading spirits companies, credited with pioneering Japanese whisky and shaping its global reputation for precision, elegance, and craftsmanship. Founded in 1899 by Shinjiro Torii as a wine-importing business, Suntory entered the whisky world in 1923 with the construction of the Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s first commercial whisky distillery.

Torii’s vision was to create a whisky that would suit the Japanese palate, refined, harmonious, and balanced, while drawing on the techniques of Scottish whisky-making. He chose Yamazaki, near Kyoto, for its pure water and humid climate, conditions ideal for ageing whisky. Under the guidance of Torii’s protégé Masataka Taketsuru (who later founded Nikka), Yamazaki began producing whisky in 1924.

Over the decades, Suntory expanded its distilling operations, opening the Hakushu Distillery in 1973, surrounded by forests in the Japanese Alps, and acquiring the Chita Grain Distillery, which specialises in producing light, clean grain whisky. This trio of distilleries gives Suntory unmatched blending flexibility, allowing its master blenders to create a vast spectrum of flavours and styles.

Suntory is renowned for its meticulous approach to blending. Rather than producing a single “house style,” each distillery makes multiple spirit types by varying still shapes, fermentation times, peating levels, and cask types. Casks include American oak, Spanish sherry butts, and the rare Japanese Mizunara oak, which imparts exotic incense-like aromas, sandalwood, and coconut.

Suntory’s commitment to quality extends to its presentation and serving traditions. The Japanese highball, whisky with chilled soda water over ice, has become one of the brand’s signature serves, reflecting the cultural preference for clean, refreshing drinks that pair well with food.

On the nose, Suntory whiskies often show floral and fruit notes layered with subtle spice, while the palate balances sweetness, malt depth, and delicate oak. Whether it’s the tropical fruit and Mizunara spice of Yamazaki, the crisp mountain freshness of Hakushu, or the silken complexity of Hibiki, the hallmark is always balance and refinement.

Suntory’s influence on the whisky world is profound. International awards, limited-edition releases, and strong demand have made many of its bottlings highly collectible, with some vintage Yamazaki and Hibiki expressions fetching record prices at auction. Yet at its heart, Suntory remains committed to producing whiskies that are meant to be enjoyed, not just admired.

Our Suntory selection showcases the diversity of this iconic producer, from elegant single malts to masterful blends. Whether you’re exploring Japanese whisky for the first time or seeking a rare collector’s piece, Suntory offers a journey into a tradition that blends Japanese artistry with nearly a century of whisky-making expertise.