The limited edition Suntory 2024 Tsukuriwake Series are four single malts that underscore the pioneering Japanese whisky producer’s dedication to artistry and diversity.
Keen fans of the House of Suntory are likely to be familiar with its very limited edition Tsukuriwake series. First launched in 2020 in Japan, the debut collection paid tribute to the Japanese philosophy of ‘tsukuriwake’, or – according to the producer – the concept of “artisanship through a diversity of making”. At that time, Suntory had proclaimed each of those four whiskies constituted a key defining profile in the blending process that goes into the making of Yamazaki whisky.
Considering that Yamazaki whisky continues to ride the height of popularity at the moment, that insightful collection unsurprisingly came at a high price.
Suntory’s recently announced follow-up continues much of that tradition. The Suntory 2024 Tsukuriwake Series comprises a set of four new whiskies: the Yamazaki Golden Promise, Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt, Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt, and the Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara.
Compared to the previous collection which was all Yamazaki, this time we find a Hakushu – from Suntory’s other Japanese single malt distillery – in the lineup. Indeed, rather than focusing purely on the prized jewel in its crown, the pioneering Japanese whisky maker declares that its new set of four Tsukuriwake whiskies “showcases the diverse artistry of Japanese whisky-making”.
Which, to the harshest of critics, can sound like marketing hogwash.
But there’s really more than a grain of truth in this. Unlike its Scottish counterparts that are more collaborative in nature due to Scotland’s tradition in making blended Scotch whisky, Japan’s whisky producers do not trade stock with one another. Which means whisky makers in Japan are forced to be incredibly innovative and experimental, whether it’s through using different distilling techniques, aging methods, or with their wood management policy.
Kirin-owned Fuji Whisky, for example, employs an unusual combination of rotund pot stills, towering column stills, and bourbon-style doublers to create create a diversity of whiskies for blending purposes. Mars Whisky, on the other hand, ages its whiskies in various locations across Japan to derive an interesting range of different cask profiles.
As for Suntory? Well, owning different distilleries – Yamazaki, Hakushu, and also grain distillery Chita – is its own advantage.
Hence the latest Suntory 2024 Tsukuriwake Series really does showcase, as Suntory puts it, the diversity of whisky making. The Yamazaki Golden Promise, for example, explores the use of the traditional distiller’s malt made with that heritage two-row barley. The Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt offers Suntory’s popular peated single malt in a now rare matured expression, while the Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt imagines the influence of Islay peat – as opposed to the Highland peat more commonly used in the making of Japanese whisky – on its beloved Yamazaki.
And finally that Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara taps that prized, rare Japanese oak – whose porous, leaky nature means yield can be challenging, but lends incredible incense notes to the whisky – for a sense of terroir.
This is literally Japanese whisky DEI in action. Is that enough reason to pay for Suntory’s asking price? That’s wholly up to you.
The 2024 Tsukuriwake Series Limited Edition is priced at S$6,320 for the full set of four bottles.
2024 Tsukuriwake Series Limited Edition – Official Notes
Yamazaki Golden Promise
A homage to a bygone era, Yamazaki Golden Promise is crafted from golden promise barley, a standout grain cultivated in Scotland during the 1960s. Distilled in Japan since 2009 and aged in American Oak casks, this expression unfolds a maltier, richer profile of Yamazaki. Its palate is a journey through vibrant notes of orange marmalade, lush custard, and a sweet, lingering finish, offering a deep and rounded flavour that enhances the maturity of Yamazaki 12 Year Old.
Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt
Embodied with the distinctive essence of Islay Peat, this malt presents a softer and sweeter mouthfeel than Scotland’s mainland peat. The meticulous water and maturation process at Yamazaki results in a balanced sweetness that perfectly complements the smoky undertones. Each sip reveals a harmonious blend of smooth brown sugar, hints of bitter orange citrus, and a warm, smoky finish, adding complexity to the enduring legacy of Yamazaki.
Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara (Tsukuriwake 2024 Edition)
Celebrating The House of Suntory’s mastery of Mizunara oak, this limited-edition label of Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara delves into the intricate depths of this complex wood. Known for its signature spiciness and incense-like sandalwood and aloe wood flavours, Mizunara imparts a profoundly layered profile to the whisky. The long maturation period unveils subtly spiced orange notes, culminating in a lingering finish with delicate hints of clove and dried coconut.
Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt (Tsukuriwake 2024 Edition)
An ode to the refined artistry of Hakushu, this peated malt offers an elegant smokiness that evokes the tranquillity of a serene forest. The extended maturation in Hakushu’s pristine and pure water reveals a distinct smokiness interwoven with spicy, peppery notes. As the flavours deepen, they unveil herbaceous minerals and ripe apple undertones, creating a complex yet refreshing quality that embodies the essence of Hakushu’s innovative spirit.
Follow us on Telegram to get updated on events and other spirited announcements!
