Tsukuriwake Collection, Japanese Whisky Craftsmanship

The House of Suntory, a name synonymous with exceptional Japanese whisky, has unveiled The Tsukuriwake Collection 2024. This limited edition set showcases the diversity and artisanal excellence inherent in Suntory's whisky-making traditions. The collection features four distinctive bottles: three from The Yamazaki and one from The Hakushu, embodying the essence of Japanese whisky crafted with meticulous care and a dedication to perfection.

Suntory's journey in whisky began over a century ago with the establishment of its first distillery in Japan. Since then, the brand has garnered worldwide acclaim for its high-quality whiskies, produced with a relentless focus on craftsmanship and a continual pursuit of excellence.

The Tsukuriwake Collection 2024 marks a significant milestone as it is the first collection from Suntory that celebrates diversity in whisky production from start to finish. This tribute encompasses every aspect of the process, including water sourcing, environmental conditions, ingredients, peat use, distillation techniques, aging, and various cask types. The collection emphasizes the use of premium barley and peat, combining the finest malts, Japanese Mizunara casks, and superior distillates to create four exceptional malt whiskies: The Yamazaki Golden Promise, The Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt, The Yamazaki 18 Years Mizunara, and The Hakushu Peated 18 Years Malt.

These whiskies are crafted at the renowned Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries. Yamazaki, Japan's oldest distillery, is located on the outskirts of Kyoto, an area famed for its pure water. Since its opening in 1923, Yamazaki has received numerous accolades, establishing its reputation for quality. Hakushu, opened in 1973, is situated on the slopes of Mount Kaikoma, where the unique microclimate imparts a distinctive flavor to its malt whiskies.

The Collection Unveiled

The Tsukuriwake Collection is presented in a wooden case with a leather clasp and metal buckle, showcasing the four bottles in a triptych format. While the collection can be purchased as a whole, the bottles are also available individually in limited quantities.

The Yamazaki Golden Promise

Crafted from Golden Promise barley from Scotland and matured in American oak casks, The Yamazaki Golden Promise has a warm body with notes of jam and pastry cream on the palate. The nose offers a sweet barley fragrance with hints of vanilla and honey. The finish is sweet and fruity, with lasting citrus notes.

The Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt

Utilizing peat from Islay, this whisky provides a smooth, sweet sensation on the palate. It is distinguished by its bright gold hue and bitter orange citrus notes. The nose features a gentle smoky touch with a hint of pastry, leading to a warm, long, and sweet finish.

The Yamazaki 18 Years Mizunara

Matured in Mizunara casks, The Yamazaki 18 Years Mizunara boasts a reddish amber color and a subtly spiced palate with notes of Japanese incense. The nose reveals rich cherry and ripe peach aromas with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is long and persistent, with clove, sandalwood, and dry coconut notes.

The Hakushu Peated 18 Years Malt

Blending various types of malt and utilizing unique fermentation, distillation, and maturation techniques, this whisky features a bright gold color and a smoky flavor with layers of herbaceous notes, grapefruit, and acacia honey. The nose offers sage, ripe green apple, and hints of ripe pineapple, leading to a clean finish with lingering green citrus notes.

A Collector's Gem

The Tsukuriwake Collection 2024 from The House of Suntory is a testament to the diversity and craftsmanship in Japanese whisky-making. It stands as a prized possession for collectors and connoisseurs alike, celebrating the art of whisky production and the rich heritage of Suntory.