Bottled in 2020, Yamazaki 55 is the House of Suntory‘s oldest release in its history and pays tribute to the founding family of Japanese whisky while celebrating the Japanese “Showa” era of the 1960s. Yamazaki 55 will select Global Travel Retail with bottles found in London, Paris, Hainan, Hong Kong, Taipei, Amsterdam, Seoul, Delhi, Istanbul, Dubai, and Singapore.
Yamazaki 55 is a blend of precious single malts, featuring components distilled in 1960 under the supervision of Suntory’s founder Shinjiro Torii and then aged in Mizunara casks; and in 1964 under the direction of Suntory’s Second Master Blender Keizo Saji and then aged in White Oak casks. Suntory’s Fifth-Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo worked closely with Third-Generation Master Blender Shingo Torii to deploy their signature art of blending to properly reveal the exceptional depth, complexity, and wisdom Yamazaki 55. The resulting liquid features a deep amber color; robust aroma redolent of sandalwood and well-ripened fruit; sweet, slightly bitter, and woody palate; and somewhat bitter yet sweet and rich finish.
Manuel González, Marketing Director GTR for Beam Suntory, said: “We are extremely proud to have the opportunity to offer travelers something as unique and exclusive as Yamazaki 55, the oldest-aged expression from the House of Suntory. This highly limited-edition product will be showcased in some of our best House of Suntory locations, and an integrated activation campaign will amplify it. We are committed to growing Global Travel Retail by reinforcing our innovative offering and bringing the best premium shopper experience to life for our customers.”
‘Yamazaki’ is engraved in calligraphy on each crystal bottle, while the age marking is accentuated with gold dust and protected with lacquer. The bottle’s opening is wrapped in handmade Echizen washi paper and bound with a Kyo-kumihimo plaited cord, a traditional craft from Kyoto. Each bottle is enclosed in a bespoke box made of Japanese Mizunara wood and coated with Suruga lacquer.
Beam Suntory will donate USD 5,000 for every bottle released in this year’s 100-bottle collection, totaling USD 500,000, to The White Oak Initiative, a group committed to the long-term sustainability of America’s white oak forests.
