The House of Suntory, the founding house of Japanese whiskey, celebrates its 100th anniversary of whiskey innovation this year, a major milestone not only for Suntory’s history but for Japanese spirits culture.
In honour of its centennial, the House of Suntory unveiled limited-edition whiskies in Mumbai, showcasing the unparalleled Japanese craftsmanship synonymous with Suntory’s whiskey distilleries and their art of meticulous blending.
The centennial was celebrated with the launch of the limited-edition Yamazaki 18-YO Mizunara single malt and Hibiki Japanese Harmony whiskey in centennial packaging at an event hosted by renowned journalist, author and columnist, Vir Sanghvi.
At the heart of this 100th anniversary celebration was the exclusive “first pour” experience, where 60 distinguished culture shapers came together to witness the inaugural pour of the specially crafted Yamazaki 18-YO Mizunara in India. The event also witnessed the presence of celebrities such as Jim Sarbh and Kalki Koechlin, adding an extra touch of glamour to this memorable occasion.
The Yamazaki 18-YO Mizunara comprises of meticulously selected malt whiskies, all aged for a minimum of 18 years in solely Mizunara casks, providing a rare, elegant Japanese character.
The Hibiki Japanese Harmony pays tribute to the House of Suntory’s unique design approach, featuring motifs of snow, moon and flowers, representing Japan’s changing seasons. The design wraps around the 24-faceted bottle, representing 24 hours in a day, making it a meaningful collector’s item.
Neeraj Kumar, Managing Director of Beam Suntory (India) said the introduction of these exclusive limited editions was a pivotal part of this momentous milestone. “Each bottle stands as a testament to the craftsmanship embedded in our history, symbolising the culmination of generations of dedication and expertise,” he said.
Both limited time offerings will be available for retail as well as feature on the menu of star properties in Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi NCR and in Rajasthan.
While the Yamazaki 18-YO Mizunara (48% ABV in 700-ml bottle) will be available at an average retail price of ?3 lakh per bottle, the 100th Anniversary Edition of Hibiki Japanese Harmony (43% ABV, in 750-ml bottle) will be available at a retail price of ? 40,000 per bottle. (Retail prices for both vary by state).
Recently, a nationwide tour with Zoran Peric, International Brand Ambassador for the House of Suntory, featured a dynamic road show with industry experts focused on the art of ice carving and much more.
The centennial of Suntory whiskey began with the establishment of its Yamazaki Distillery in 1923, the first and oldest malt whiskey distillery in Japan’s history. Since then the House of Suntory has been crafting world-class spirits and is known for Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Whiskey Toki and Ao, as well as Roku Gin and Haku Vodka.
The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014) at the International Spirits Challenge in London. For more information, visit www.beamsuntory.com.
