SUNTORY WORLD WHISKY Ao was born from Suntory’s new challenge to develop a blended whisky by blending the original spirits of the world’s five major whiskies, which are rich in individuality.
This is a new challenge for Suntory, which continues to “inherit and innovate”, and a message for a new era! The world’s first blend of the world’s five major whiskies made at Suntory’s own distilleries!
Ao”, the deep and beautiful color of the “sea” that connects Japan and the world, was chosen as the name and color of the brand. The design of the bottle, which expresses the compass and the waves, also expresses this idea. The novel “pentagonal bottle” represents the “world’s top five whiskies. The “English/inkoji” logotype on the label, with the corners placed in front, symbolizes the encounter with “the world’s / Japan’s artisans”. All of these represent the development concept of this product and convey a message for a new era.
The product will be shipped in two phases, summer and fall/winter, starting April 16, 2019.
In a limited quantity of 360,000 bottles in total.
１．Company
Suntory Spirits, Inc.
２．Distillery
Cooley Distillery (Irish)
Cooley Distillery is a new distillery that started whiskey production in 1989, but it is a “revolutionary Irish distillery” that uses the same Scotch whiskey production method.
Ardmore Distillery (Scotch)
Ardmore distillery was established in 1898. Highland smoky whisky with a fresh smoky taste different from Islay.
Glengilly Distillery (Scotch)
One of the oldest distilleries in Highland. It is characterized by honey, heather and a hint of spiciness that is typical of Highland malts.
Jim Beam Distillery (American)
A distillery that produces the world’s No. 1 bourbon*, focusing on the yeast and limestone water passed down in the Beam family for generations since its founding in 1795.
*”2018 Sales Volume IMPACT NEWSLETTER (from February1&15 2019 issue)”
Alberta Distillery (Canadian)
Established in 1946. Characterized by a smooth taste with a focus on cool glacial water and locally grown high-quality rye.
Yamazaki Distillery (Japanese)
Japan’s oldest malt whisky distillery. The distillery features a rich and gorgeous flavor produced by the environment of Yamazaki.
Hakushu Distillery (Japanese)
A distillery located in a forest, which is rare in the world. The forest and its famous trees produce a refreshing and light flavor.
３．Product Name
SUNTORY WORLD WHISKY Ao
４．Characteristics
Ao opens up a new world of whisky
We have carefully blended the original whiskey from seven distilleries with the skill of a master while taking advantage of its rich individuality.
It has a sweet and gorgeous aroma and a mild mouthfeel. It is characterized by a thick and varied taste with a pleasant smokiness.
You can enjoy the complex and rich changes in flavor created by the individuality of the world’s five major whiskies.
The pentagonal shape of the bottle represents the world’s five major whiskey brands.
Color: Amber
Aroma: The aroma has a gorgeous, fruity, vanilla-like, pineapple-like top note. Creamy sweetness and a rich, woody aroma follow.
Taste: Smooth and sweet on the palate. Smoky and cinnamon-like spices gradually appear.
Lingering: pleasantly complex with sweet, smoky, spicy and woody notes.
Type: Blended
Ingredients: Grain, Malt
Alcohol Content: 43%
５．Award
６．Price
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: 700ml 5,000 yen (5,400 yen including tax)
The price has already soared to around 10,000 yen to 20,000 yen on mail order and online auctions. (As of April 27, 2019)
Price at DiningBar Hidden Lounge
At DiningBar Hidden Lounge, this whisky is priced at
45ml: 1,300 yen
The price of this whisky at DiningBar Hidden Lounge is 1,300 yen for 45ml.
７．Finally
Here is a message from Shinji Fukuyo, Suntory’s fifth master blender and the man who led the development of Ao, who has been involved in many Suntory whiskies, including the Yamazaki limited edition series.
I would pour Ao into a large glass and enjoy it straight, then add ice, and when the ice has melted, add a little water and feel the change. The trick is to gradually dilute it with ice and water to enjoy the gradual changes in flavor. However, we hope that you will try it in various ways and enjoy the changes in flavor, rather than assuming that this is the right way to drink it.
Try to find the flamboyance of Jim Beam, the smokiness of Ardmore, and the flavor of Yamazaki sherry casks. I think these three are relatively easy to find. I hope you will experience the real pleasure of “Ao” with the fun of solving this homework.
This is a whisky you can’t help but drink!
It is limited to 360,000 bottles. Please taste it at DiningBar Hidden Lounge as soon as possible.
