Japanese Whisky Philosophy

Suntory Whisky embodies the harmony that exists between Japanese nature and Japanese people. This unique fusion establishes Suntory Whisky as an art form.

From the magnificence of nature in the Land of the Rising Sun and the subtleties of its varied seasons, from the deep source of its pure waters, from the hands and hearts of its best artisans comes a whisky

Born from the Japanese way, speaking to the soul and awakening our senses, taking us back to where it all began. Suntory Whisky embodies the harmony that exists between Japanese nature and Japanese people.
Suntory Whisky is the fusion of the delicate forces of Japanese nature itself combined with the passion and precision of the best Japanese artisans.

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THE ART OF JAPANESE NATURE

Nature's abundance, transience and diversity are sources of inspiration for the Japanese.

The Japanese feel at one with nature; their ultimate inspiration and guiding force. They have a special reverence for nature, and believe that nameless spirits referred to as "eight million gods" reside within every pebble, raindrop and seed. Japanese nature is blessed with many expressions - deep forests, lush greenery, steep mountains, and pure waters. Each is further heightened by the richness of the seasons.

In every Suntory Whisky lives a unique Japanese sensibility and respect for nature.

Nature's abundance, transience and diversity are sources of inspiration for the Japanese.

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THE ART OF JAPANESE PEOPLE

"The art of whisky making must always follow the art of nature."

The best Japanese artisans never add nor take away; only heightening the beauty and spirit that lives deep within every ingredient.
They are humble enough to acknowledge that their art can only be as great as the intrinsic richness of each ingredient. There is a surprising humility within their art, whether in the blending or the distillation.

At every stage in creating the whisky, this relationship between their craft, nature and humility inspires their uncompromising pursuit of taste.

"The art of whisky making must always follow the art of nature."

MIZU SEICHI: PURE WATER SOULPLACE

The "soul-place" is the core source of spiritual inspiration, and for Suntory is represented by water.

Yamazaki and Hakushu's water resources are considered Japan's "most precious" for quality and pure essence. The region of Yamazaki is origin to one of Japan's purest waters. Hakushu water offers softness and purity made possible by the filtration of rain and snow through ancient granite rocks.

For Suntory, Japanese soulplaces are represented by water, with Yamazaki and Hakushu's water conside

MIZU SEICHI: PURE WATER SOULPLACE

The "soul-place" is the core source of spiritual inspiration, and for Suntory is represented by water.

For Suntory, Japanese soulplaces are represented by water, with Yamazaki and Hakushu's water conside

SHIKI: THE FOUR SEASONS

The incredible variety of seasons in Japan breathes life into the whisky. Both temperature and humidity fluctuate throughout the four seasons, enriching the aging process of Suntory Whisky. The changes in temperature greatly affect cask "breathing".

This is the secret to producing the extraordinary flavor found uniquely within Suntory Whiskies, distinguishing them from all others.

The incredible fluctuation of seasons in Japan breathes life into Suntory Whiskies, distinguishing them from all others.

JUKUSEI TARU: AGING & CASKS

The Japanese believe our quality of sleep is deeply influenced by environment, and whisky is no exception.

In Suntory’s own cooperage a variety of casks are created using three distinct oak woods, enabling a wide range of flavour and aroma profiles of malt whiskies. They are the first artisans to create casks using Mizunara (Japanese oak), adding an oriental note to their whiskies.

Suntory casks use three distinct oak woods, which add an oriental note and enable a wide range of flavours and aromas.

TSUKURIWAKE: DIVERSITY IN THE MAKING

Suntory Whisky distilleries produce over one hundred types of malt whisky; more than any other distillery in the world.

Suntory enables diversity through fermentation techniques, shapes and sizes of giant copper pot stills, and the wide variety of cask types used.
Diversity gives birth to the complex and subtle flavors of Suntory Whisky, creating richness and harmony.

Suntory Whisky distilleries produce over one hundred types of malt whisky; more than any other distillery in the world.

HITO NO CHOWA: TEAM SPIRIT AND LEGACY

Suntory Whisky is crafted by a team of six master blenders; a team awarded with the blessings and riches of Japanese nature, time, and the philosophy of the masters before them. They must protect both the legacy and the spirit of innovation; continuously enhancing their knowledge and handing their work on to the next generation.

Suntory is truly a "House" and family of whisky artisans.

Suntory is a "House " and family of whisky artisans, with each whisky being crafted by a team of six master blenders.