The House of Suntory introduces the oldest single malt whisky the Yamazaki 55 celebrates the Japanese “Showa” era of the 1960s that represented a major period of change for the House of Suntory.
Only 100 bottles, priced at a suggested retail of $60,000 each, will be released. The Yamazaki 55 includes three main components that, taken together, span all three generations of Yamazaki master blenders, starting with Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii, and then aged in Mizunara casks. In 1964, it was distilled under the supervision 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 in deploying their signature art of blending to expose the exceptional depth, complexity, and wisdom that is Yamazaki 55.
The resulting expression features a deep amber color; robust aroma redolent of sandal wood and well-ripened fruit; sweet, slightly bitter and woody palate; and slightly bitter yet sweet and rich finish.
The Yamazaki 55 will be presented in a crystal bottle with the Yamazaki named engraved which was engraved in calligraphy using the technique of sandblasting and featuring real gold dust and lacquer on the age marking. Delivered in a box of Japanese mizunara wood coated in Suruga lacquer. The bottle also features traditional Japanese crafts such as washi paper, on its opening, and a Kyo–kumihimo plaited cord from Kyoto, where Yamazaki is based.
Extremely limited quantities of Yamazaki 55, of which 100 bottles were initially released in Japanin 2020, will reach select global markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, Mainland China and Taiwan later this month.