Santori whiskey: history, overview of taste and types
Japanese malt beverages are less known in the world than ancient Scottish or Irish ones, but they have managed to acquire a certain circle of fans in their relatively short history.
Santori is a leader among oriental brands: the company produces several varieties of whiskey and other types of alcohol. And it all started with a small shop in Osaka.
Learn more more Japanese whiskeys
The history of Santori whiskey
The founder of Suntory, Shinjiro Tori, entered the alcohol industry very early. Already at the age of 13, after graduating from school, he got a job with a wholesaler who supplied European liqueurs to Japan. It was at this time that the talented young man mastered Western techniques of mixing and tasting drinks.
The acquired skills were useful for him to organize his own business.
At first it was a tiny wine shop "Torii Shoten" in Osaka, which later grew into a large production - the distillery "The Yamazaki Distillery" in the vicinity of Kyoto.
By 1923, the talented young man began to realize his dream of creating a unique Japanese whiskey brand. It had to reflect the refined oriental taste and at the same time compete with Western drinks.
The first experiment ended in failure: consumers did not like the Suntory Shirofuda whiskey released in 1929, which imitates Scottish smoky notes.
However, Shinjiro had no intention of giving up: a few years later, he surprised his customers with the Suntory Kakubin drink in a square bottle. This time, the hardworking Japanese was successful: the new brand became the "heart and soul" of Japanese whiskey.
In the following years, the manufacturer began to actively promote the culture of proper whiskey consumption to the masses through its own network of Torys bars.
In these establishments, the Japanese learned how to drink malt liquor in highballs and mix it with water.
In the 70s and 80s, the company's ownership was expanded by two distilleries: "The Hakushu Distillery" began to specialize in the production of single malt spirits, and "Chita Distillery" began to produce grain whiskey.
The result of these acquisitions was the emergence of new drinks in the collection of the "sunny Tory", which received many international awards.
Types of whiskey Santori
The company's malt products consist of 5 lines, including single malt and blended brands of varying degrees of aging:
YAMAZAKI
The legendary series, which marked the beginning of the popularity of Japanese whiskey, is in demand in more than 35 countries. The collection includes single malt drinks.
For maturation, European wine and bourbon barrels and Japanese oak containers are used.
Yamazaki products are characterized by a rich golden color, multilayered, deep and sophisticated bouquet, the presence of bright fruit and vanilla notes, and a long spicy aftertaste.
HAKUSHU
Single malts have been produced since 1994 at a young distillery surrounded by mountains and forests.
The products of the plant are characterized by light smoky notes, brightness and freshness of the bouquet, the presence of herbal tones, and a lively "green" character.
CHITA
A rare single grain whiskey, produced in single production since 2015, with a mild honey-mint flavor. Included in many blends.
Main notes: crème brulee, cardamom, acacia honey, blooming rose.
The finish is clean, delicate, bittersweet, spicy and oaky.
HIBIKI
The prestigious collection, launched in 1989, consists of several harmonious blends of long aging.
Aromas and flavors differ depending on the type of drink and the maturation period.
Tones of flowers, fruits, fresh pastries, spices, honey prevail.
The shade varies from a subtle amber to a rich copper color.
Suntory Whisky Toki
A special blend that embodies the true spirit of Japan: old and new.
The silky drink of pure gold color has an apple-honey aroma with notes of basil, fruity mint flavor, delicate sweetish-spicy finish with hints of vanilla and oak.
Update: 19.04.2019
Category: Whiskey and Bourbon