You read that right folks. For a long time the Yamazaki 12 Years Old has been pretty much synonymous with what Aussie bartenders thought Japanese whisky was — and for good, delicious reasons. Now Suntory have announced they are extending the range of Japanese whisky they import.
Being released in May is an extension to the Yamazaki range, Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve; The Hakushu 12 Years Old is coming along with its sister whisky, The Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve, and two new Hibikis: you’ll soon be able to savour both the Hibiki 12 and 17 Years Old.
Australian Bartender met last week with Suntory’s global brand ambassador, Mike Miyamoto and Suntory Australia brand manager, Matt Barnett, to take a sneak peek at the new releases. In total there are five additional whiskies joining the Yamazaki 12 Years Old.
It will be the first time that a market outside of Japan will have access to the Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve and the Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve. Both these whiskies forgo an age statement, said Miyamoto. They each use whiskies from their respective distilleries that are between seven and nine years old, with the addition of a small amount of older whisky that has been aged in mizunara (Japanese oak). The Distiller’s Reserve whiskies are a little more rounded and designed to appeal to younger drinkers, but still with the layers of complexity that you’d expect from Japanese whisky. Barnett told us that he expects the Distiller’s Reserve to be the go to for mixed drinks and cocktail mixing when they hit in May, as their flavour profile lends itself to versatility.
The Distiller’s Reserve whiskies from Yamazaki distillery and Hakushu distillery will be line priced at $80 a bottle, Barnett said.
For more information contact your Suntory representative