THE ESSENCE of SUNTORY WHISKY is a series created from Suntory’s desire to pursue “Essence” in whisky making. 2020.This is the fourth release in the series.
1. Maker
Suntory Spirits Co.
| Established | 1899 |
| Headquarters location | 2-3-3 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo 135-8631, Japan |
| Owned distillery | ●Japan Yamazaki Distillery, Hakushu Distillery, Chita Distillery ●Scotland Ardmore distillery, Glengilly distillery, Auchentoshan distillery, Bowmore distillery, Laphroig distillery ●Ireland Cooley distillery, Kilbeggan distillery ●United States Jim Beam distillery, Maker’s Mark distillery ●Canada Hiram Walker Distillery, Alberta Distillery |
2. Distillery
Osumi Sake Brewery Co.
| Address | 860-1 Sakamoto, Osumi-cho, Soo-shi, Kagoshima 899-8422, Japan |
| Start of operation | June 2005 |
Osumi Shuzo (Kagoshima) started operations in June 2005, and became a Suntory Group company in September
2014. Its main product is sweetpotato shochu. Its flagship brand of authentic sweetpotato syochu liqueur, “Osumi,” is made from fresh golden sweetpotato produced in Kagoshima Prefecture and brewed with pure water refined from the vast Shirasu earth. It is a mild and easy to drink sweetpotato syochu liqueur with the full sweetness and softness of Satsuma-imo. Based on traditional methods, we are constantly innovating to create a new taste. One of the things we are most particular about is making things that only people can make. We carefully sort the raw materials, one by one, and visually check the progress of the distillation process.
Image source: Osumi Sake Brewing Company | Suntory
3. Product name and photo
Essence of Sun tory Whisky <Rice Whisky >
4. Characteristics
Aged for over 3 years in white oak barrels
This is a rice whisky distilled by Osumi Shuzo, a Suntory Group company that mainly produces B-type shochu. Aged for more than three years in white oak barrels, this whisky has a plump, light top note with a fruitiness faintly reminiscent of white peaches, and a soft, light flavor. The word “new” on the label expresses Suntory’s strong will to take on new challenges.
4-1. Tasting Notes
| Nose | Plump and light top note. Faint white peach fruit notes. |
| Taste | Soft and light mouthfeel. Gorgeous flavor spread. |
| Aftertaste | Clean. Slightly spicy. |
4-2. Product Specifications
| Alcohol content | 56% alcohol by volume |
| by alcohol | Rice whisky |
| Barrel alcohol | White oak barrels |
| Contents | 500ml |
| Number of bottles sold | Limited quantity |
| Suggested retail price | 5,500 yen (tax included) |
| Release date | April 28, 2020 |
5. Award history
No awards have been received at this time.
6. Price
6-1. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price
| Product name | Essence of Suntory whisky (Rice whisky) |
| Capacity | 500ml |
| Suggested retail price | Tax included: 5,500 yen |
6-2. Resale price on Mercari
The resale price on Mercari is around 10,000 yen. (*as of March 29, 2021)
The price is almost double the regular price.
6-3. Yahoo Auction Sold Price
The lowest bid price on Yahoo Auction was 9,250 yen, the highest was 14,500 yen, and the average was 10,827 yen (*Statistics for the past 120 days from March 29, 2021).
Like Mercari, this item is also being sold at almost double the regular price.
6-4. Rakuten, Yahoo Shopping, Amazon
You can find them on mail order sites for around 15,000 yen to 20,000 yen. (*As of March 29, 2021)
6-5. Price offered at BAR SHINKAI
At BAR SHINKAI, which is operated by this website, one drink is offered at the following prices: 45ml: 2,310 yen, 30ml: 1,540 yen, 15ml: 770 yen.
https://en.jpwhisky.net/about-2/barshinkai-4/
7. Summary
The recommended way to drink it is straight. This is a very rare whisky because it is sold in limited quantities. You might want to drink it as soon as possible!
Please check out the other articles about Essence of Suntory.
https://en.jpwhisky.net/2019/11/19/the-essence-of-suntory-whisky-blended-japanese-whisky-rich-type-2/
https://en.jpwhisky.net/2019/11/09/the-essence-of-suntory-whisky-blended-japanese-whisky-clean-type-2/
If you want to learn more about Japanese whisky, which is a global trend, we highly recommend these books. In the December 2021 issue of Whisky Galore, published by the Whisky Culture Research Institute, we report on 11 Japanese craft distilleries, including some that are open to the public for the first time, under the title of “Japanese Whisky Craft Frontline,” the first of three consecutive issues. Why did the popularity of Japanese whisky and the craft boom occur? We will examine with interviews. Chichibu Distillery / Chichibu No.2 Distillery / Mars Shinshu Distillery / Mars Tsunuki Distillery / Kanosuke Distillery / Hioki Distillery / Ontake Distillery / Osuzuyama Distillery / Kaikyo Distillery / Hanyu Distillery / Konosu Distillery This is a book written by Mamoru Tsuchiya, a world-famous whisky critic and representative of the Whisky Culture Research Institute, titled “Japanese Whisky as a Culture that Works for Business” . Masataka Taketsuru, the founder of Nikka Whisky, devoted his life to brewing whisky in Japan. This is a revised and reprinted version of the autobiography of a man who simply loved whisky and talked about himself. The book vividly depicts the days when he went to Scotland alone to study as a young man and overcame many hardships to complete Japanese whisky, as well as his companion, Rita. Launching in 2019. With the world experiencing an unprecedented whisky boom, what were the managers of craft distilleries thinking and what were their thoughts as they took on the challenge of making whisky? This book tells the stories of 13 craft distillery owners, including Ichiro Hido of Venture Whisky, famous for his Ichirose Malt, who inspired the birth of craft distilleries in Japan. This is the Japanese version of Whisky Risng, published in the US in 2016, with much updated content. Not only does it describe the history of Japanese whisky in detail, but it also includes data on all the distilleries in Japan, including the craft distilleries that have been founded in recent years. The book also includes descriptions of the legendary bottles that have been released, as well as information on bars where Japanese whisky can be found. Lastly: Recommended Books on Japanese Whisky
(1).Whisky Galore Vol.29 December 2021 issue
(2). Japanese Whisky as an Education for Business
The book covers the basics of whisky, the introduction of whisky to Japan, the birth of Japanese whisky, advertising strategies and the rise of Japanese whisky, and the current rise of craft distilleries. This is a book that summarizes Japanese whisky in a very easy to understand way.
(3). Whisky and I (Masataka Taketsuru)
(4). A Letter of Challenge from a New Generation Distillery
(5). Whiskey Rising
