Suntory announced that “Suntory Premium Highball <Hakushu> 350ml can” will be released in limited quantities nationwide from June 6 (Tue.), 2023. The price is 660 yen (tax included).
In commemoration of Suntory Whisky’s 100th anniversary, the This is the first product of its kind. Yamazaki highball cans will also be released in the future. In addition, Suntory also announced the release of 100th anniversary labels for Yamazaki NV, Yamazaki 12years, Hakushu NV, and Hakushu 12years, respectively.
1. Where can I buy it?
The set with Suntory The Premium Malts Master Dream is available for pre-order on Amazon. Be quick!
2. 100th Anniversary of Suntory Whisky, 2023 Business Policy
2-1. 100th Anniversary Commemorative, Limited Edition Products
As the first product to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Suntory Whisky, “Suntory Premium Highball <Hakushu> 350ml can”, made with carefully selected Hakushu malt whisky that goes well with highballs, will be released in limited quantities from June 6 (Tue.), 2023.
In addition, “Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki”, “Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 12 years”, “Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu,2 and “Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu 12 years” will be sequentially released in mid-April with labels featuring a design of the distillery, a manufacturing site, with a limited design for 2023. The design depicts the distillery, expressing Suntory Whisky’s desire for the future. The content is said to be the same as the current product, but it is likely to be a hotly contested item.
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- Image source: Suntory Whisky Business Policy 2023 News Release
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- Image source: Suntory Whisky Business Policy 2023 News Release
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- Image source: Suntory Whisky Business Policy 2023 News Release
2-2. Capital investment
We will invest 10 billion yen in the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries by 2024, mainly for the purpose of further improving quality and enhancing the appeal of the distilleries.
2-3.Introduction of “floor malting” at Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries
Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries will introduce “floor malting,” in which wheat soaked in water is spread out on the floor and stirred repeatedly. This is a traditional process that is now only practiced in a few distilleries in Scotland due to the considerable amount of labor (manpower and time) involved. Suntory will introduce floor malting as a symbol of its challenge to whisky making, and will aim for further “delicious quality”.
2-4. Yamazaki Distillery: Introduction of “Electrically Heated Distillation Kettle (Pot Still)”
Since 1968, Yamazaki Distillery has been challenging the development of new technologies and the creation of different types of original whisky to improve the overall quality of Suntory whisky at its small-scale distillation facility called “Pilot Distillery”. This time, by introducing a distillation pot that can be electrically heated in addition to direct heating, Suntory will begin research on further quality improvement, etc., and its purpose seems to be to act as a symbol of the challenges in whisky making. The shape, size, and manufacturer of the pot still to be introduced have not been disclosed.
2-5. Introduction of “Yeast Cultivation Process” at Hakushu Distillery
The Hakushu Distillery will introduce a “yeast cultivation process” for one of its raw materials, aiming to procure high-quality yeast on an ongoing basis. By focusing on even the raw materials, the distillery will further improve the “taste quality”.
3. Suntory Premium Highball Hakushu
Catchphrase is “Aromatic Smoky”
At first glance, one might think that 660 yen is expensive! At first glance, one might think that 660 yen is expensive, but the market price is 1,000 to 1,500 yen per cup (or 800 yen at the lowest) if you drink it at a restaurant, so it must be a product that Hakushu lovers would want to have.
The alcohol content is somewhat high at 9%, and if you want to make 350ml of 9% highball with a 700ml bottle, it would be about 9 glasses, so too expensive! I guess that is not the case. Now I am wondering about the difference in taste from the Hakushu highballs we drink at the store.
Only Hakushu malt sake that is suitable for highballs has been carefully selected for its pleasant smoky aroma and fruity flavor. The blend is designed to be enjoyed over ice in a glass.
The package depicts a green base with a panoramic view of the Hakushu Distillery surrounded by a forest, and the word “Hakushu” is prominently displayed to convey a sense of authenticity. In addition, the words “Aromatic Smoky” convey the characteristics of the product.
Reference: “Suntory Premium Highball Hakushu 350ml can” to be released in limited quantities on February 1, 2023 News Release by Suntory
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Product name |
Suntory Premium Highball Hakushu |
|---|---|
| Sake | ー |
| Ingredients | Malt |
| Barrel | ー |
| Number of bottles | Limited quantity |
| Degree of | 9% |
| Price | Suggested retail price: 660 yen (tax included) |
■Please also see other articles about Hakushu
- 1. Where can I buy it?
- 2. 100th Anniversary of Suntory Whisky, 2023 Business Policy
- 2-1. 100th Anniversary Commemorative, Limited Edition Products
- 2-2. Capital investment
- 2-3.Introduction of “floor malting” at Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries
- 2-4. Yamazaki Distillery: Introduction of “Electrically Heated Distillation Kettle (Pot Still)”
- 2-5. Introduction of “Yeast Cultivation Process” at Hakushu Distillery
- 3. Suntory Premium Highball Hakushu
- Lastly: Recommended Books on Japanese Whisky
Lastly: Recommended Books on Japanese Whisky
If you want to learn more about Japanese whisky, which is a global trend, we highly recommend these books.
(1).Whisky Galore Vol.29 December 2021 issue
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
(2). Japanese Whisky as an Education for Business
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” .
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)
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.
(4). A Letter of Challenge from a New Generation Distillery
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.
(5). Whiskey Rising
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.
