Introducing “Ao,” a new whisky that highlights the distinctive characteristics of Irish whisky
Suntory Limited will launch SUNTORY WHISKY “Ao〈ＩＲＩＳＨ ＥＤＩＴＩＯＮ〉” nationwide in limited quantities starting Tuesday, June 9.
“Ao” is the world’s first whisky blended exclusively from base spirits produced at the Suntory Group’s own distilleries located in the world’s five major whisky-producing regions*.
With the brand concept of “Ao (blue)”—the color of the vast and beautiful ocean that connects the world—it has been well-received by customers who enjoy premium whisky.*Whiskys produced in the five countries known as the world’s major whisky-producing regions: Ireland, Scotland, the United States, Canada, and Japan
As the first release in the “WORLD TRAVEL COLLECTION” series, which highlights the distinctive characteristics of each of the world’s five major whisky regions, we are launching a limited edition of “Ao〈ＩＲＩＳＨ ＥＤＩＴＩＯＮ 〉”
We hope you enjoy a special moment with this limited-edition product that allows you to experience the essence of Ireland.
1. Ao〈ＩＲＩＳＨ ＥＤＩＴＩＯＮ〉
The blend is crafted by Suntory’s master blenders using only base spirits produced at the Suntory Group’s own distilleries—where quality is strictly controlled—located in the world’s five major whisky-producing regions.
By highlighting the distinctive characteristics of Irish whisky, we invite you to enjoy a refreshing and light-bodied flavor.
The packaging features a label made from high-quality “Echizen washi paper”, with bright colors that express the characteristics of Irish whisky.
| Product Name | Ao〈ＩＲＩＳＨ ＥＤＩＴＩＯＮ〉 |
| Alcohol Content | 43% |
| Content Capacity | 700ml |
| Release Date | Tuesday, June 9, 2026 |
| Price | 6,000 yen |
2. Summary
The Smoky Pleasure released as a limited edition by Ao last time was quite delicious, so personally, if I’m lucky enough to find a bottle, I’d definitely want to snag one.
Since Suntory owns the Cooley distillery in Ireland, I wonder if Connemara will be the key…
Plus, since this is the first release in a new series, I’m looking forward to seeing what else they’ll release in the future!
I wonder if this series is based on the concept of highlighting the distinct characteristics of each of the five major whisky regions.
For now, let’s look forward to June.
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.
