No.9500   2006. 6. 13

Suntory Single Malt Whisky
HAKUSHU 18 YEARS
Suntory takes Gold Medals at 11th Annual International Spirits Challenge
- HIBIKI 30 YEARS, HIBIKI 21 YEARS and HAKUSHU 18 YEARS
all take top honors -

Suntory Single Malt Whisky HAKUSHU 18 YEARS, Suntory Whisky HIBIKI 30 YEARS and Suntory Whisky HIBIKI 21 YEARS have all received Gold Medals at the 11th International Spirits Challenge 2006, the annual international spirits competition held in Britain.

Suntory Limited’s whiskies have received Gold Medals in every competition since its Single Malt Whisky YAMAZAKI 12 YEARS took home the top honor in 2003, solidifying the reputation of its pure whiskies worldwide. The top standing of the Single Malt Whisky HAKUSHU 18 YEARS, which was awarded its first Gold Medal after being released just this year, is particularly significant as it is proof that the Hakushu distillery is renowned internationally for its more than 30 years of whisky making.

The International Spirits Challenge is a highly influential competition held every year by William Reed, a British publisher specializing in drinks.

▼Suntory’s Gold Medal Whiskies
(Volume, Alcohol Content, Suggested Retail Price*, Characteristics)

• Suntory Single Malt Whisky HAKUSHU 18 YEARS

700 ml

43%

20,000 yen

Characterized by its deep fragrance and a briskness reminiscent of fruit and hay, this whisky is complex and rich, with a superb harmony between sweetness and woodiness in each sip. HAKUSHU 18 YEARS has been crafted to be an all-round clean and elegant whisky.

HIBIKI 30 YEARS is an indulgent whisky with a sweet scent and gorgeous bouquet that brings to mind flowers. It is smooth drinking, with a rich body and warm aftertaste. This year’s Gold Medal marks the second time in the past three years HIBIKI 30 YEARS has taken home the prestigious award.

HIBIKI 21 YEARS is characterized by its fruity, sweet flavor and its mature nose reminiscent of flowers, giving it a smooth palate and deep aftertaste. 2006 marks the third year in a row HIBIKI 21 YEARS has received the Gold Medal at the international competition.

▼Suntory whisky Web page
http://suntory.jp/WHISKY/ (Japanese)