Suntory Liquors Limited was recognized as Whisky Distiller of the Year in Whisky Magazine's Icons of Whisky 2010, in a category involving distillers around the world. The award distinguishes one distiller for outstanding work that year in support of whisky. This marks the first time a Japanese company has been so honored.
Meanwhile, HIBIKI 21 Years was chosen as World's Best Blended Whisky in the publication's World Whiskies Awards.
Both award ceremonies were held in London on February 25th.
Now in its eighth year, Icons of Whisky is an international whisky industry competition held by Whisky Magazine, a publication from the heartland of whisky in the U.K. enjoyed by readers in more than 100 countries. Nine categories in the competition honor distillers, retailers, and individuals who have made a significant difference in bringing the world fine whisky.
Suntory Liquors Limited was recognized as Whisky Distiller of the Year outside of Scotland and the U.S., and as overall Distiller of the Year, attesting to Suntory's outstanding contributions to whisky. Several reasons were cited for the honor, including Suntory's prominence among Japanese whisky makers, the fact that Suntory introduced whisky to Japan, and the role the company has played in establishing traditions of whisky in Japan. Notable achievements over the past year at Suntory include the launch of HIBIKI 12 Years, the ongoing global expansion of YAMAZAKI offerings, and introduction of whisky highballs, which have helped popularize whisky among a new generation in Japan.
Suntory is pleased to be the first Japanese Whisky Distiller of the Year. Having long sought whisky worthy of international recognition, Suntory views the award as a tremendous honor.
World Whiskies Awards is also an international competition held by Whisky Magazine. Now in its fourth year, the event is held to judge the world's finest whisky. Whisky submitted from around the world is tasted locally in the U.K., the U.S., Japan, and elsewhere as regional winners are selected for the final round. Rigorous blind tasting is conducted to determine the ultimate whisky in seven categories, such as World's Best Single Malt Whisky and World's Best Blended Whisky.
This year, HIBIKI 21 Years emerged as the world's finest blended whisky. The panel of judges described HIBIKI 21 Years as spicy, fresh, and sophisticated, with rich aromas and flavors.
Further Information
The story of whisky making by Suntory began in 1923 at Yamazaki Distillery in Osaka, Japan's first distillery for authentic whisky. Exceptionally pure water is abundant here, and the humidity is ideal for aging. The distillery's first offering was introduced in 1929: Suntory Shirofuda ("white label") . Over time Suntory has developed a portfolio including KAKUBIN ("square bottle"), HIBIKI, and many others blended to suit tastes in Japan. In 1973, a second base of operations, Hakushu Distillery, was built in the forests of Yamanashi Prefecture as another source of malt whisky. A testament to Suntory's commitment to whisky is the expertise applied in developing such a broad palette of whisky for blending, which is unusual even on a global scale. Washbacks, pot stills, and tanks and casks of several materials and shapes are selected as needed, enabling careful control over production to create a variety of whisky for blending. This level of commitment is rare even in Scotland, and it is closely linked to the high standards of quality and exquisite aromas and flavors in Suntory whisky.
Expertly blended of rare malt whiskies aged at least 21 years. A key malt is Yamazaki whisky that has been aged in sherry casks, which is blended with carefully chosen mellow grain whiskies aged 21 years. Distinguished by sweet, dry-fruit aromas and spicy tones. Velvety on the palate, with substantial yet elegant flavors and a deep, lingering finish.
