Japanese whisky pioneer The House of Suntory has launched the Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend in select travel retail locations across the US, Australia, Singapore and India.
The 57% ABV whisky is also available for online purchase and in the domestic market for a limited time with an RRP of US$200.
Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend features a selection of bourbon aged in Spanish oak sherry casks, which were used to mature The House of Suntory’s flagship Yamazaki Single Malt Japanese Whisky. It also features selections of bourbon matured in French oak wine casks and Spanish oak sherry casks.
The expression started as Kentucky Straight Bourbon crafted from American grain. Following eight years of aging in Kentucky, it travelled to the Yamazaki Distillery in the outskirts of Kyoto for finishing and blending. Yamazaki was identified as an ideal environment for maturation due to its warm, humid climate.
According to brand owner Beam Suntory: “It [Yamazaki] is where Suntory developed its signature concept of Tsukuriwake or ‘diversity of making’, which involves creating and harmonising different types of whiskies to create a subtle, refined and complex profile.”
Fifth-generation The House of Suntory Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo said: “Partnering with Fred Noe, seventh-generation Master Distiller of James B. Beam Distilling Co., on Legent Bourbon was an honour and an exciting opportunity to create something special representing east meets west.
“Taking it one step further to create this limited-edition release – finished by the climate of Yamazaki Distillery creating its distinctive matured aroma – has been an exciting endeavour. The result is a first-of-its-kind whisky with new layers of rounded and complex flavours.”
As reported, this year marks 100 years of Suntory Whisky and the Yamazaki Distillery. The Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend release is a stepping stone towards Suntory’s next 100 years of monozukuri (Japanese craftsmanship).
The House of Suntory Managing Director Jon Potter commented: “Legent represents the future of whisky innovation from The House of Suntory.
“For generations, our master blenders have crafted world-class spirits through exceptional innovation and blending techniques. As we look to the next 100 years, Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend exemplifies the global influence of Japanese craftsmanship and The House of Suntory’s consistent pursuit of mastery.”
Beam Suntory Brand Marketing Director Global Travel Retail Manuel Gonzalez noted: “The travel retail channel has played a key role this year in celebrating The House of Suntory’s 100th anniversary of pioneering Japanese spirits, and I am delighted that Suntory’s Legent Yamazaki Cask Finish Blend will also be showcased in selected travel retail doors.
“This prestige limited-edition release is a very special blend – on every level – and it illustrates how we are harnessing The House of Suntory’s exceptional history and heritage to create new and exciting liquids that encapsulate the craftsmanship and quality that has always been associated with the brand.
“I have no doubt that this new whisky will prove hugely popular with our discerning passenger clientele, add value to the category, and further drive commercial success.” ✈
