Suntory Whiskey White / 40% / 0.64l

Suntory whisky debuted in April 1929. It was called Shirofuda and did not find full approval from either its creator, Shinjiro Torii, or the Japanese consumer.

It sold poorly, and the subsequent “improved” versions, Akafuda and Tokkaku, which were released over the next two years, were also met with more than lukewarm reception. The next offering, Suntory White, which Masataka Taketsuru helped create, was much better rated by consumers. Taketsuru worked with Shinjiro Torii until 1934, after which he founded his own company, Danipponkaju, better known by its current name, Nikka Distilling Company. Suntory White was the first Japanese whisky to receive significant marketing support, and to this day it is considered a great choice for a classic Japanese highball.

Nose: slightly subdued, vanilla, brown sugar, peaches, apricots, apples, a hint of ginger and white pepper and a trace of fresh herbs.

Taste: light, apples, grapes, grapefruit, honey, vanilla, licorice, white pepper, notes of fennel and thyme.

Finish : medium long, with notes of vanilla, summer fruits, fresh herbs, a pinch of white pepper and oak tannins.