Suntory Royal Blended Japanese Whiskey /43%/ 0.66l

Suntory Royal was officially launched in May 1960 during the company's 60th anniversary gala held at the Shin Osaka Hotel.

It was the final creation of the then 81-year-old Shinjiro Torii (1879-1962) based on detailed research into the taste preferences of the Japanese. The creative process also involved Shinjiro’s son, Keizo Saji, and Kotobukiya Ltd’s blending master, Kan Sato (the company changed its name to Suntory Ltd in 1963). During the ceremonial tasting, Shinjiro Torii is said to have compared the drink to “falling cherry blossom petals”. Little is known about the original Suntory Royal formula. Its main component was certainly whisky from the Yamazaki Distillery; it was not until the late 1970s that Hakushu and Chita whiskies were added (both distilleries began distilling in 1973).

Aroma : delicate, vanilla, buttered toast, milk chocolate, fruit compote, oak shavings and a handful of herbs.

Taste: light and mild, slightly oaky, apples, banana cake, biscuits, pine nuts, traces of vanilla and caramel.

Finish : medium long, vanilla, oak and a delicate note of caramel.