How does the philosophy of 'Monozukuri' influence your approach to whisky making?
“Monozukuri” is the spirit of craftsmanship, relentlessly pursuing precision and improvement day after day. It compels us to execute every step of production, from ingredient selection to blending and bottling, with meticulous attention and passion. We leverage both traditional and innovative techniques to achieve harmony with Japanese nature and culture.
Can you describe the unique characteristics of Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries and how they contribute to your whisky’s flavor profile?
Nestled near Kyoto, Yamazaki Distillery, the birthplace of Japanese whisky, utilizes some of Japan's purest water. This water imparts a fruity, creamy character with a robust body to the distilled whisky. Maturation in a variety of casks, including American oak, Spanish oak, French oak, and Mizunara, alongside Japan's distinct four seasons, enriches Yamazaki with a complex and mature taste. For over a century, we have strived to make whisky in harmony with Japanese nature, constantly refining traditional methods and pioneering new ways to create even better whiskies.
Hakushu Distillery, established decades after Yamazaki, boasts a unique natural environment. This environment shapes whiskies imbued with the essence of mountain forests, characterized by orchard fruit aromas and a gentle smokiness.
Our two malt whiskies offer distinct profiles: Yamazaki, sweet, creamy, richly matured, and full-bodied; Hakushu, crisp, fruity, mild, and refreshing. The smokiness level and oak type further diversify these profiles. This variety, whether in single malts or blends, contributes to our multifaceted flavor portfolio.
How do you integrate traditional Japanese techniques with global innovations in your whisky production?
Our craftsmanship revolves around refining production to create the finest raw spirit. “Tsukuriwake,” the use of diverse malts, peating levels, fermenters, pot stills, and casks, is fundamental to the unique and exceptional character of Suntory Whiskies. This method allows us to produce a vast array of flavors, which our skilled blenders then masterfully combine to achieve harmonious blends of aroma and flavor. This practice exemplifies the meticulousness of Japanese craftsmanship.
“Tsukurikomi,” the unwavering dedication to crafting high-quality new make spirits, is equally vital to our whisky making. We have consistently implemented practices to elevate our whisky production, such as producing clear wort, utilizing brewer's yeast, and employing direct-fired distillation. We believe in leveraging the best methods available, and sometimes that means returning to time-tested traditions, like floor malting and direct-fired distillation, which we have reintroduced in recent decades. In other instances, we embrace new technologies, like our recent exploration of Hydrogen-powered stills. But it's important to remember that “Tsukurikomi” is ultimately achieved through the dedication and expertise of our craftsmen.
What role does Mizunara oak play in the aging process of your whiskies, and what unique flavors does it impart?
Mizunara oak barrels play a significant role in aging Yamazaki and Hibiki whiskies. However, they are exceptionally challenging to work with, requiring extended maturation of at least 12 years. This rare oak imparts a unique coconut-like sweetness and texture, along with an incense-like aroma complemented by woody and spicy characteristics, to the rich and robust Yamazaki malt.
How do you ensure that each blend maintains harmony and depth, a hallmark of Japanese whisky?
We meticulously plan for the future product supply. To achieve this, we require a comprehensive understanding of our current inventory profile, including the volume and quality of whisky available at each stage of aging. This information forms the basis for our future distillation and barrel aging plans, which we execute with unwavering commitment. By meticulously repeating this process, we can ensure a well-prepared inventory for future endeavors.
Blending lies at the heart of our craft. Similar to assembling a puzzle, blending involves combining various whiskies to achieve a unique final product. Each launch reflects our unwavering commitment to the highest quality standards and meticulousness. Our expert blenders skillfully combine the various types of whisky to bring out harmonious blends of flavors and aromas. This practice embodies the essence of Japanese craftsmanship.
Our philosophy centers on creating whiskies that are “subtle and refined, yet complex,” where each aroma complements the others, and with each sip, new layers of complexity emerge.
