Previously available only in Japan and Global Travel Retail, Suntory World Whisky Ao is now available on our shores.
To simply call the Suntory World Whisky Ao a hybrid whisky (usually a blend of smoky whisky and vanilla meets oaky scotch) is doing it a disservice despite there needing some kind of finessing to create one.
Around the World
Suntory World Whisky Ao however, is one of the most unique whiskies available on our globe because it is made from whiskies across the globe itself.
Gathering up the spirits from the five more noteworthy whisky regions in the world — the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries from Japan, of course, The Ardmore and Glen Garioch distilleries from Scotland, the Cooley distillery from Ireland, the Alberta distillery in Canada and the Jim Beam Claremont distillery in U.S. — the whiskies are then blended into one beautiful whole courtesy of fifth-generation Suntory Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo.
Ao, Japanese for Blue, is then a reference to this global alchemy Fukuyo performs for each other using Suntory’s globally recognised Monozukuri craftsmanship — a relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality — and named after the five oceans — Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Southern Antarctic, and Artic — that connect the distilleries of the world.
A method of a make that builds on Suntory’s history of craftsmanship that is a tribute to the liquid’s long history.
Like its provenance, the Suntory World Whisky Ao takes on five prismatic sides with calligraphic lettering by Japanese calligrapher Tansetsu Ogino to represent the whiskies’ global origins and Japanese craftsmanship.
The Taste Test
Taking on an alluring golden look in the glass, Suntory World Whisky Ao nose profile elicits all the eccentricities of classic Scotch whiskies — the toasted and heathery grains blended with smokiness and zesty-pineapple citruses — with the creamy honey notes of Irish ones.
As for the palate, a smooth and sweet mouthful that’s like sipping boozy milk chocolate and vanilla; the Jim Beam from the U.S. peaks through without overwhelming which again, is no thanks to the deft hands of Fukuyo himself.
The finish however, is when one would note that the Suntory World Whisky Ao is impeccably blended to give layered complexity; he would not be able to identify each whisky because of how artfully Fukuyo himself has blended them together.
Earthy, sultry but subtle, and woody in way that suggests both whiskies from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries have come into play, the whisky plays with both sweet and smoky and spicy and woody finishes.
“Ao is an exceptional whisky which, through the art of Suntory blending, allows you to enjoy the unique characteristics of each of the five major whisky-making regions.” says Fukuyo himself which in short, explains the good stuff that comes with every purchase of it: a relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality that of course, can only come with the 99 year history of the whisky brand itself.
Tasting Notes:
Colour – Amber
Nose – Profound vanilla, pineapple-like fruitiness on top, a creamy sweetness and depth with a lingering woody aroma.
Palate – smooth and sweet mouthfeel, gradually followed with smokiness and cinnamon-like spiciness.
Finish – sweet and smoky, spicy and woody, a many-layered complexity.
Suntory World Whisky Ao is available for purchase here.
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