What are Suntory's core whisky series?

When it comes to Suntory whiskies, their flagship star products are actually quite easy to recognize. They can generally be divided into several tiers, each with its own distinct characteristics. You can understand it this way:

1. The Two Pillars: Single Malt Whiskies

These are Suntory's top-tier series, best representing their craftsmanship, and highly praised by whisky enthusiasts. They come from two distilleries with completely different styles.

• Yamazaki

  • Characteristics: This is Suntory's "elder statesman," Japan's first malt whisky distillery. Its style is gorgeous, complex, and rich in fruit aromas. It offers a warm, rounded sensation on the palate, with incredibly rich layers, often revealing notes of various fruits, honey, and even a hint of sandalwood (from the unique Japanese Mizunara oak casks).
  • In short: If whisky were music, Yamazaki would be a grand, harmoniously beautiful symphony – classic and endlessly fascinating.

• Hakushu

  • Characteristics: If Yamazaki is an elegant gentleman, then Hakushu is a poet secluded in the forest. Its distillery is built amidst a forest, lending the whisky a fresh, crisp, and slightly smoky character. You can taste notes of mint, green apple, and subtle grass, with a very refreshing palate.
  • In short: Hakushu is like walking through a forest after a morning rain – the air is fresh, carrying hints of earth and vegetation, making it highly distinctive.

2. The Art of Blending: Blended Whiskies

Blended whisky isn't inferior; on the contrary, it's a true test of the blender's skill, requiring them to perfectly integrate original spirits from different distilleries (like Yamazaki, Hakushu, etc.) like a work of art.

• Hibiki
  • Characteristics: This is the pinnacle of Suntory's blended whiskies, having won countless international awards. Its keywords are "harmony" and "balance". The palate is incredibly smooth, with almost no alcoholic bite, and various flavors (floral, fruity, woody) blend seamlessly. Coupled with its iconic beautiful bottle featuring 24 facets, it's an impressive choice whether for personal enjoyment or as a gift.
  • In short: Hibiki is like a top-tier symphony orchestra conductor, perfectly organizing excellent musicians like Yamazaki and Hakushu to perform an impeccable piece. For newcomers, it's definitely one of the best entry points.

3. Unsung Heroes & National Favorites

Besides the three renowned series above, there are two more that are core to the lineup.

• Chita

  • Characteristics: This is a "grain whisky," primarily distilled from grains like corn, unlike the "single malts" Yamazaki and Hakushu which use only malted barley. Its style is light, sweet, and gentle. It serves as an important base spirit for the "Hibiki" blend and is also sold independently.
  • In short: If Yamazaki and Hakushu are the main courses, Chita is the broth or rice that enhances all the flavors. It's also very pleasant to drink on its own, especially suitable for serving on the rocks or in a Highball.

• Kakubin

  • Characteristics: This is probably the most common whisky you'll see in Japanese restaurants or izakayas. With its yellow label and square bottle ("Kakubin" literally means "square bottle"), it's Japan's "national whisky." It's also a blended whisky, affordable, and smooth on the palate.
  • In short: This is the everyday "house pour" for Japanese people. Its biggest mission is to be made into a "Highball" (whisky + soda water + ice), which is refreshing and thirst-quenching, and the perfect accompaniment for yakitori or fried chicken.

In summary, if you want to taste the essence of Japanese whisky, start with Yamazaki and Hakushu; if you want to experience ultimate smoothness and harmony, or give a respectable gift, Hibiki is the unparalleled choice; and if you want to experience the most authentic local Japanese way of drinking, you absolutely must try a Kakubin Highball!