The world of Japanese whisky continues to expand, as new distilleries open and the category has gotten set regulations and guidelines (which are still voluntary at this point, it should be noted). But one thing that remains constant is that Suntory still dominates the market, and its age statement expressions from its Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, as well as its Hibiki blend, are still pricy and hard to find. The same goes for the new 2024 edition of the Tsukuriwake Series, which recently launched here in the U.S.
Tsukuriwake means “artisanship through a diversity of making,” according to the company, and the whisky is supposed to reflect that through the various production methods used to produce it. “While past releases from the collection focused mainly on the details of the casks, the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series emphasizes the elements of whisky making, such as ingredient selection, peat, and cask,” said chief blender Shinji Fukuyo in a statement. “This series is the ultimate showcase of the incredible diversity of choices that goes into the making of Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies.”
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There are four whiskies included with this year’s release—Yamazaki Golden Promise, Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt, Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt, and Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara—each one a variation on the core expressions produced at the two distilleries. Golden Promise (SRP $465) refers to the barley varietal used in the mashbill of this single malt, and according to the company it is supposed to yield a “maltier, richer Yamazaki profile” with notes of orange marmalade and custard on the palate, and a long, sweet finish. A second Yamazaki expression in the collection, Islay Peat (SRP $465), is made using peat from the island region of Scotland known for its smoky whiskies. This makes sense given that two of Suntory Global Spirits’ distilleries are on Islay—Laphroaig and Bowmore—both of which make peated whisky. The use of this peat gives the Yamazaki single malt, which is not usually smoky, notes of brown sugar and hints of bitter orange citrus on the palate to complement the smoke.
The last Yamazaki whisky in the lineup is the 2024 edition of the 18 Year Old Mizunara (SRP $1,500). This is the same as previous Mizunara expressions, aged entirely in this type of Japanese oak that is famously difficult to use, but with a new label for this year’s Tsukuriwake Edition. 18 years is a long time to spend in mizunara, and the official tasting notes describe the effect as spice, sandalwood, and spiced orange on the palate, along with hints of clove and dried coconut. The last whisky is from the Hakushu distillery, the 18 Year Old Peated Malt ($1,200). This expression is also the same as last year’s version (which made our Best of the Best list) but with a different label, an elegant and subtly smoky single malt with a bit of spice and citrus on the palate.
The reality is that you’re going to need a bit of luck and a whole lot of cash to snag one or all of these limited-edition bottles, as they are currently listed for a lot more than their suggested prices at secondary market websites. If you’re interested in exploring the core Suntory lineup instead, you can find select bottles available to purchase from ReserveBar now.
