Suntory Toritoshi 2017

Suntory Toritoshi 2017 is a commemorative house blend, its name nodding to the rooster of that zodiac year. It is a blend rather than a single malt, drawing malt whisky from the Yamazaki distillery in Osaka and the forest distillery at Hakushu in Yamanashi together with light grain whisky from Chita in Aichi, an expression of the whole house built for an occasion rather than the voice of any single site.

Matured in Ex-Bourbon oak, it leads with honey and ripe orchard fruit, vanilla and a rounded sweetness from the grain, with the soft sandalwood and incense note Suntory draws from Japanese oak running quietly beneath. The Yamazaki and Hakushu malts give shape and depth while the Chita grain lends a clean, easy texture. At 43% it stays smooth and balanced, a celebratory blend that reflects the measured, layered character Suntory pursues across its blended range.