As we approach our 100th bottle, it is only fair we exhibit a whisky none other than The Suntory Ao World Whisky. Suntory recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary, an indication that the distillers have wasted no time in making their mark on the industry.
As a tribute to this denouement, we have picked a whisky with a blend that combines whiskies from the five most noteworthy regions in the world – Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the U.S.
Suntory pioneered a technique, wherein they produce innumerable whisky profiles in each distillery by altering production variables throughout the year such as still shapes, peat levels and cask types. This allows them to create malt and blended whiskies that are intricately layered for incomparable complexity. The tasting notes for this whisky are as follows:
Colour: Suntory Ao pours a rich, amber caramel colour, looking several shades darker than your average Japanese dram.
Nose: A hint of smoke that soon turns into heavenly raisin fruitiness.
Palate: Medium-bodied with hints of oak and spices, almost diminishing as soon as you take the first sip.
Water: Definitely recommend it as it is very dry without being overly astringent.
Finish: It finishes long and sweet-spicy, really tasting like Canada was the last to make an appearance. I could see this blend appealing to fans of Japanese whisky.
If you miss out on this incredible dram, there will definitely be a skerrick of penitence in your choice, so come into the Members’ Bar next week and bid farewell to our whisky sub club. Slàinte!
