Whisky Focus - Yamazaki and Hakushu Kogei Collection Travel Retail Exclusive

Introducing the 2024 Japanese Kimono Edition from The House of Suntory, renowned for its pioneering role in Japanese Whisky. This exclusive Yamazaki and Hakushu Kogei Collection celebrates traditional Japanese craftsmanship, or 'Kogei', by delving into the nation's time-honoured arts through artisan collaborations. The goal? To capture the essence of Japanese artistry—a dedication to process, beauty, and creativity. Launched this month, these new whiskies beautifully blend peated malt with Spanish oak, offering a harmonious fusion of flavours.

Crafted in collaboration with selected traditional Japanese artisans, this limited-edition collection will showcase new packaging designs every two years.

A Tale of Artistry with Chiso Kimono House
In homage to timeless artistry and tradition, the 2024 Japanese Kimono Edition was born from a partnership with Chiso, the eminent Kimono House from Kyoto with a legacy dating back to 1555. Chiso's reputation for crafting exquisite Japanese kimonos made them a natural fit for this collaboration. Their timeless patterns, shaped by colors and motifs, embody a blend of ancient tradition and modern techniques.

Utilising the traditional Bokashi-zome (gradation dyeing) method, Chiso's pattern-makers infused the distinctive narrative of The House of Suntory and its unique Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies into the bottle labels and outer packaging.

Drawing inspiration from actual Chiso kimonos, the Yamazaki packaging features intricate prints evoking the serene Yamazaki distillery, with an image of three merging rivers symbolising tranquillity. Delicate gold accents, reminiscent of drifting clouds, add an elegant touch. Meanwhile, the Hakushu packaging reflects the lush Japanese Southern Alps surrounding the Hakushu distillery. This design incorporates silver stamping to evoke forest clouds and the subtle threads of a kimono.

Global Travel Retail Debut
The 2024 Kogei Collection presents two exceptional whiskies: the Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak and the Hakushu Peated Malt Spanish Oak. These will be available at selected airport locations worldwide, priced at US$205 for a 700ml bottle.

Airports featuring the collection include Singapore Changi, Dubai International, London Heathrow, Los Angeles International, Paris CDG, Frankfurt, Amsterdam Schiphol, Istanbul, Shanghai, Beijing Capital International, Hainan, Hong Kong International, Taipei Taoyuan, Seoul Incheon, Delhi Indira Gandhi International, Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International, Hamad International, Sydney, Melbourne, and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi.

The global debut of the 2024 Kogei Collection took place on April 1st at The House of Suntory’s inaugural travel retail shop-in-shop boutique in Singapore Changi Terminal 3. Following this, a high-profile installation will launch at Dubai International in late May, with subsequent debuts at Singapore Changi and London Heathrow in July. Additional activations are planned for Los Angeles, Shanghai, Hainan, Doha, Sydney, Paris, and Delhi.

The Yamazaki and Hakushu Kogei Expressions
Master blender Shinji Fukuyo's artistry, known as "Tsukuriwake" or 'artisanship through a diversity of making', shines in both the Yamazaki and Hakushu expressions. These single malts from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries use peated malt and Spanish oak casks to elevate and enrich their distinct flavour profiles, resulting in a vibrant spice character with gentle smoky undertones.

The Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak limited edition, bottled at 43% ABV, is said to boast creamy notes of dark mocha, raisins, and almonds. On the palate, it offers a deep, smooth smokiness, complemented by rich, roasted cacao. The finish is profound with bittersweet caramelized baking spices.

To enhance the signature flavour maturation in Spanish oak casks, allowing the whisky to age through Japan's four distinctive seasons. This process brings out a selection of unique, colorful spices, crafting a new motif for the brand.

The Hakushu Peated Malt Spanish Oak limited edition, also bottled at 43% ABV, it is said to blend rich floral notes of bitter orange marmalade with softly smoky dark chocolate. On the palate, this dark amber whisky offers an elegant smokiness balanced by sweet, subtle citrus, leading to a lingering, clean finish with gentle smoke and tartness.

To deepen Hakushu's signature flavours, Shinji began with peat-smoked malt from Islay distillers to develop a deeper grain character with richer floral notes. The liquid was then matured in Spanish oak casks, resulting in a Hakushu with drier smoke and undertones of fruity sweetness.

Beam Suntory Global Travel Retail Managing Director Ashish Gandham noted: "The Kogei Collection is a new milestone for our whisky portfolio – and for the travel retail channel – and illustrates perfectly our commitment to combining premiumisation with sought-after exclusives.

"These two very special collectible whiskies are a testament to The House of Suntory’s legacy of craftsmanship – and to our endless quest for quality and creativity. I’m very excited to introduce these releases to the global travel retail channel – the only market chosen to carry exclusive Yamazaki and Hakushu expressions.

"The Japanese Kimono Editions of our 2024 Kogei Collection are a true embodiment of craft through inspired innovation,” commented Beam Suntory Brand Marketing Director Global Travel Retail Manuel Gonzalez. “I’m sure these exceptional expressions will capture the imagination of whisky lovers and collectors, and drive engagement and trade-up for us and our retail partners."

If you have no travel plans in the near future you will find a selection of Yamazaki and Hakushu whisky available from specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
 

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