How much are you willing to spend for a 55 year old limited edition bottle of whisky? Before you answer, know that Japan’s Suntory Holdings showcased a limited edition 55 year old Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky at an exclusive event in Tokyo recently. Showcased by the company’s chief blender Shinji Fukuyo and head of whisky business Kengo Torii, Suntory has announced its plans to sell only 100 bottles of the aged whisky from June 30 onwards.
The organisation has priced each bottled at 3 million yen, which is 19,59,148 in rupees and 27,347 in dollars!
Suntory had decided not to ship the bottles internationally, allowing buyers with Japanese addresses to make their bids this month. Implementing a lottery system, the company will see Japan’s master collectors and whisky connoisseurs bidding for this smooth aged liquor.
This oldest offering by Yamazaki has been blended from whisky matured in Mizunara oak and American white oak barrels. It has been produced in Japan’s oldest malt whisky distillery in Osaka. The whisky is said to taste sweet and woody, offering an aroma of dry fruits, pineapple and orange peel. As per Fukuyo, the whisky barrels were periodically moved to cooler areas to slow down the maturation process in order to add nuance to the liquor’s character.
The company will be selling the whisky in country-made crystal bottles featuring an imprinted 55 on it. Since Japan distilleries are facing a shortage of aged whiskies, this might be one of the last 55 year old whiskies to be made available in the market in the coming years.
While other Japanese whisky distilleries are offering blends with no age statements to continue to hold their share in the market, Suntory hopes to maintain its ‘premium’ reputation with this new whisky offering!
