The House of Suntory has launched the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series. This series showcases the exceptional blending and diversity of Japanese whisky. It includes Yamazaki Golden Promise, Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt, Hakushu 18-Year-Old Peated Malt, and Yamazaki 18-Year-Old Mizunara.
The House of Suntory continues innovating the category of Japanese whisky with the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series, following the release of Tsukuriwake Series 2022 to celebrate the milestone 100th Anniversary.
In the past, the focus of the Tsukuriwake Series has primarily been on the casks matured in the lands of Yamazaki and Hakushu. This year, the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series is taking a comprehensive approach by covering the entire whisky-making process, including the water, environment, ingredients, peat, distillation, age, and cask for the first time. It's a limited-edition collection that represents the concept of "artisanship through a diversity of making." Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo of The House of Suntory has broadened the previous Tsukuriwake range by incorporating ingredients like wood and processes that push the boundaries of whisky making.
The launch in Bangkok on the 26th of September, led by Southeast Asia Brand Ambassador Andrew Pang, was hosted at The Water Library Bangkok at Central Embassy. Whisky connoisseurs and media were the first group of people to try these exceptional drams paired with food meticulously cooked by Chef Oliver Drug, which began with an amuse-bouche of creamy and crusty crab tarte and ikura hidden under refreshing green espuma to open the guests' palates.
Yamazaki Golden Promise, crafted from golden promise barley and distilled in Japan in 2009, was aged in American Oak casks, resulting in a maltier and richer Yamazaki profile. This cask, well-suited for more mature whiskies, has been incorporated into Yamazaki 12-Year-Old, enhancing its deep and rounded flavour. It was paired with the first course of hamachi in mango gazpacho with coconut cream sauce and cucumber, complementing Yamazaki Golden Promise's richness with notes of orange marmalade, custard, and a long-lasting finish.
The next course, featuring a seared scallop, bell pepper, grilled lettuce, and barbecue sauce, was paired with Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt made from Islay Peat. The umami taste from the shiitake mushroom barbecue sauce complemented the whisky's peatiness. The sweetness and complex, smoky, long-lasting finish of the unique Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt, with hints of bitter orange citrus and a warm, smoky finish, was complemented by the scallop's sweetness and the distinct taste of bell pepper, while the grilled lettuce cut the richness from the sauce.
The limited-edition 2024 Tsukuriwake Edition of Hakushu 18-Year-Old Peated Malt was made with diverse blending techniques and undergoes a lengthy maturation process, resulting in a refined smokiness that evokes a serene forest with spicy, peppery notes and revealing herbaceous minerals and ripe apple undertones. This exceptional dram was perfectly paired with the third course, which included soft tofu with foie gras sauce, topped with shiitake, leek, and bonito, creating a delightful experience.
The main course of succulent duck, accompanied by cherry, celeriac, and black garlic with a delicate cinnamon sauce, was thoughtfully paired with the exclusive Yamazaki 18-Year-Old Mizunara (2024 Tsukuriwake Edition). This limited-edition release pays homage to Suntory's expertise in utilizing Mizunara oak. The 100% Mizunara whisky boasts a rich and intricate flavour profile, highlighted by spiced orange notes and culminating in a lingering finish characterized by hints of clove and dried coconut.
Both the Yamazaki 18-Year-Old Mizunara and the Hakushu 18-Year-Old Peated Malt were introduced last year in celebration of the House of Suntory's 100th anniversary and have continued to captivate consumers with their exceptional quality.
For more detailed information on these limited-edition whiskies, visit The House of Suntory website. These exclusive releases are currently available in select markets worldwide.
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