Cover Suntory The Premium Malt’s range of beer offerings (Photo: The Premium Malt’s)
Suntory The Premium Malt’s range of beer offerings (Photo: The Premium Malt’s)
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Two decades after its creation, The Premium Malt’s remains a benchmark for what Japanese brewing can achieve—the result of an uncompromising pursuit of the world’s finest beer
“I want to create the world’s finest beer,” Ryuzo Yamamoto once said when he set out to revive the beer business of Suntory in 2003, after the company’s earlier attempts at beer brewing had failed to gain traction.
It was an ambitious goal, indeed, but ambition has long been woven into Suntory’s story. In 1963, the company’s second president, Keizo Saji, had chosen to re-enter the beer category despite early setbacks, guided by the philosophy of founder Shinjiro Torii, whose oft-quoted mantra, “Yatte Minahare” (loosely meaning “go for it”) championed the pursuit of excellence.
Yamamoto, considered the developer of The Premium Malt’s, approached the challenge with quiet determination. He travelled alone to Europe, immersing himself in the continent’s storied brewing traditions and studying the structure and balance that define classic pilsners. Back in Japan, the process of creating his ideal beer became one of relentless trials and errors at Suntory’s research brewery, until The Premium Malt’s emerged as a brew with the perfect ratio of richness and elegance which was rarely seen in Japanese beer at that time.
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Above Suntory The Premium Malt’s - Pilsner
Above Suntory The Premium Malt’s - The Black
Suntory The Premium Malt’s - Pilsner
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Recognition came quickly. Within two years of its launch, The Premium Malt’s received the Grand Gold Award from Monde Selection for three consecutive years (2005 to 2007), placing it firmly on the global stage. International expansion followed, beginning in South Korea and Hong Kong, before gradually reaching major countries such as China, Australia, USA, Malaysia and Singapore, where it continues to appeal to drinkers drawn to its refinement and consistency.
While The Premium Malt’s remains the classic for its deep malt aroma and clean, floral, gently bitter finish, there are far more options to explore within the range. The Premium Malt’s Master’s Dream stands as its ultimate expression, brewed with meticulous attention to depth and balance for a richer, more layered profile. The Premium Malt’s Black offers a smooth, aromatic dark interpretation, while The Premium Malt’s Kaoru Ale (ale-type beer), popular in Japan, is crafted for a refined, fruit-forward bouquet.
But The Premium Malt’s is not defined by awards alone. The beer reflects a broader philosophy about modern luxury that is defined by emotional richness and technical precision. Rather than positioning itself as a drink for celebration alone, it has evolved into a companion for slower, more intentional moments, whether shared over a meal or enjoyed quietly at the end of the day.
That sense of refinement begins with ingredients. The beer is brewed using only natural ground water, sourced from regions in Japan known for exceptional purity and filtered through deep geological layers. This is the backbone of The Premium Malt’s beer, known for having a clean and polished profile. Equally integral is Diamond Malt, a carefully selected European malt with an unusually rich protein composition that lends the beer its distinctive depth and umami character. A rich aroma-hopping method infuses structured bitterness with a delicate floral lift that lingers subtly on the palate.
Overseeing the entire process are Suntory’s master brewers, known as Takumi, whose role extends beyond brewing to ensuring what the company calls “quality at the time of consumption”. From the balance of flavour to the creamy foam that crowns each pour, every detail is calibrated so the beer delivers the same experience wherever it is served.
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Above Suntory The Premium Malt’s range of beer offerings paired with izakaya favourites
Suntory The Premium Malt’s range of beer offerings paired with izakaya favourites
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In its pursuit of the perfect pour, Suntory has introduced the Kami-Awa award, presented to restaurants, izakayas and bars that consistently deliver an exceptional beer experience. Meaning “creamy foam”, Kami-Awa recognises establishments that uphold Suntory’s “Quality Master” standards—a rigorous practice demonstrating the skill and dedication required to achieve a dense, velvety head that enhances the aroma and flavour of The Premium Malt’s.
In Singapore, current recipients are Hachimaru Izakaya, Tachibana, Orihara Shoten Bar, Orihara Shoten Restaurant, Sen of Japan, Suiraku by Jin, Don Don Donki Orchard Central Bar and Take Kushiyaki Japanese Izakaya Restaurant.
More than two decades on, The Premium Malt’s beer remains anchored to Yamamoto’s original vision—one that is shaped by heritage, precision and a distinctly Japanese understanding of craftsmanship. Each pint invites drinkers to pause, savour and find richness in life’s precious moments.
Credits
Images: Suntory
Dudi Aureus is the senior dining and travel editor at Tatler Singapore, covering the city’s most exciting restaurants, global travel trends, and the personalities shaping the culinary and lifestyle scenes. She also serves as co-jury chair for the Tatler Best awards in Singapore, celebrating the very best in hospitality. When she’s off duty, she can often be found at a favourite hole-in-the-wall Thai spot, savouring a perfectly balanced pad thai.
