Cover The House of Suntory releases the highly coveted 2024 Tsukuriwake series (Photo: The House of Suntory)
The House of Suntory releases the highly coveted 2024 Tsukuriwake series (Photo: The House of Suntory)
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The Tsukuriwake series by The House of Suntory celebrates Japanese whisky mastery with the release of four limited-edition bottles and exclusive whisky-tasting events
The world of whisky pays close attention whenever The House of Suntory unveils a collection. This time, it is the limited edition 2024 Tsukuriwake series, brandishing aged expressions from the coveted Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries—both notorious for being elusive and expensive. The diverse artistry of Japanese whisky-making is displayed in these four bottles, to be released.
According to Suntory regional ambassador, Andrew Pang, “Past releases from the Tsukuriwake collection may focus on the details of the casks, but the 2024 (Tsukuriwake) series will instead spotlight elements of whisky-making.” Think intentional ingredient selection and use of peat and casks.
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Above Yamazaki Golden Promise and Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt
Yamazaki Golden Promise and Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt
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The quartet of liquid gold begins with the Yamazaki Golden Promise. Crafted with golden promise barley, a varietal used in the mash bill of this single malt, the result is a creamier and maltier expression that is big on flavour. There are vibrant notes of orange marmalade, custard, vanilla and some pepper spice to contrast the sweet long finish. The second Yamazaki expression, Islay Peat, balances the smoky essence of the Hebridean island’s characteristic peat, with a sweetness that simply dances on your palate. The peat is elegant, never overbearing, with each sip revealing a harmonious blend of brown sugar, bitter orange citrus, and alluring minerality.
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Above Yamazaki Mizunara Aged 18 years and Hakushu Peated Malt Aged 18 Years
Yamazaki Mizunara Aged 18 years and Hakushu Peated Malt Aged 18 Years
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The third and final Yamazaki expression is the 18-year-old Mizunara, which celebrates the mastery of 250-year-old Mizunara oak from Hokkaido—a type of Japanese oak that is infamously challenging to use. Expect complex layers of sandalwood, incense, spice orange, cloves and dried coconut on the palate. Finally, Hakushu Distillery puts forth an 18-year-old Peated Malt that is the same as last year’s version but with a different label. It drinks elegantly smoky, reminiscent of the tranquillity of Japan’s forests, laced with herbaceous minerals, and undertones of ripe apple and menthol.
Above Wagyu beef sukiyaki with Japanese egg paired with Yamazaki Mizunara Aged 18 years
Wagyu beef sukiyaki with Japanese egg paired with Yamazaki Mizunara Aged 18 years
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The fact of the matter is that even with a willing wad of cash, you might still need a ton of luck to secure these coveted bottles. But if a taste of the Tsukuriwake series is what you’re after, consider partaking in these exclusive whisky flight-tasting events that are paired with some of Singapore’s top Japanese dining establishments: Hamamoto presents seasonal Hokkaido hairy crabs and Ise Ebi sashimi; Sushi Ryujiro Singapore has an exquisite 18-course omakase pairing menu; Takayama has tailored a seven-course kaiseki dinner; Shinji by Kanesaka and Wakuda both prepared curated menus to treat.
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Images: The House of Suntory
