Traditionalists, fervent aficionados, and connoisseurs know that Japanese whisky is nothing to sniff at. Wait, the premise of that may be wrong—it is something to sniff at, as the magical aromas of premium peat from distilleries from the East are things of marvel, and a level of perfection that perhaps only the Japanese can do with precision. Our esteemed bon mots wrote in Robb Report Hong Kong’s Best of Wines & Spirits section, “As you would expect with Yamazaki, the golden-amber-coloured whisky is all about refinement, purity, and subtlety—there is no heaviness on the mid-palate and the finish is clean.”

Well, the House of Suntory that brought us one of last year’s finest whiskies has just launched its stellar 2024 Tsukuriwake Series, a limited-edition collection that epitomises the essence of innovation and diversity in whisky-making. Its latest offering not only continues the legacy of excellence but also deepens the narrative of Japanese whisky on the global stage.

Suntory’s Tsukuriwake Series—which translates to “artisanship through a diversity of making”—pays homage to the intricate processes that define the character of whisky. This year’s collection includes four distinctive expressions: Yamazaki Golden Promise, Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt, Hakushu 18-Year-Old Peated Malt, and Yamazaki 18-Year-Old Mizunara. Each refined expression represents a meticulous exploration of flavour profiles, ingredients, and maturation techniques, displaying the unparalleled skill of Suntory’s master blenders.

Yamazaki Golden Promise stands at the forefront of this collection. Crafted from the rare Golden Promise barley, which was cultivated in Scotland during the 1960s, this whisky is distilled in Japan and aged in American oak casks, resulting in a maltier, richer profile that integrates seamlessly into the broader Yamazaki portfolio. With tasting notes of orange marmalade and custard, plus a sweet, lingering finish, this expression exemplifies the depth and complexity that Japanese whisky can achieve.

Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt takes a different route, drawing on the unique characteristics of Islay peat, known for its softer mouthfeel. The careful maturation process results in a balanced sweetness that complements the smoky undertones, creating a compelling contrast on the palate. The whisky reveals flavours of brown sugar, bitter orange citrus, and a warm finish, enhancing the multi-layered profile of the Yamazaki brand.

The Yamazaki 18-Year-Old Mizunara, a limited-edition label, celebrates Suntory’s mastery of Mizunara oak, a notoriously difficult wood to work with. This expression showcases a complex flavour profile enriched by a long maturation period. The tasting notes highlight this bottling’s signature spiciness, alongside hints of sandalwood and aloe wood, resulting in a whisky that is both subtly spiced and deeply aromatic.

Finally, the Hakushu 18-Year-Old Peated Malt adds a refined elegance to the series. This expression highlights the art of blending at the Hakushu distillery, producing a whisky that embodies the essence of a serene forest. The lengthy maturation process in pristine water reveals a distinct smokiness, complemented by spicy notes and a subtle fruitiness that evokes ripe apples.

As the House of Suntory continues to innovate and elevate its offerings, the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series stands as a testament to the maker’s commitment to heritage and quality. With limited quantities available, whisky enthusiasts will surely be eager to explore these unique expressions, each a reflection of the rich tapestry of Japanese whisky craftsmanship.

“While past releases from the collection focused mainly on the details of the casks, the 2024 Tsukuriwake Series emphasises the elements of whisky-making, such as ingredient selection, peat, and cask,” says Shinji Fukuyo, the fifth-generation chief blender, who has scaled the art of blending to such new heights with this splendid series. “This approach not only highlights the complexity of each whisky but also reflects the evolving landscape of Japanese spirits, which has garnered international acclaim over the past century.”

The Tsukuriwake Series will be available for online ordering in mid-November in Hong Kong.