The 2024 Tsukuriwake Series was recently launched by the House of Suntory. Showcasing the blending and diversity of Japanese whisky, the series is comprised of Yamazaki Golden Promise, Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt, Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt, and Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara.
Suntory’s 5th Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo has pushed the boundaries of whisky making with this series, whose name translated means artisanship through a diversity of making, by using ingredients like wood, and processes that expand the previous Tsukuriwake (pronounced soo-koo-ree-wah-keh) range to showcase the diversity of whisky making.
“Tsukuriwake translates to ‘artisanship through a diversity of making’, which is truly what the 2024 Series represents with each of the four liquids included,” said Shinji Fukuyo, Chief Blender of Suntory. “While past releases from the collection focused mainly on the details of the casks, The 2024 Tsukuriwake Series emphasizes the elements of whisky making, such as ingredient selection, peat, and cask. This series is the ultimate showcase of the incredible diversity of choices that goes into the making of Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies.”
In previous years, the series has mainly focused on the casks matured in the lands of Yamazaki. The 2024 Series reveals that the Tsukuriwake approach goes beyond diversifying the whiskies in multiple casks to incorporate elements of whisky-making, such as ingredient selection, peat and cask.
Yamazaki Golden Promise is made from golden promise barley, a standout grain cultivated in Scotland in the 1960s. Distilled in Japan since 2009 and aged in American Oak casks, it delivers a maltier, richer Yamazaki profile. It is perfect for more mature whiskies and has been added to Yamazaki 12 Year Old.
Islay Peat is often recognized as a distinctive character amongst scotch, with a softer and sweeter mouthfeel than Scotland’s mainland peat. The water and maturation process used to create Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt yields a balanced sweetness that complements the smoke.
Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara (2024 Tsukuriwake Edition) introduces a limited-edition label for Suntory’s flagship Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara. A long maturation period reveals its signature spiciness and incense-like sandalwood and aloe wood flavors that comprise this 100% Mizunara whisky.
Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt (2024 Tsukuriwake Edition) introduces a limited-edition label for Suntory’s celebrated Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt. To honor the blending at the Hakushu distillery, it enables The House of Suntory to produce more than 100 different malt whiskies. A lengthy maturation process in Hakushu’s water reveals a distinct smokiness with spicy, peppery notes.
The Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara and Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt were launched last year for the House of Suntory’s 100th anniversary and were continued due to their popularity among consumers.
The House of Suntory’s 2024 Tsukuriwake Series’ Yamazaki Golden Promise and Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt retail for $465, while Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara and Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt retail for $1,500 and $1,200, respectively.
