Not all great whisky (or whiskey) comes from Scotland. It doesn’t even all come from Ireland, the United States or Canada. Beam Suntory has announced the introduction of Yamazaki 55 Years Old. The House Of Suntory has said this is available in select global markets (see below). This is its oldest whisky for sure, and the new limited edition release may be Suntory’s finest whiskey ever.

Even after two awards in 2019, Beam Suntory had already been named the ‘World’s Best Blended Whisky’ for the sixth time. Its first award was in 2010, and it was the first Japanese company to win. Suntory has won many other awards and accolades as well.

The House of Suntory’s new release is the oldest single malt whisky in its history. It was bottled in 2020 and is said to celebrate the Japanese “Showa” era of the 1960s, which also represented a time of major change for company. Only 100 bottles were initially released in Japan in 2020. The new release will take place in the United States, the United Kingdom, Mainland China and Taiwan later this month.

Beam Suntory went out of its was to make a beautiful presentation for its historic release (see image below, permission by Beam Suntory). Each bottle is delivered in a bespoke box made from native Japanese Mizunara wood and coated with Suruga lacquer. Yamazaki 55 is being sold in a crystal bottle with the word “Yamazaki” engraved in calligraphy, and it features real gold dust and lacquer on the age marking. The bottle’s opening comes wrapped in Echizen washi paper and is then bound with a Kyo-kumihimo plaited cord.

The release indicated a 46% ABV and further noted more about its flavor profile as well as the process used to create it:

Yamazaki 55 is a blend of precious single malts featuring components distilled in 1960 under the supervision of Suntory’s founder Shinjiro Torii and then aged in Mizunara casks; and in 1964 under Suntory’s Second Master Blender Keizo Saji and then aged in White Oak casks. Suntory’s Fifth-Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo worked closely with Third-Generation Master Blender Shingo Torii in deploying their signature art of blending to properly reveal the exceptional depth, complexity and wisdom that is Yamazaki 55. The resulting expression features a deep amber color; robust aroma redolent of sandal wood and well-ripened fruit; sweet, slightly bitter and woody palate; and slightly bitter yet sweet and rich finish.

And to prove the 55 year release is special and rare, it obviously has a price tag fit for kings and queens. The release said:

To honor its ongoing commitment to give back to society, Beam Suntory, will donate $5,000 USD for every bottle released in this year’s 100-bottle collection, totaling $500,000 USD, to The White Oak Initiative, a group committed to the long-term sustainability of America’s white oak forests.

Collectors Dashboard evaluates collectibles as an alternative asset class. The collectibles sector also includes fine wine and whisky, and some purchases (say $60,000 or so for a bottle) may be more than a typical stock or bond investment.

This is the sort of release that attracts collectors into the mix. And for collectors who pay enough, it is an investment whether it was purchased to enjoy or with the hope of future gains. As a reminder, defining “the best ever” is of course a personal taste and price alone is not supposed to be the only determining factor.