Suntory World Whisky Ao
A Blend of Five World Whiskies
43% ABV
$71
Website
We would like to thank Suntory and Savona Communications for sending us a sample to review.
What the Blender Says
Beam Suntory Announces Global Launch of World Blended Whisky, Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’ Exclusive for Global Travelers
Beam Suntory has announced the launch of the world blended whisky, Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’, in global travel retail.
The whisky, which will be available in 16 markets, is the first innovative whisky launch in global travel retail since the coronavirus pandemic began.
Blended using whisky from five of the most renowned distilleries in Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the US, ‘Ao’, meaning blue, is named after the ocean that connects these five distilleries together in harmony.
The one-of-a-kind whisky is a tribute to the liquids’ long history, perfectly capturing the heathery flavor of Ardmore and Glen Garioch, the complexity of Cooley, the smoothness of Alberta, the vibrance of Jim Beam and the subtlety of Yamazaki and Hakushu. With notes of vanilla, tropical fruit and cinnamon, it is the distinctive climate, fermentation and distillation processes in each whisky-making region that give the whisky its unique taste.
Fifth generation Suntory chief blender, Shinji Fukuyo, carefully selected the liquids used based-on Suntory’s globally recognised Monozukuri craftsmanship – a relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality. Building on Suntory’s long history of craftsmanship, this innovative, multi-faceted, premium blended whisky embodies the spirit of Suntory.
Shinji Fukuyo said: “Ao is an exceptional whisky which, through the art of Suntory blending, allows you to enjoy the unique characteristics of each of the five major whisky-making regions.”
Sho Semba, Beam Suntory Inc. President, Japan & China, said: “We are very excited about the launch of this new whisky. Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’ brings together the world’s most highly regarded whisky regions to produce this unique and premium quality blend. In recent years we’ve seen a huge increase in demand from customers across the world who want to experience Japanese whisky. We are confident that whisky enthusiasts will enjoy the unique flavor created by this unique Japanese blended whisky, which originates from around the world.”
Ed Stening, Global Head of Travel Retail Marketing at Beam Suntory International, said: “This is a truly innovative whisky that blends five very different distilleries’ greatest assets and unique crafts. We couldn’t be more excited to share ‘Ao’ with our customers and bring some exciting innovation to the global travel retail world.”
Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’ is a unique addition to Suntory’s growing spirits portfolio. The Suntory whisky range includes Yamazaki and Hakushu, the pioneer of Japanese Single Malts, and Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky, Hibiki.
Available Markets (Global Travel Retail only): United States | Canada | France | Germany | Ireland | UK | Netherlands | Dubai | Turkey | India | Australia | China | Hong Kong | Singapore | Taiwan | South Korea
Tasting notes:
Colour: Amber
Nose: Profound vanilla, pineapple-like fruitiness on top, a creamy sweetness and depth with a lingering woody aroma
Palate: Smooth and sweet mouthfeel, gradually followed with smokiness and cinnamon-like spiciness
Finish: Sweet and smoky, spicy and woody, a many-layered complexity
What Gary Says
Nose: Vanilla, peaches, kiwi, vegetal note (cooked bell pepper), banana, fresh oregano and malt.
Palate: Smooth and sweet malt with cinnamon, hint of fruit, smoky vegetal notes.
Finish: Moderately long, smoky with pepper and savory herbs.
Comments: Unique with the vegetal notes, which for that reason merits a ‘Stands Out’. A bit of an odd pour; interesting concept that isn’t objectionable, but muddled. I’m a fan of the various types of whisk(e)y involved, but combined none of them stand out.