Suntory takes limited edition route

Suntory has launched a series of limited edition releases this week from its Japanese single malt whisky distilleries The Yamazaki and The Hakushu.

Building on a similar initiative from last year and in keeping with a wider luxury whisky trend for limited edition releases with no age statement, The Suntory 2013 Collections have this time been made available exclusively in European markets.

The Yamazaki Cask Collection, whose launch coincides with the distillery’s 90^th anniversary, features four whiskies matured in a variety of casks: Bourbon, Puncheon, Sherry and Mizunara – a Japanese oak. Each expression carries an RRP of £100 for a 70cl bottle, with the exception of the Mizunara, which has a £250 price tag.

Meanwhile The Hakushu 2013 Collection comprises two expressions to coincide with the 40^th anniversary of the distillery, which lies 700m up in Japan’s Southern Alps. The Hakushu Sherry Cask is accompanied by the Hakushu Heavily Peated, which is designed to emphasise the distillery’s traditional smokey style.

While the Yamazaki Cask Collection went on sale this week through specialist whisky retailers, the Hakushi Collection is being made available via “a select number” of bars, with no price confirmed.

For more on luxury whisky trends, look out for December’s issue of the drinks business.