Blended Old Whisky Dragon Mild & Smooth Millennium
⏳ Drinking Window
As a distilled spirit, this blended whisky does not mature further in the bottle. It is ready to be enjoyed immediately upon opening and will remain stable indefinitely if stored upright in a cool, dark place.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
grilled yakitori, dark chocolate, savory braised pork belly
✨ Technical Specifications
Suntory Old Whisky, affectionately known as the black bottle or Kuromaru, is one of Japan's most historic and beloved blended whiskies, first introduced in 1950. This special Dragon Mild & Smooth 2000 Millennium edition was released to celebrate both the turn of the millennium and the Year of the Dragon in the Japanese zodiac. Crafted using a meticulous blend of malt and grain whiskies from Suntory's historic distilleries, including Yamazaki and Hakushu, this expression showcases a harmonious and approachable style. The Mild & Smooth profile emphasizes soft oak, sweet vanilla, and subtle dried fruit notes, reflecting the traditional Japanese art of blending designed to perfectly complement food and social gatherings.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1899 by Shinjiro Torii as Torii Shoten in Osaka, Suntory is the pioneer of Japanese whisky and one of the world’s preeminent drinks conglomerates. Guided by Torii's defining philosophy of 'Yatte Minahare' (go for it), the house constructed Japan’s first malt whisky distillery at Yamazaki in 1923, chosen for the pure soft water where three rivers converge at the base of Mount Tennozan, followed by the alpine, heavily forested Hakushu distillery in 1973. While globally renowned for spirits, Suntory also champions domestic Japanese viticulture, notably cultivating native Koshu and Muscat Bailey A under sustainable viticultural regimes in Yamanashi and Nagano. Distillation and maturation reflect consummate technical precision, utilizing diverse copper pot still profiles and wood regimes spanning ex-bourbon, Spanish sherry butts, and indigenous Mizunara oak. Benchmark expressions include Yamazaki Single Malt, Hakushu, Hibiki, Kakubin, and Japan Premium Koshu, epitomizing Suntory’s dedication to balance, subtle complexity, and ethereal harmony.