Blended Old Whisky Monkey New Old Mild & Smooth
⏳ Drinking Window
As a distilled spirit, this whisky does not mature further in the bottle and has an indefinite shelf life when stored properly.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Yakitori, dark chocolate, roasted nuts
✨ Technical Specifications
Suntory Old Whisky, affectionately known as the 'black bottle,' was first introduced in 1950 and quickly became a symbol of Japan's post-war economic boom and evolving spirits culture. This specific 'Mild & Smooth' blend represents a softer, highly approachable expression of Suntory's traditional blending art, utilizing malt and grain whiskies primarily sourced from the historic Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries. The 'Monkey' designation refers to Suntory's celebrated annual tradition of releasing special zodiac-themed bottles to commemorate the Lunar New Year—a practice deeply rooted in Japanese cultural customs of gifting and celebration. This blended whisky delivers a harmonious profile of sweet vanilla, subtle oak, and gentle peat, reflecting founder Shinjiro Torii's original vision of a whisky tailored specifically to the delicate Japanese palate.
🍾 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.