Blended Old Whisky Sheep
⏳ Drinking Window
As a distilled spirit, this blended whisky does not age further in the bottle and can be enjoyed immediately or preserved indefinitely when stored in a cool, dark place.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Dark chocolate, roasted nuts, or slow-cooked braised pork belly
✨ Technical Specifications
Suntory Old Whisky, first introduced in 1950, is one of Japan's most historically significant blended whiskies, affectionately nicknamed 'Daruma' due to its traditional squat, dark bottle design. To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Suntory established a highly collectible tradition of releasing limited-edition zodiac ceramic decanters, including the 'Sheep' (Hitsuji) edition. This expression features a classic Japanese blend of malt and grain whiskies, historically influenced by sherry cask aging. It offers a rich, smooth profile with notes of dried fruits, sweet vanilla, and a subtle, warming oak finish, representing a harmonious blend of Japanese craftsmanship and cultural folklore.
🍾 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.