Suntory’s Coveted Tsukuriwake Collection of Rare Japanese Whiskies Is Back

The world of Japanese whisky continues to expand, with new distilleries opening and the category getting set regulations and guidelines. But one thing that remains constant is that Suntory still dominates the market, and its age statement expressions from its Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, as well as its Hibiki blend, are still pricy and hard to find. The same goes for the new 2024 edition of the Tsukuriwake Series, which recently launched in the US.

“Tsukuriwake means ‘artisanship through a diversity of making,’” according to the company, and the whisky is supposed to reflect that through the various production methods used to produce it.

The 2024 Tsukuriwake Series emphasizes the elements of whisky making, such as ingredient selection, peat, and cask, said chief blender Shinji Fukuyo in a statement. This series is the ultimate showcase of the incredible diversity of choices that goes into the making of Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies.

Whiskies in the Collection

There are four whiskies included with this year’s release—Yamazaki Golden Promise, Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt, Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt, and Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara—each one a variation on the core expressions produced at the two distilleries.

Yamazaki Golden Promise, a single malt with notes of orange marmalade and custard on the palate, and a long, sweet finish.

Golden Promise refers to the barley varietal used in the mashbill of this single malt, and according to the company, it is supposed to yield a “maltier, richer Yamazaki profile.” A second Yamazaki expression in the collection, Islay Peat, is made using peat from the island region of Scotland known for its smoky whiskies. This makes sense given that two of Suntory Global Spirits’ distilleries are on Islay—Laphroaig and Bowmore—both of which make peated whisky.

 Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt, made using peat from the island region of Scotland, with notes of brown sugar and hints of bitter orange citrus on the palate to complement the smoke.

The last Yamazaki whisky in the lineup is the 2024 edition of the 18 Year Old Mizunara. This is the same as previous Mizunara expressions, aged entirely in this type of Japanese oak that is famously difficult to use, but with a new label for this year’s Tsukuriwake Edition.

 Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara, aged entirely in Japanese oak, with notes of spice, sandalwood, and spiced orange on the palate, along with hints of clove and dried coconut.

The last whisky is from the Hakushu distillery, the 18 Year Old Peated Malt. This expression is also the same as last year’s version but with a different label, an elegant and subtly smoky single malt with a bit of spice and citrus on the palate.

 Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt, an elegant and subtly smoky single malt with a bit of spice and citrus on the palate.