Suntory AO  碧

Overview of Suntory AO

The term “碧Ao” refers to Ao World Whisky, a premium blended whisky from Japan. “碧” translates to “blue” or “green” in English, and it’s often associated with the color theme of the product packaging. Ao World Whisky is noteworthy for being a blend of whiskies from five major whisky-producing regions: Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the United States. Here are some key points about Ao World Whisky:

major whisky-producing regions:

Global Blend: 

Ao World Whisky is an ambitious project that represents the blending artistry of Japanese whisky-making. By combining whiskies from these diverse regions, it aims to create a unique, harmonious blend that showcases the best of global whisky traditions.

Japanese Craftsmanship: 

The blending is done in Japan, leveraging the Japanese meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. This is significant because Japanese whisky has gained a global reputation for its quality and refinement.

History of Suntory AO

Suntory AO Whisky was introduced in 2019 as part of Suntory’s commitment to innovation and global collaboration in the whisky industry. The name “AO,” meaning “blue” in Japanese, symbolizes the vast oceans that connect the five whisky-producing regions featured in the blend: Scotland, Ireland, America, Canada, and Japan.

Diverse characteristics of these five regions

The idea behind Suntory AO was to craft a whisky that reflects the diverse characteristics of these five regions, creating a unique and harmonious blend. Each component whisky was chosen for its distinctive qualities, and the blend was carefully balanced to ensure that the final product showcased the best of each region.

 Suntory’s heritage

Suntory’s Master Blenders, with their deep expertise and understanding of global whisky traditions, played a crucial role in the creation of AO. The result is a whisky that not only represents Suntory’s heritage but also celebrates the global nature of whisky-making, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that is both complex and smooth.

Anecdote of Suntory AO

Prodicing of World level Whisky 

• Packaging: The name “Ao,” meaning “blue” in Japanese, is reflected in its packaging, which often features blue accents or themes, signifying the whisky’s global nature and the vast “ocean” of whisky traditions it encompasses.

• Availability and Reception: Since its launch, Ao World Whisky has been available in select markets around the world. Its reception has been generally positive, with enthusiasts appreciating its unique concept and the quality of the blend.

cross-regional collaborations

Ao World Whisky represents a fusion of global whisky cultures, brought together under the banner of Japanese blending expertise. It’s an example of how the whisky industry is increasingly global, with cross-regional collaborations and products that appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

appeal to a world revel of tastes and preferences.

Global Perspective:

Ao World Whisky embodies a global perspective on whisky production, blending whiskies from the five major whisky-producing regions with Japanese expertise. This showcases the innovative and inclusive spirit of the Japanese whisky industry, willing to embrace and harmonize global tralditions.

Production process of Suntor AO

Ao Whisky is a blend of malt and grain whiskies sourced from distilleries in both Scotland and Japan. The selection of whiskies is carefully curated to ensure a harmonious and balanced flavor profile. The whiskies are then transported to Japan, where the final blending and maturation take place.

 Ao Spirits Ltd. distillery, located in Nagano Prefecture

Once in Japan, the whiskies are brought to the Ao Spirits Ltd. distillery, located in Nagano Prefecture. Nagano is known for its pristine water sources, which are crucial for whisky production. The distillery takes advantage of this natural resource to create high-quality whisky.

 variety of cask types,

The maturationi process of Ao Whisky is a key step in its production. The whiskies are aged in a variety of cask types, including ex-bourbon, sherry, and Mizunara oak casks. The use of Mizunara oak is particularly significant, as it is a rare and highly prized type of oak native to Japan. The wood imparts unique flavors and aromas to the whisky, adding to its complexity and depth.

maturation process,

During the maturation process, the whisky interacts with the wood, absorbing flavors and characteristics from the casks. This process takes time and patience, as the whisky gradually develops its desired flavor profile. The master blender at Ao Spirits carefully monitors the maturation process, ensuring that the whiskies reach their full potential.

The blending process involves carefully

Once the whiskies have matured to perfection, they are expertly blended to create the final product, Ao Whisky. The blending process involves carefully combining different whiskies in precise proportions to achieve a balanced and flavorful expression.

 unique character of Ao Whisky.

The attention to detail and craftsmanship in both the selection of whiskies and the blending process contribute to the unique character of Ao Whisky. It is a testament to the artistry and dedication of the distillers and blendersp involved in its production.

Aroma of Suntory AO

Suntory AO 碧, a blend of whiskies from across five continents, unfolds a symphony of aromas: ocean breezes entwined with floral notes, hints of spice, and a delicate balance of fruit and grain, leading to a subtly peated finish that whispers tales of its diverse origins.

A unique tasting experienc

The Suntory World Whisky Ao offers a unique tasting experience, blending whiskies from five of the most renowned whisky regions in the world—Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and the U.S. This blend creates a distinctive taste profile that is complex yet approachable. 

Smokie nose

The nose is described as having a slight smokiness that transitions into a rich, fruity sweetness. 

Sensory Exploration 

Imagine standing in the heart of an aged whisky cellar, where the air is tinged with the promise of warmth. Describe how the smokiness of the surroundings weaves into the rich tapestry of fruity sweetness as you’re about to taste a whisky renowned for its balance of these elements.”

Creative Storytelling 

Write a short story where a character discovers an old bottle of whisky, its aroma rich with fruity sweetness and an underlying smokiness. How does this scent impact their senses and what memories or feelings does it evoke?”

Food environment of Suntory AO

Certainly! Here’s a sentence that captures the essence of Japanese food:
Japanese cuisine, with its meticulous presentation and a balance of flavors, invites a journey through its diverse palette, where the delicate umami of fresh sashimi, the comforting warmth of miso soup, and the vibrant tang of pickled vegetables come together in a harmonious dance of tradition and innovation.”

AO With Japanese food

With Ao in the beautiful ocean

The meal designed to pair with Suntory AO whisky is visualized against the serene backdrop of a clear blue sea. This setting reflects the whisky’s global essence and complex profile, with a selection of international dishes enhancing the experience. The tranquil seaside atmosphere complements the elegant and refreshing dining experience, inviting guests to enjoy the harmonious pairing of Suntory AO whisky with global cuisine.

Food environment

Coctail

Global Harmony Cocktail

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Japanese gin (for its unique botanicals)
• 0.5 oz Italian vermouth (for a touch of sweetness)
• 0.5 oz French elderflower liqueur (for floral notes)
• 2 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (for a tangy citrus kick)
• A splash of sparkling water (for a bit of fizz)
• Ice
• Grapefruit peel and a sprig of mint for garnish

Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the Japanese gin, Italian vermouth, French elderflower liqueur, and grapefruit juice with a handful of ice.
2. Shake well until the mixture is well chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
4. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
0 5. Gently stir to combine.
6. Garnish with a twist of grapefruit peel and a sprig of mint.