Suntory Royal  prestigious blended whisky

Overview

Suntory Royal is a prestigious blended whisky from Japan, launched in 1960 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Suntory’s founding. It holds the distinction of being the last blend created by the company’s first-generation Master Blender and founder, Shinjiro Torii  .

Suntory Royal

Founder, Shinjiro Torii  .

History

Suntory’s journey began in 1899 when Shinjiro Torii founded the Torii Shoten store in Osaka. By 1923, he initiated the construction of the Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s first malt whisky distillery. 

Suntory Yamazaki Distillery

 Royal, introduced in 1960

This marked the beginning of whisky production in Japan. Suntory Royal, introduced in 1960, was created during a period of significant growth and innovation for the company  .

Anecdotes

One fascinating anecdote about Suntory Royal is its evolving source of grain whisky. Before 1947, grain whisky was produced at the Osaka Factory

Royal has seen premium edition

. From 1947 until 1996, production took place at the Usuki Factory in Oita. Hakushu was later added to the blend after its opening. Suntory 

Royal has seen premium editions and age statements come and go, particularly in the late 90s to early 2000s .

First master blender in Japan 

Royal is the last and best masterpiece of Shinjiro Torii, the founder of Suntory and the first master blender. Japanese people continue to seek a taste that feels really delicious, and the blend ratio he completed is exactly the ultimate worthy of calling it the “golden ratio”. As the molding that humans feel beautiful is made of the golden ratio, the royal is also born from the blend of “golden ratio”.

Shinjiro Torii old days

Production Process

The blending process for Suntory Royal is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and tradition. While specific blending techniques and processes are closely guarded secrets, the brand’s history suggests a meticulous selection of malt and grain whiskies, ensuring a consistent and high-quality product that reflects the essence of Japanese craftsmanship .

1. Stills:

• Traditional Copper Pot Stills:
• Suntory Royal is distilled using traditional copper pot stills, which are meticulously designed and maintained. The shape of these stills, particularly the tall necks, plays a crucial role in the production of a lighter, more refined spirit. The tall necks allow for greater reflux, meaning only the most delicate and refined alcohol vapors make it into the final spirit. This helps to create the smooth, elegant profile that Suntory Royal is known for.

• The copper stills also contribute to the removal of sulfur compounds, which ensures that the whisky is free of any undesirable flavors, allowing the natural sweetness and complexity of the spirit to shine through.

2. Casks:

• Mizunara Oak Casks:

• One of the standout features of Suntory Royal Whisky is the use of Mizunara oak casks, a type of Japanese oak that is highly prized for its ability to impart unique and complex flavors. Mizunara oak is known for giving whisky a distinctive character with notes of sandalwood, coconut, and Japanese incense (kara). Aging in these casks adds a layer of complexity and depth to the whisky, contributing to its refined and luxurious profile.
• Mizunara oak casks are difficult to work with due to the wood’s porous nature and tendency to leak, but Suntory’s dedication to craftsmanship ensures that these challenges are overcome to produce an exceptional whisky.

• American White Oak Casks:

• The use of American white oak casks, often previously used for bourbon, contributes to the vanilla, caramel, and toasty oak notes in Suntory Royal Whisky. These casks are essential for creating a balanced flavor profile, providing the whisky with a sweet and smooth foundation.
• American oak casks also help to mellow the spirit, ensuring that the final product is approachable yet complex.

• European Oak Sherry Casks:

• Some portions of the blend may also be aged in European oak casks, particularly those that previously held sherry. These casks introduce rich, fruity, and nutty flavors, such as dried fruits, raisins, and almonds, adding a layer of richness and warmth to the whisky.
• The sherry influence also enhances the whisky’s body and mouthfeel, making it fuller and more satisfying.

3. Maturation:

• Climate Control and Aging:
• The maturation process takes place in Suntory’s carefully climate-controlled warehouses, where the fluctuating Japanese climate plays a role in accelerating the interaction between the whisky and the wood. This contributes to a richer, more developed flavor profile in a shorter time compared to whiskies aged in more temperate climates.

• The combination of these diverse cask types, along with the unique aging conditions, results in a whisky that is both complex and harmonious, with a signature blend of Japanese craftsmanship and tradition.

4. Blending Expertise:

• Master Blender’s Artistry:
• The final blend of Suntory Royal Whisky is a testament to the artistry and expertise of Suntory’s master blenders. They meticulously select whiskies from various cask types and ages, ensuring that each bottle of Suntory Royal embodies a balanced, refined, and multi-layered flavor profile. The blending process is where the delicate interplay of different cask influences is perfected, creating a whisky that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Aroma 

Suntory royal is elegance, excellent balance
This whisky is known for its elegance, balance, and smoothness, achieved through the careful selection of malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s renowned distilleries, including Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. The blending process emphasizes harmony and precision, contributing to the refined character of Suntory Royal Whisky.

Aroma of Suntory Royal is known for its nice balance

Suntory Royal is known for its light, delicate profile, with a nose featuring sugary, milky, dried citrus, and a hint of leather cigar case.
 The palate is described as “light as air,” with notes of dried fruits, woody raisin, and background hints of bitter coffee and chocolate. 

 Subtle smokiness, with lingering chocolate

The finish introduces a subtle smokiness, with lingering chocolate coffee notes .
Suntory Royal has been a staple of Japanese whisky for over 60 years, celebrated for its historical significance, unique bottle design (including yearly zodiac-themed ceramic bottles), and its role in commemorating the milestones of the Suntory company  

Drink environment

This prestigious blend appeals to the sophisticated tastes of the experienced gentleman, offering a refined and velvety experience that only gets better with time, much like the man who enjoys it.
Experience the legacy of Suntory Royal—a whisky that stands the test of time.

Atmosphere of enjoying this premium whisky.

featuring elegant men and women enjoying Suntory Royal whisky. The women are in dresses, and everyone is gathered in a luxurious setting, highlighting the sophisticated atmosphere of enjoying this premium whisky.

 Suntory Royal whisky outdoors

a group of friends enjoying Suntory Royal whisky outdoors with Mount Fuji in the background. The setting captures a moment of relaxation and enjoyment in a breathtaking landscape.

Food environment

The meal designed to pair with Suntory Royal whisky is set in the sophisticated ambiance of a nice hotel bar, capturing the essence of a dining experience that complements the whisky’s elegance and balanced flavors. The setting is luxurious yet welcoming, creating a perfect backdrop for enjoying the whisky alongside gourmet bites and refined dishes.

Cocktail Name:

Suntory Royal Old Fashioned

Recipe:

Ingredients:
• 2 oz Suntory Royal Whisky
• 1 sugar cube
• 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 orange twist (for garnish)
• 1 maraschino cherry (for garnish、 )
• A splash of soda water (optional)
• Large clear ice cube

Instructions:
1. Muddle the Sugar Cube:
• Place the sugar cube in a lowball glass.
• Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters to the sugar cube.
• If desired, add a splash of soda water to help dissolve the sugar.
• Muddle the sugar cube until it is fully dissolved in the bitters and soda water, creating a syrup at the bottom of the glass.
2. Add the Whisky:
• Pour 2 oz of Suntory Royal Whisky over the muddled sugar and bitters mixture.
3. Add Ice:
• Add a large clear ice cube to the glass. The large ice cube will chill the drink without diluting it too quickly.
4. Stir:
• Gently stir the mixture for about 20-30 seconds to combine the ingredients and chill the drink.
5. Garnish:
• Express the oils from an orange twist over the drink by gently twisting it above the glass.
• Drop the orange twist into the glass and add a maraschino cherry as a garnish.
6. Serve:
• Enjoy your Suntory Royal Old Fashioned, a refined take on the classic cocktail that highlights the smooth, complex flavors of Suntory Royal Whisky.

This cocktail is perfect for showcasing the elegant and sophisticated profile of Suntory Royal Whisky, offering a balanced blend of sweetness, bitterness, and rich whisky flavors.