Suntory Limited’s “Yamazaki 12 Years Old” was selected as the winner of the 29th International Spirits Challenge (ISC), a global alcoholic beverage competition held in London, England on Thursday, September 26th (local time). Challenge 2024), we received the highest award in all categories, “Supreme Champion Spirit.”
This time, “Yamazaki 12 Years Old” won the highest award in the Japanese whiskey category, the “Trophy”, as well as the “Supreme Champion Spirit” award, which is given to only one product that stands out from all the “trophies” in all categories. It came out on top of all the products entered in this competition. This is the first time that “Yamazaki 12 Years Old” has won the “Trophy” and “Supreme Champion Spirit”, and this is the second consecutive year for Suntory Whiskey to achieve this feat, following last year’s “Yamazaki 25 Years”.
Regarding the reason for the award, the judges said, “Yamazaki 12 Years was unanimously selected for this award.Each element, such as taste and gorgeous aroma, not only embodies high quality, but also The blending power of this combination is truly amazing. Whiskeys that show such great attention to craftsmanship and quality are extremely rare, and we are extremely proud to have been awarded this award. ” and other comments.
In addition, in response to the full-scale implementation of the “Standards for the Labeling of Japanese Whiskey in Whiskey” in April of this year, Suntory Whiskey, “Kakubin,” “Old,” “Special Reserve,” and “Royal,” which are Japanese whiskies, will be released for the first time. Both were exhibited and received gold medals.
In addition to our premium whisky, it is a great achievement for a brand that is widely enjoyed in daily life to receive the Gold Award.Our quality improvement and blending technology in whisky-making that we have been working on has been recognized, and in turn, our Japanese whisky. We believe that this is a significant achievement that has made our company even more solid.
*Voluntary standards by the Japan Western Liquor Brewing Association
Shinji Fukuyo is in the center.
In addition, Suntory Ltd. Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo was awarded the “Master Blender of the Year” award.
Regarding the reason for the award, the judges said, “The skillful and delicate Suntory craftsmanship that Mr. Fukuyo expresses is based not only on his own experience, but also on the painstaking attention to detail that goes into providing whiskey that boasts the highest standards of quality.” I feel that exploring without limits is the key.Every time I enjoy a whiskey made by Suntory, I can feel the passion and attention to detail that goes into it. “His talent and craftsmanship are once again proven by winning this award.”
Fukuyo said, “I believe that the award was due to the product, and that I happened to represent the company and team that have cultivated it over many years. “I am proud that we have been able to continue to produce products that are recognized around the world, and that we have been able to help people understand what we have achieved through our products.”
In addition, Suntory Limited has been awarded the “Producer of the Year” award in the Japanese whiskey category for the fifth consecutive year, which is given to one company in each category that produces a variety of high-quality products.
●About the International Spirits Challenge
This is a global alcoholic beverage competition held every year in the UK, and this year there were approximately several thousand entries in all categories. In the whiskey category, approximately 10 people, including blenders and distiller managers from whiskey distilleries around the world, blindly taste over 900 whiskeys from around the world to determine the awards. It is considered to be a very prestigious competition, as whisky-making professionals rigorously evaluate the quality using their outstanding sense of taste and smell.
●Features of Suntory Single Malt Whiskey “Yamazaki 12 Years”
This is Japan’s representative single malt whiskey with an elegant taste that suits the Japanese palate. It is characterized by the sweet vanilla aroma and ripe fruit aroma derived from Yamazaki Distillery’s white oak barrels, and the hidden flavors of Spanish oak barrels and Quercus oak barrels provide a layered flavor that you won’t get tired of drinking.
●Features of Suntory whiskey “Kakubin”
Since its release in 1937, it has been a long-selling brand loved by many customers for its flavor that suits the delicate tastes of the Japanese people and its bottle with the same tortoise shell pattern. A well-balanced blend of unblended sake from the Yamazaki Distillery, Hakushu Distillery, and Chita Distillery, it features a sweet aroma, thick body, and dry aftertaste, and is enjoyed in highballs and other drinks.
●Brief biography of Shinji Fukuyo
Born in April 1961. Joined Suntory Limited (currently Suntory Holdings Limited) in 1984. After working at Hakushu Distillery, in the blender room, and at the company’s Scottish distillery, he was appointed chief blender in 2009, a position he holds today.
In addition to developing various products such as “Yamazaki”, “Hibiki”, and “Ao Ao”, I am also involved in improving the quality of the entire group as a “Whisky Quality Advisor” for Suntory Global Spirits.
– remember-
▼Competition name
“29th International Spirits Challenge (ISC: International Spirits Challenge 2024)”
▼Award ceremony overview
Thursday, September 26, 2024 *London local time
In London, England
▼Name of award and recipient at award ceremony
・”Supreme Champion Spirit”
Suntory Single Malt Whiskey “Yamazaki 12 Years”
・Japanese Whiskey Category “Trophy”
Suntory Single Malt Whiskey “Yamazaki 12 Years”
・”Master Blender of the Year”
Suntory Ltd. Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo
・Japanese Whiskey Category “Producer of the Year”
Suntory Ltd.
▼“Yamazaki” homepage
▽Contact information for inquiries from customers regarding this matter
That’s all
