New Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki expressions headed our way

While I haven’t had as much exposure to Japanese whisky as I’d like, the expressions I’ve tried have all left me with the desire to explore more. So when I recently heard that Suntory Australia would be increasing the range of whiskies they import, I was pretty excited.

Taken from their official press release:

“We see Japanese whisky as being a particular growth area, as it is ideally suited for the Australian market… Suntory Whisky has a refined flavour that holds appeal with both whisky connoisseurs and those just starting to enjoy whisky” 

What we can look forward to

Previously, the Suntory range in Australia was pretty much limited to Yamazaki 12 year old. If you looked hard enough, you could probably track down an entry level Hakushu or Hibiki, but you’d pay a pretty penny for them.

Australian fans can now look forward to seeing the following expressions a whole lot more:

• Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve
• Yamazaki 12 year old
• Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve
• Hakushu 12 year old
• Hibiki 12 year old
• Hibiki 17 year old

While the 12 year old expressions and Hibiki 17 have been around for a while in many overseas markets, apparently this is the first time the Distiller’s Reserve offerings have been made available outside the Japanese market.

They were recently launched in the UK as well (and received some fairly high praise), so I’m really looking forward to seeing what they’re like when they land here.

Where, when and how much?

Smaller quantities of the above will start finding their way behind the counter of your favourite bar around April. We should also start to see these expressions in select independent retailers from May onwards.

As for the price? Expect to pay around the AU$80 mark for the Distiller’s Reserve expressions, AU$110 for the 12 year olds and around the AU$160 mark for Hibiki 17 year old.