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The Canadian Arrival Of First-Ever World Blended Whisky, Suntory World Whisky 'Ao'

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#whisky #bourbon #scotch #spirits
Published
02/17/2023 by

The House of Suntory has announced the arrival of its first-ever world-blended whisky, Suntory World Whisky 'Ao', to the general market. Previously available in Japan and Global Travel Retail only, the whisky arrived last month to Canada, Taiwan, Singapore, and Korea – and has been available in Canada since December 2022. Blended using whisky from Suntory Group's own distilleries in five of the world's most renowned whisky regions: Scotland, Ireland, Canada, Japan and the US. Suntory World Whisky 'Ao', meaning blue, is named after the oceans that connect these five whisky regions of the world together.

This one-of-a-kind whisky is a tribute to the liquids' long history, perfectly capturing the heathery flavour of Ardmore and Glen Garioch in Scotland, the complexity of Cooley in Ireland, the smoothness of Alberta in Canada, the vibrance of Jim Beam in the US, and the subtlety of Yamazaki and Hakushu in Japan. With notes of vanilla, tropical fruit and cinnamon, it is the distinctive climate, fermentation and distillation processes in each whisky-making region that gives the whisky its unique taste. 

Fifth-generation Suntory Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo, carefully selected the liquids used based on Suntory's globally recognized Monozukuri craftsmanship – a relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality. Building on Suntory's history of craftsmanship, this innovative, multi-faceted, premium blended whisky embodies the spirit of Suntory and is a tribute to the liquid's long history.

Shinji Fukuyo said, "Ao is an exceptional whisky which, through the art of Suntory blending, allows you to enjoy the unique characteristics of each of the five major whisky-making regions."

Suntory World Whisky Ao is available in 700ml bottles (43% ABV) at a suggested retail price of $104.95 and is available at most retailers. It joins the Suntory global whisky portfolio, the pioneer of Japanese Single Malts, and Japan's most highly awarded blended whisky, Hibiki.

The bottle is five-sided in honour of the five major whisky-making regions. The calligraphic lettering was written by Japanese calligrapher Tansetsu Ogino with an intent to represent the whiskies' global origins and Japanese craftsmanship. 

TASTING NOTES –ABV: 43%

Colour – Amber
Nose – Profound vanilla, pineapple-like fruitiness on top, a creamy sweetness and depth with a lingering woody aroma
Palate – Smooth and sweet mouthfeel, gradually followed with smokiness and cinnamon-like spiciness
Finish – Sweet and smoky, spicy and woody, a layered complexity

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