Suntory World Whisky Ao

Description

Suntory World Whisky Ao

Volume: 700mL / 750mL | Age: NAS (No Age Statement) | Proof: 86 (43% ABV) | Style: Blended World Whisky | Packaging: Five-Sided Decanter & Deep Blue Presentation Box

A Blend of the Five Major Whiskies

Breaking traditional boundaries, the House of Suntory introduces Suntory World Whisky Ao—a revolutionary liquid that represents the ultimate cross-cultural blending achievement. Named after the Japanese word for “blue,” Ao pays homage to the shared oceans that connect the world’s greatest whisky traditions. It is a harmonious marriage of spirits hand-selected from distilleries owned by Beam Suntory across five distinct global regions:

• Japan (Yamazaki & Hakushu): Adds signature depth, herbal complexity, and clean fruit notes.

• Scotland (Ardmore & Glen Garioch): Introduces rich peat smoke, structure, and malt character.

• Ireland (Cooley): Contributes a smooth, highly approachable triple-distilled texture.

• Canada (Alberta): Brings light, sweet, and velvety corn-and-rye grain elements.

• United States (Jim Beam): Infuses vibrant, charred oak sweetness and vanilla-caramel undertones.

Crafted by a Master Blender

Blending five completely different regional styles is a monumental challenge. Suntory’s Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo, approached each component like a different musical instrument. By utilizing the House of Suntory’s legendary art of blending, he structured Ao to reveal its diverse origins in layers. Rather than masking the differences, this blend celebrates them—allowing drinkers to experience the sweet caramel of American bourbon, the spicy rye of Canada, the smooth fruitiness of Irish pot still, the structure of Scotch, and the refined precision of Japanese whisky all in a single glass.

Symbolic Pentagonal Design

Every detail of Ao is deeply intentional. The whisky is presented in an eye-catching, five-sided glass bottle designed to symbolize the five major whisky-producing countries that contributed to the blend. The label features traditional Japanese calligraphy brushstrokes on a deep blue paper background, honoring its Japanese blending heritage.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Warm, deep amber.

• Nose: Rich and expressive. Notes of sweet vanilla and maple syrup are quickly accompanied by ripe banana, stone fruit, and a soft, earthy hint of peat smoke.

• Palate: Medium-bodied and highly complex. The entry is sweet and woody with notes of cinnamon, clove, and honey, which slowly give way to spicy grain, ripe plum, and a gentle smokiness.

• Finish: A long, evolving finish. It lingers with a beautiful balance of sweet vanilla, peppery spices, and a comforting touch of smoke.

The Perfect Pour

Because of its multi-layered composition, Ao is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it neat to dissect the individual regional styles, over a large ice sphere to unlock its sweeter creaminess, or in an “Ao Highball” topped with premium sparkling water and a lemon twist to bring out its refreshing fruit and smoke nuances.