“Suntory Special Reserve” is a whiskey released in 1969 to commemorate Suntory’s 70th anniversary. It is a Japanese blended whiskey.
This article provides information for those who want to learn more about Suntory Special Reserve or for those who are currently considering ordering or purchasing it!
POINT
- Suntory Special Reserve is a Japanese blended whiskey that features malt from the Hakushu Distillery.
- Suntory Special Reserve is characterized by its fruity and mellow sweetness.
- Sales of Suntory Special Reserve began in 1969.
- This whiskey was created to commemorate Suntory’s 70th anniversary and gained popularity at the Osaka Expo in 1970.
- In 1996, sales of Suntory Special Reserve 10 Years began, and its popularity increased further due to a commercial featuring Kimura Takuya.
- Suntory Special Reserve is also well-known for its label variations. Bottles produced before 1979 bear the label “YAMAZAKI DISTILLERY,” suggesting that malt from the Yamazaki Distillery was used. Notably, the size and shape of the labels differ by year.
When to Buy or Order Suntory Special Reserve
To everyone reading this article who wants to know more about Suntory Special Reserve, you may be wondering whether to buy a bottle or enjoy it now.
To help you make that decision, I would like to share my perspective on when to buy or order, depending on the situation! I will outline the representative Product List.
The History of Suntory Reserve
Suntory Reserve was created to commemorate the history of Suntory’s whiskey on the occasion of the company’s 70th anniversary. The launch was inspired by the Japan World Exposition.
Released in Time for the Japan World Exposition
Starting with Suntory White, Suntory faced various challenges in its whiskey-making process.
At a time when they were still struggling to gain traction, it was decided that a World Exposition would be held in Japan. President Keizo Saji aimed to create a whiskey to be released in conjunction with the Japan World Exposition.
Thus, Suntory Reserve was born as a whiskey that would not be embarrassing to serve to international guests. Sales began in 1969, and the Japan World Exposition took place in Osaka the following year in 1970.
The catchphrase was, “Please call it an international product, not a domestic one.”
Due to its more reasonable price compared to the then-expensive Suntory Old, it became popular and received high praise from international visitors to the Expo, making this project a success.
Establishment of the Hakushu Distillery
Suntory Reserve became increasingly popular and began to be stocked in bars and clubs.
In 1972, Suntory established the Chita Distillery to produce grain whiskey. The Hakushu Distillery was established in 1973.
At the Hakushu Distillery, they started producing malt whiskey, which would become the base for Suntory Reserve.
Increased Popularity from Kimura Takuya’s Commercials
Reserve was originally released as a non-age blended whiskey. However, in 1996, Suntory Reserve 10 Year was launched. Following that, in 1998, “Reserve 10 Year – Sherry Cask Finish” was released. Takuya Kimura appeared in the commercials for this sherry cask finish version.
“Who called whiskey ‘old man’? What’s cool if whiskey isn’t cool?”
These impactful lines are the work of copywriter Hiroshi Ikura.
Subsequently, in September 2008, it was re-renewed as a non-age whiskey and remains so today.
Characteristics of Suntory Reserve’s Production Method
When Suntory Reserve was first released, the only distillery owned by Suntory was the Yamazaki Distillery. Therefore, the original Suntory Reserve was made using malt from the Yamazaki Distillery.
After the establishment of the Hakushu Distillery in 1973, it has been publicly stated that the malt from the Hakushu Distillery is now used in its production. It’s interesting to note that while Suntory’s other whiskey, “Royal,” does not disclose its distillery, Reserve does.
The Hakushu Distillery was established in 1973, but it is said that the malt from the Hakushu Distillery started being used in Suntory Special Reserve only after 1979. Therefore, the labels of Special Reserve bottles filled before 1979 include the following wording, indicating that malt from the Yamazaki Distillery was used.
A rare blend of Specially Reserved malt shiekies Pot-Distilled And Aged at YAMAZAKI DISTILLERY
How to Differentiate the Ages of Suntory Reserve
As a whiskey with a rich history, the labels vary by age. Let’s take a look at the changes in the labels over the years.
| Years | Events | Label Characteristics |
| 1969 | Start of Suntory Special Reserve Sales | The label’s address is “2-chome, Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka.” |
| 1971 | Headquarters Address Changed from “Nakanoshima” to “Dojima Hama Dori” | The label’s address is “2-chome, Dojima Hama Dori, Kita-ku, Osaka.” |
| 1972 | Chita Distillery Begins Operation | – |
| 1973 | Hakushu Distillery Begins Operation | – |
| Around 1979 | Malt whiskies from Chita Distillery and Hakushu Distillery begin to be used. | The label states, “A rare blend of Specially Reserved malt whiskies Pot-Distilled and Aged at Our OWN DISTILLERY.” |
| Around 1985 | – | The address on the neck label is changed to red. It is said that the distinguishing features are the white cap and the red neck label. |
| Around 1987 | – | The cap changes to black. The main black label becomes slightly smaller and is framed with a gold border. Additionally, the three-dimensional logo on the back of the bottle changes from “70” to “Suntory Reserve.” |
| Around 1990 | – | The main label changes from a rectangular shape to an oval shape. |
| 2008年 | – | The label returns to a black rectangular shape, becoming the same label as used today. |
We’d love to see various bottles as well, so if anyone has them and is unsure about the year, please contact us on X (Twitter) (laughs).
Tweets by Peaty__WhiskyTasting Notes and Product List
Let’s introduce the characteristics of each product in detail.
- Suntory Special Reserve
- Suntory Special Reserve 10-Year
- Suntory Special Reserve 10-Year Sherry Cask Finish
- Suntory Special Reserve 12-Year
Suntory Special Reserve
Currently, the only product released by the official line is the Suntory Special Reserve.
It features aromas of vanilla, pear, and green apple.
The tasting notes also reveal nuances of vanilla, pear, and green apple.
This item is well-balanced and easy to drink, making it recommended to enjoy straight.
Suntory Special Reserve 10-Year
The Suntory Reserve 10-Year is a carefully blended whisky made from select malt and grain spirits that have been aged for 10 years.
It features aromas of peach, orange, and vanilla.
The flavor profile includes notes of peach, toffee, and cocoa.
It has a richer flavor compared to the regular Suntory Reserve.
ポチップSuntory Special Reserve 10-Year Sherry Cask Finish
The Suntory Reserve 10-Year Sherry Cask Finish is a whisky that has been aged for 10 years and then finished in sherry casks.
It was released in 1998.
This whisky features aromas of chocolate and raisins, and the flavor profile includes nuances of raisins, chocolate, and brown sugar. It was particularly targeted at younger consumers, which is why it is well-known for featuring celebrities like Takuya Kimura and Koichi Sato as its image characters.
ポチップSuntory Special Reserve 12-Year
The Suntory Reserve 12-Year was available for only two years, from 2006 to 2008.
It is characterized by sweet aromas derived from sherry casks, along with hints of raisins, and a subtle metallic or rubbery scent.
The flavor profile features sweet notes reminiscent of raisins, with a creamy mouthfeel.
It is recommended to enjoy it straight or on the rocks.
Summary
This concludes the overview of Suntory Special Reserve! The Royal, Special Reserve, and Old are three timeless masterpieces from Suntory. Since you will likely come across them often, why not consider adding one to your collection?
