Suntory 'Ao' World Whisky 700 mL
(Japan) [WA 90] [USC 90]

Notes from the Maker:
‘Ao’ meaning ‘blue’ is a homage to the oceans that connect whisky’s five great traditions. Ao offers a blend of Irish, Scottish, Canadian, American and Japanese. While layered together for balance, the unique qualities of each tradition come through, truly making Ao a blend like no other.

The one-of-a-kind whisky is a tribute to the liquids’ long history, perfectly capturing the heathery flavor 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 U.S. 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, attention to detail and quality. Building on Suntory’s history of craftsmanship, this innovative, premium blended whisky embodies the spirit of Suntory and is a tribute to the liquid’s long history.

86 Proof

Tasting Notes:

COLOUR: Gold

NOSE: Bright, vanilla top note and pineapple-like fruitiness. A creamy sweetness with a lingering woody aroma.

PALATE Smooth and sweet mouthfeel. Gradual smokiness and cinnamon-like spiciness.

FINISH Sweet & smoky, spicy & woody. A many-layered complexity

An overall complexity created by the individuality in character of each of the major whisking-making regions. Best enjoyed on the rock

Awards/Reviews:

90 Points - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2023

"A cornucopia of aromas rises from the glass, including toffee, ripe orchard fruit, and stewed grains. Layered flavors of caramel biscuits, apple galette, and bread pudding combine with nutmeg over a creamy finish that hugs the palate. Impressively well-rounded."

90 Points - Whisky Advocate

"A world blend combining malt and grain whiskies from Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Canada, and the U.S., this is a busy, multilayered whisky. The nose has grilled orange, floral notes, fruity hard candy, rose water, fresh-baked bread, an almost yeasty note, wood spice, pastry, and firework smoke. Juicy orange flavors, with smoke, chocolate, cinnamon, peppercorn, and maltiness, then hazelnut, caramel, and ground almond to finish."

"The nose of the whisky evokes Scotch mostly, arguably a blend vs. a single malt. Notes of well-toasted, heathery grain, a touch of smoke, and some lemon-heavy citrus are all evident, along with a honey note that recalls some Irish bottlings. The palate offers a malty core that’s touched with milk chocolate and some vanilla — perhaps the Jim Beam showing through, though just barely. From there the whisky adopts an earthier note, sultry but subtle, and nodding at some of the more aggressive wood elements you’ll find in Suntory’s Japanese stock, finishing with a reprise of citrus, just a bit. The balance, much to my surprise, is impeccable. While you’d have to be a savant to pick out all the component elements, Fukuyo has put them together so artfully that one really doesn’t feel like they need to bother trying. As the highest-end of infinity bottles, Suntory Ao is one to seek out." - Drinkhacker (Grade: A-)

 "The nose is full of vanilla, caramel and some bright citrus and berry notes. The mouthfeel is notably creamy, with rich, syrupy notes of milk chocolate, oak, maple syrup, brown sugar, honey and a hint of tannin and spice on the finish. But there’s a hint of that Irish fruitiness, followed by some bourbon vanilla, with a dash of Canadian sweetness rounded out by some malty citrus. This is a whiskey that grows on you as you sip, with unraveling layers of complexity slowly revealing themselves. Ao seems like a great cocktail option, but would also be enjoyable over a large ice cube." - Robb Report