India: Beam Suntory announces launch of Japanese blended whisky Suntory Whisky Toki
Beam Suntory, has announced the launch of an exquisite Japanese blended whisky, Suntory Whisky Toki, under the iconic, House of Suntory portfolio. The launch will mark the first expansion of the portfolio since its launch in India late last year with the introduction of the single malt Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve, blended whisky Hibiki Japanese Harmony and Japanese Craft Gin Roku, fnbnews.com reported on October 23.
It is a blended whisky that is inspired by Japan’s culture, heritage and future-forward outlook. It represents the best of old and new bringing together the rich, age-old legacy with its contemporary and modern spirit to perfect a blend that is both groundbreaking and timeless.
Traditionally, in the time-honoured process of blending whiskies in Japan, grain whiskies have acted as dashi, meant to accentuate the flavours of key malts used. However, with the wide variety of grain whiskies that are produced in the company’s Chita distillery, Shinji Fukuyo, the fourth chief blender was inspired to reimagine the role of these grain whiskies to produce an artful blend that is a balance of subtlety and refinement.
Neeraj Kumar, managing director, Beam Suntory India, said, “We are delighted with the appreciation received for the launch of The House of Suntory in India since the launch in December 2019 which was followed by the launch of Oaksmith whisky in select markets. As premiumisation and consumption patterns evolve, we find Indian consumers are truly appreciative of the quality and taste of finely blended spirits. By bringing together the old and new ideologies and customs, Toki is a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed by all. Toki is a vision come true incorporating years of tradition and values that the Beam Suntory family respectfully upholds while showcasing the Japanese culture’s fascination with the future, making this brand a reinvention that expresses all that is authentic and presents what is next.”
This launch signals the company’s commitment and strategy to continue growing in India, in line with its ambition to reach US$1 billion in revenue by 2030.
‘Toki’, meaning ‘time’, is a concept that is deeply woven into the Japanese way of life - a concept rich in meaning the world over, yet especially in Japan, where regard for convention and re-evaluation starts an amazing inventive vitality. Traditionally crafted in accordance with the company’s philosophies on the Art of Blending, the expression features the quintessential characteristics of a exquisite balance, harmony and oneness. It is a marriage between three-storied brands from its portfolio - Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita - making it a distinctive blend that promises to excite whisky enthusiasts and beginners alike. To the nose, it is fresh and light with a fruity aroma derived from green apple, a soothing touch of honey, a speciality of Chita, wrapped in pleasant basil. The gentle notes of grapefruit and green grapes, which is a trademark of Hakushu, leads to an interlude of peppermint and thyme which plays on the palate. A hint of vanilla oak, white pepper and ginger lends to the subtly sweet and spicy finish, a trademark of Yamazaki. It is perfectly suited to the evolved palate of the modern and well-travelled discerning Indian consumer as an unmatched experience of Japanese culture, traditions and intricate flavours.
It is a versatile blend that is the product of the most premium and trademark ingredients that are celebrated in three different distilleries, brought together to create a symphony of flavours.
Fukuyo said, “Toki is a blended Japanese whisky – a blend of grains from our Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries, resulting in a delicate balance of mouth-watering flavours that are unique in character and boldly innovative. The Yamazaki American white oak cask malt whisky reinforces the sweetness of the Chita heavy-type grain with peach and custard aromas. By including a second Yamazaki malt - the Yamazaki Spanish oak cask malt whisky - the woody and bittersweet notes are accentuated, adding to the smooth finish. This careful combination produces a vivid, well-balanced blend that is modern, but which draws on the rich legacy of House of Suntory craftsmanship.”
“The smoothness of the blended whisky allows it to be savoured neat, or on the rocks as a highball - an elegant concoction of whisky and sparkling water over a generous serving of ice. Suntory Whisky Toki highball is a refreshing and modern way to drink whisky that is simple yet stylish, making it the best way to experience how whisky is appreciated in Japan today,” added Fukuyo.
From grain to glass, the whisky is meticulously crafted to achieve a depth of flavour that is quite unmatched and sophisticated. The unique offering will be priced at Rs 3,960 in Delhi, Rs 4,150 in Goa, Rs 5,120 in Tamil Nadu and Rs 6,845 in Karnataka for a 700ml bottle, and will be available across all major markets in India between October and December 2020.
23 October, 2020
