House of Suntory’s Toki whisky proves why blend is a trend

This year’s whisky wars are promising yet more innovation and the challenging of traditions, with more blended whiskies entering the market. House of Suntory’s creation, Suntory Whisky Toki, is inspired by the concept of time and straddles the notions of tradition and future by blending old and new.

House of Suntory’s fourth Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo, has contrived fresh, mellow apple notes via Hakushu American white oak cask malt whisky, which is then blended with Chita heavy-grain whisky with its notes of vanilla. Traditionally in Suntory blends, grain whiskies are complimentary to the creations, but for Toki, Fukuyo decided to elevate the grain whisky to hero status.

The unique blend of Hakushu malt and Chita grain whisky promises a delicate sweet start with a peppery and dry mouthfeel to finish. Fukuyo incorporated two Yamazaki malts to enforce sweetness and roundness. The Yamazaki American white oak cask malt whisky harmonises the key Hakushu and Chita components, while Yamazaki Spanish oak cask malt whisky grounds it with a woody note.

Suntory Whisky Toki lands next month, at recommended retail of $64.99 – a small price for a blend from one of Japan’s best-known distilling houses.