Suntory Yamazaki

The history of Suntory Yamazaki dates back to the early 20th century when Shinjiro Torii, a visionary Japanese entrepreneur, set out to create a premium Japanese whisky. In 1923, he opened the Yamazaki distillery, located in Kyoto, Japan, in a location chosen for its pure water springs and proximity to the city of Kyoto, which was rich in culture and tradition.

Shinjiro Torii was joined by Masataka Taketsuru, a Japanese chemical engineer who had studied the art of distillation in Scotland. Taketsuru's expertise and Torii's vision merged to create the first quality Japanese whisky, marking the beginning of the Japanese whisky industry. Taketsuru eventually founded his own distillery, Nikka, but the partnership with Torii was fundamental to the rise of Japanese whisky.

The distillery uses a variety of oak cask types, including Spanish sherry casks, to age its whiskies and develop complex flavors. The Japanese climate, with its seasonal temperature variations, also contributes to the development of Yamazaki's unique aromas.

The Torii family has continued to play a key role in the development of the Yamazaki distillery and the Suntory company. The company is now run by Shinjiro Torii III, continuing the family heritage and commitment to the quality of Japanese whisky.

The Torii family has continued to play a key role in the development of the Yamazaki distillery and the Suntory company