Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1331779
9 Shinjiro Torii founded Japan's first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, on the outskirts of Kyoto, in 1923. Inspired by the riches of Japanese nature and spirit of craftsmanship, a company was built that today is among the most venerated spirits producers in the world: House of Suntory. Suntory still makes whisky according to the Japanese ideals of subtlety, refinement, and complexity that Torii envisioned for his spirits all those years ago—even as succeeding generations of blending teams have continued to create new expressions to expand the horizons of the category. A prime example is Suntory Whisky Toki: Released in 2016, this premium blend of whiskies from all three of Suntory's distilleries has proven a sensation among bartenders who've turned the Japanese tradition of highballs, made with high-carbonation soda water and extra- pure ice, into a stateside trend. Of course, Toki is stellar on its own as well, whether neat or on the rocks—offering an abundance of green apple, citrus, honey, and myriad herbs before a complex finish of vanilla, pepper, and ginger. Today, Suntory's challenger nature and "monozukuri" craftsmanship has been applied to the introduction of its newest spirits. Take Roku Gin, which combines eight traditional gin botanicals such as juniper berry, coriander seed, and cardamom seed with six Japanese botanicals—including sakura leaf and flower, gyokuro and sencha tea, Sansho pepper, and yuzu. The result exudes floral and herbaceous aromas that lead to a multilayered yet silk-smooth palate with sweet-tart and spicy touches. Or take Haku Vodka. Double- distilled from fermented white rice and filtered through bamboo charcoal, it shows just how soft, round, and sweet quality craft vodka can be. Both Haku and Roku work well for putting Asian twists on classic cocktails. And, like every bottle of Suntory, they represent a pilgrimage to Japan, providing a rich cultural experience ready to be discovered by the world. HOUSE OF SUNTORY A Spirit Legend in the Land of the Rising Sun : Roku Rickey ✘ 1 ½ oz. Roku ✘ ½ oz. simple syrup ✘ ½ oz. yuzu juice ✘ 4 ½ oz. chilled premium soda water ✘ Shiso leaf Fill a highball glass to the brim with ice. Add Roku, simple syrup, and yuzu juice. Top with chilled soda water. Stir and garnish with shiso leaf.