Suntory launches two new single malts in collaboration with Keanu Reeves

Schenelle Dsouza

Famed Japanese whisky brand, House of Suntory completes 100 years in the industry. This centennial is a major milestone for the brand not only because of Suntory’s history and innovation in whisky but also the celebration of Japanese whisky culture. And so, to mark this special occasion, the brand has partnered with actor Keanu Reeves and directors Sofia Coppola and Roman Coppola for a celebratory launch. Additionally, the brand is also releasing two limited-edition whiskies, the Yamazaki 18-year-old and the Hakushu 18-year-old.

Suntory Time

Roping in Sofia Coppola made absolute sense to Suntory given that the roots of their collaboration go all the way back to 2003 to Copolla’s movie called Lost in Translation. In the movie, American actor Bob played by Bill Murray travelled to Japan to appear in a “Suntory Time” commercial. And so, Copolla delivered a remarkable short film titled Suntory Anniversary Tribute, starring Keanu Reeves who had appeared in a 1992 ad campaign for Suntory Reserve. The short film is a tribute to Suntory which tells of the brand’s remarkable heritage of the last 100 years, depicting the meaning of “Suntory Time” through the eyes of its creator, Shinjiro Torii.

However, this will not be the only tribute. Keanu Reeves is also said to appear in Roman Coppola’s The Nature and Spirit of Japan, a docuseries which will explore the Japanese whisky culture which is inspired by harmony with nature (Wa), elevated by Japanese craftsmanship (Monozukuri) and enjoyed as an authentic Japanese cultural experience (Omotenashi).

“I’m honored to partner with Suntory Whisky again thirty years after our Suntory Reserve campaign,” said Keanu Reeves. “I’m a huge fan of Suntory Whisky, so it’s very special to collaborate in honor of this milestone anniversary. My admiration for the whisky goes beyond tasting the whisky. It is the elevated Japanese craftsmanship and attention to every detail that makes Suntory Whisky so special. As an actor honing and perfecting my own craft, sharing this process in a docuseries is a thrill.”

Limited Edition Whiskies

In addition to the docuseries, House of Suntory is also releasing two limited-edition whiskies to commemorate the centennial. These are both 18-year-old iterations of the Yamazaki and Hakushu.

The Yamazaki 18-year-old is matured entirely in Japanese mizunara oak casks which are tedious to work with but are considered a staple for maturing Japanese whisky. It has a rich fruity, spiced flavour on the palate with hints of aromatic lavender and thyme.

The Hakushu 18-year-old is a peated malt aged in multiple casks to highlight the peated barley aroma. It has notes of candy and smoke, along with notes of grape, watermelon, and vanilla on the palate.

Both bottles will be available later this month and are priced at US $1,500 for the Yamazaki 18-Year-Old Mizunara and US $1,200 for the Hakushu 18-Year-Old Peated Malt.

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