Whisky: Suntory Ao World Whisky
Producer: Beam Suntory
Distillery: Multiple
Whisky Type: World Whisky
Region: Japan, Ireland, Scotland, Canada and USA
Age: NAS
ABV: 43%
Cask: Undisclosed
Price Range: $$

Suntory Ao is a World Whisky blend composed of malt and grain whiskeys from Beam Suntory distilleries in the five major whisky-producing countries: Ardmore Distillery (SCT), Glen Garioch Distillery (SCT), Cooley Distillery (IE), Alberta Distillery (CA), Jim Beam Clermont Distillery (US), Yamazaki Distillery (JP), and Hakushu Distillery (JP).

The expression was only available at airports (Global Travel Exclusive). However, in 2023 Suntory Ao became available in Canada, Taiwan, Singapore, Korea, and the United States.

Written in the back of the box it says “Ao is named after the deep blue of the majestic oceans that connect our world”.

Once again, Master Blender Shinji Fukuyo creates an expression for the world. The words “Suntory Blend” immediately give me an indication of what to expect, so let’s give this one a try.

Tasting Notes for Suntory Ao

Nose: Delicate aromas of red apples, caramel, and vanilla. The scent is predominantly sweet. Adding water dials down the sweetness and brings some oak and spices to the party.

Palate: Delicate and sweet arrival of red apples, cinnamon, caramel, vanilla, and a touch of smoke. I love the seamless transition from aromas to flavors. The whisky is light-bodied, and adding water accentuates the oak and bitterness again. I prefer this whisky neat.

Finish: Short. Slightly spicy at the end of the experience with clove and dry bitterness.

Conclusion: Suntory Ao is a delicate blend of young whiskeys from the five major producing countries, so fragile and articulate that adding water or ice will cause it to disintegrate quickly. However, I can see where it will pair well with sashimi or any roll for the same reason.

Generally speaking, Americans prefer bolder flavors of bourbon and rye whiskeys, so I do not see Suntory Ao being a big hit in the Southeast, but among those who appreciate light, young, and approachable expressions. As you might expect, Suntory blends have a pattern defined by layers of flavors with plenty of nuances. Try it if you are a Japanese Whisky enthusiast, new to whisky, or curious about what Suntory Blends are about.

I appreciate whiskeys like Ao because they offer something different from the traditional Scotch or American styles. By the way, I gave this whisky to my wife, who is not a whisky drinker, and loved it. Also, $55 did not seem a steep price for a Suntory blend. Should I say Kanpai? I guess it’s okay since this expression comes from a Japanese whisky maker.

Score: 3.25/5⭐

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