Toki Suntory whiskey is a unique blend of whiskies from three distilleries owned by The House of Suntory: Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. Unlike the popular Suntory blend Hibiki, Toki has a different composition, primarily featuring Hakushu single malt and Chita grain whisky. This combination of different whisky styles creates a harmonious and well-balanced blend.
The inclusion of Hakushu single malt brings a refreshing and vibrant character to Toki. Hakushu distillery, located in the Japanese Alps, is known for its pristine natural environment and cool climate. The whisky produced here typically exhibits flavors of green apple, citrus, and floral notes. These characteristics contribute to Toki's overall profile, adding a touch of brightness and liveliness.
On the other hand, Chita grain whisky provides a smooth and creamy texture to Toki. The Chita distillery, situated near Nagoya, is dedicated to producing grain whisky using a continuous column still. This type of whisky is known for its soft and mellow qualities, with flavors of vanilla, honey, and caramel. By incorporating Chita grain whisky, Toki gains a velvety mouthfeel and a subtle sweetness.
The combination of Hakushu single malt and Chita grain whisky in Toki Suntory whiskey showcases the best of both worlds. The vibrant and fruity notes from the single malt are beautifully balanced with the smoothness and richness of the grain whisky. This creates a versatile and approachable blend that can be enjoyed in various ways.
Toki Suntory whiskey is particularly well-suited for highball cocktails. The refreshing nature of the Hakushu single malt, combined with the smoothness of the Chita grain whisky, makes it an excellent base for this classic drink. The flavors of green apple, citrus, vanilla, and honey found in Toki complement the effervescence and dilution of the highball, resulting in a refreshing and harmonious cocktail experience.
It's fascinating to note that the word “Toki” means “time” in Japanese. This name reflects the concept behind the blend, which aims to capture the essence of time and the art of whisky-making. The carefully selected whiskies from different distilleries, each with their own unique characteristics, come together in Toki to create a whisky that represents the passage of time and the dedication to craftsmanship.
In conclusion, Toki Suntory whiskey is an exquisite blend made from whiskies sourced from the Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries. The combination of Hakushu single malt and Chita grain whisky results in a well-balanced and versatile blend, with vibrant fruity notes and a smooth, creamy texture. Whether enjoyed neat or in a highball cocktail, Toki showcases the artistry of Japanese whisky-making and the beauty of time in a bottle.