Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak

The House of Suntory has released two travel retail-exclusive Japanese whiskies: Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak and Hakushu Peated Malt Spanish Oak. The word ‘kogei’ can be translated as ‘traditional Japanese craftsmanship’. Master blender Shinji Fukuyo started with the peat-smoking of malt from Islay, then matured the whiskies in Spanish oak casks that were aged during the four seasons of Japan. Beam Suntory’s global travel retail managing director, Ashish Gandham, said: “The Kogei Collection is a new milestone for our whisky portfolio – and for the travel retail channel – and illustrates perfectly our commitment to combining premiumisation with sought-after exclusives.” Kimono collaboration: The design of the whiskies, known as the 2024 Japanese Kimono Edition, was created in partnership with Kyoto-based kimono house Chiso. Featuring designs based on Chiso kimonos, the Yamazaki packaging incorporates intricate prints inspired by the Yamazaki distillery, with the depiction of three merging rivers to suggest a sense of calmness.