By Richard Thomas
Ranking: A-
Suntory Ao
(Credit score: Suntory)
Hybrid whiskeys had been fairly the factor a number of years in the past. This class consists of any mix created from two or extra distinct forms of whiskey, with the primary main instance in the USA in all probability being the reportedly unintended creation of Wild Turkey Forgiven, a bourbon-rye hybrid. Virginia Distilling Firm’s preliminary line was composed completely of American Malt-Scottish Malt hybrids.
The notion isn’t buzzing the best way that it was once, however that doesn’t imply it’s lifeless, particularly at Beam-Suntory. Constructing on Jim Beam Kentucky Dram and the restricted version collection Little E book (the primary two had been hybrids), Suntory launched a very international, company-encompassing hybrid of their very own final 12 months. Beam Suntory has been doing synergetic issues like this lately (the wonderful Japanese blended, Kentucky bourbon Legent involves thoughts), and now they’ve pulled all corners of their whiskey conglomerate into play–America, Canada, Eire, Japan and Scotland–and given them over to Suntory Grasp Blender Shinji Fukuyo. The Yamazaki and The Hakushu; Ardmore and Glen Garioch; Jim Beam; Cooley; and Alberta Distillers.
The phrase “Ao’ is Japanese for blue, and is so named for the blue oceans that tie the constituents collectively. It’s bottled at 45% ABV.
The Whiskey
Conserving in thoughts what whiskeys from three of the 5 nations in query sometimes appear like, I wasn’t shocked when Ao took a golden look within the glass. The nostril had a citrus, apple and honey present to it that was fairly paying homage to Irish Whiskey, however with a richness that comparatively mild type normally lacks. Accenting this candy core was a hefty notice of hoary outdated oak and a seasoning of sandalwood.
The flavour constructed on this vein, giving me trigger to think about cider blended into mulled wine, however with an earthy, woody and ashy tinge. As a sipping whiskey, Ao is a fancy, however absolutely approachable surprise of the world. The end shed a lot of this, operating spicy earlier than turning dry.
The Value
Anticipate to pay $71. Provided that this merchandise is inexpensive, good and unique, there isn’t any cause to not have a bottle on the shelf apart from pure lack of curiosity.
