Review: WIP on the Park
April 28th, 2025
Malaysia’s whisky aficionados are in for a rare treat as The House of Suntory launches the exclusive 2024 Tsukuriwake Series, showcasing the mastery of Japanese whisky craftsmanship!
The House of Suntory recently announced the launch of its exclusive 2024 Tsukuriwake Series in Malaysia, a limited-edition whisky collection that pays tribute to the art of Japanese whisky-making. This series, carefully crafted by Suntory’s renowned Master Blender, Shinji Fukuyo, includes four unique expressions: Yamazaki Golden Promise, Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt, Yamazaki 18-Year-Old Mizunara, and Hakushu 18-Year-Old Peated Malt. Each label is a testament to the distinctive techniques and flavours that define Japanese whisky today, and sure to be a hit with fans of the Suntory line-up. The series was unveiled and presented with a curated multi-course dining experience recently at Michelin Guide-recognized Skillet at Menara Hap Seng 3 in Kuala Lumpur. The outstanding meal was elevated by the pairing of each expression from the coveted 2024 Tsukuriwake Series.
Recently awarded “Master Blender of the Year” at the International Spirits Challenge 2024, Fukuyo continues to push boundaries in whisky innovation through his Tsukuriwake philosophy, a term meaning “artisanship through diverse making.” This approach celebrates the complexity and range of Japanese whisky, blending unique processes, ingredients, and maturation methods to create profiles that have put Japan on the global whisky map.
The 2024 Tsukuriwake Series comes at a time when The House of Suntory also reinforces its commitment to authentic Japanese whisky. As part of the Japanese Spirits & Liquor Makers Association’s new labelling guidelines, all Suntory whiskies are guaranteed to be distilled, aged, and bottled in Japan, further attesting to Suntory’s dedication to quality.
Yamazaki Golden Promise
Crafted with Golden Promise barley, a high-quality grain introduced in Scotland in the 1960s, this expression is matured in American oak casks, bringing forth notes of orange marmalade, custard, and a lingering, sweet finish. With a full-bodied palate, Yamazaki Golden Promise embodies the richness that mature whisky drinkers appreciate.
Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt
This edition introduces soft, sweet peat that mirrors the smoky complexity of Islay Scotch whiskies. Using pure Yamazaki water and a meticulous maturation process, this whisky balances smoky layers with brown sugar sweetness, enriched by hints of bitter orange. It’s an addition to the Yamazaki range that is as sophisticated as it is balanced.
Yamazaki 18-Year-Old Mizunara (Tsukuriwake 2024 Edition)
Known for the distinctive spice and sandalwood aroma of Mizunara oak, this whisky celebrates Suntory’s mastery of this rare and challenging wood. The 2024 Mizunara edition offers a layered palate with spiced orange, clove, and dried coconut, finishing with a long, aromatic depth that embodies the essence of Japanese craftsmanship.
Hakushu 18-Year-Old Peated Malt (Tsukuriwake 2024 Edition)
Drawing from Hakushu’s tradition of blending peated whisky with herbaceous notes, this expression offers a rich, forest-like profile with spicy and peppery layers. It’s a refined, balanced experience that reflects Hakushu’s dedication to craftsmanship.
The Tsukuriwake Series 2024 is available only at select high-end retailers and venues, including Kampachi EQ Kuala Lumpur and The Chamber. Kampachi will host an invitation-only tasting dinner at RM2,000 per guest, offering a rare opportunity to savour each whisky in a setting that enhances the series’ rich flavours. For a more intimate experience, The Chamber offers a canapé and whisky flight set at RM988 nett, ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate refined tasting in a private setting.
As quantities are limited, collectors in Malaysia should act quickly (and check their bank account balance) to secure their bottles. The entire Tsukuriwake Series is available as a complete set for RM29,999, exclusively through The Chamber.
To register your interest or sign up for these exclusive experiences, please sign up here.