Our History

Join us in celebrating 100 years

In 1923, Shinjiro Torii envisioned a whisky filled with the essence of Japanese nature and crafted by artisans through a patient process of enhancing the work of nature. He achieved that dream, and today we are a House of three generations of Japanese artisans inspired by Japanese nature, crafting world-class spirits rooted in a century of tradition. We do more than create high-quality spirits; we embody the Japanese philosophy and traditions that are a full expression of everything we make. Here’s to another century!

The Founder

Shinjiro Torii was born in the Meiji Period, when Western culture and civilization suddenly flowed into Japan. At a young age, Torii entered into an apprenticeship at a pharmaceutical wholesaler in Osaka that carried Western liquors. There he engaged in stylish Western pursuits and mastered techniques of mixing, then developed a discriminating palate and nose. He mastered techniques of mixing and blending through his apprenticeships.

In the year 1899, Shinjiro Torii went independent, renting a modest house where generations of pursuit of a dream all started.

Explore Our Journey Through Time

1899 1907 1919 1923 1929 1936 1937 1956 1961 1972 1973 1984 1989 1994 2002 2014 2016 2017 2018 2019 2023

A picture of Shinjiro Torii in his younger years

1899

Shinjiro Torii founded the Torii Shoten store in Osaka.

Image of old Akadama Port Wine advertisement

1907

Akadama Port Wine, a sweet grape wine, blended by Shinjiro Torii, is introduced and becomes a huge success.

Old image of House of Suntory Plant in Osaka

1919

Shinjiro Torii establishes the Suntory Plant in Osaka.

Old photo of Yamazaki Distillery in Japan

1923

The Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s first malt whisky distillery, starts construction on the outskirts of Kyoto.

A bottle of Suntory Shirofuda, white label

1929

Suntory Shirofuda (white label) is introduced as Japan’s first whisky, but fails. Torii learns that satisfying the delicate palate of the Japanese people is the main criteria of success.

1936

Suntory introduces its first gin, Hermes Gin

Old photo of bottle of Suntory Whisky Kakubin

1937

Suntory Whisky Kakubin (“square bottle”) is introduced and becomes the heart and soul of Japanese whisky. Kakubin remains Japan's top-selling whisky by value today. *Source: IWSR 2022

1956

Suntory introduces its first vodka, Hermes Vodka.

Master blender Keizo Saji is nosing whisky

1961

Keizo Saji becomes Suntory’s second Master Blender.

1972

Keizo Saji establishes the Chita Distillery on the Chita Peninsula.

1973

The Hakushu distillery is established in the deep forest of the Japanese Southern Alps to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Japanese Whisky.

Yamazki 12 year with old fanshioned glass of amber whisky

1984

Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki is introduced.

1989

Suntory Whisky Hibiki is introduced.

1994

Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu is introduced.

Master blender Shingo Torii is nosing whisky

2002

Shingo Torii becomes the House of Suntory’s 3rd Master Blender.

2014

Suntory wins ISC Distiller of the Year for a third consecutive year, and fourth time in total

2016

Suntory Single Grain Whisky Chita and Suntory Whisky Toki are introduced.

2017

Roku Gin is launched, meticulously crafted with Japanese botanicals by our master artisans.

2018

Haku Vodka is launched, a premium craft spirit made with 100% Japanese white rice.

2019

Suntory World Whisky Ao is introduced.

2023

The House of Suntory marks an extraordinary 100-year anniversary, celebrating a century of crafting fine Japanese Whiskies.

More to Explore

About House of Suntory

Founded in 1899, Shinjiro Torii built the House of Suntory with a singular vision: to craft quintessentially Japanese spirits that would suit the delicate palate of his people.

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