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Our History
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OVER 100 YEARS OF SUNTORY CRAFTSMANSHIP
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
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1899
Shinjiro Torii founded the Torii Shoten store in Osaka.
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1907
Akadama Port Wine, a sweet grape wine, blended by Shinjiro Torii, is introduced and becomes a huge success.
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1919
Shinjiro Torii establishes the Suntory Plant in Osaka.
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1923
The Yamazaki Distillery, Japan’s first malt whisky distillery, starts construction on the outskirts of Kyoto.
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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.
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1936
Suntory introduces its first Japanese gin, Hermes Gin
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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
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1956
Suntory introduces its first japanese vodka, Hermes Vodka.
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1961
Keizo Saji becomes Suntory’s second Master Blender.
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1972
Keizo Saji establishes the Chita Distillery on the Chita Peninsula.
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1973
The Hakushu distillery is established in the deep forest of the Japanese Southern Alps to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Japanese Whisky.
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1984
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki is introduced.
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1989
Suntory Whisky Hibiki is introduced.
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1994
Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu is introduced.
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2002
Shingo Torii becomes the House of Suntory’s 3rd Master Blender.
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2014
Suntory wins ISC Distiller of the Year for a third consecutive year, and fourth time in total
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2016
Suntory Single Grain Whisky Chita and Suntory Whisky Toki are introduced.
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2017
Roku Gin is launched, meticulously crafted with Japanese botanicals by our master artisans.
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2018
Haku Vodka is launched, a premium craft spirit made with 100% Japanese white rice.
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2019
Suntory World Whisky Ao is introduced.
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2023
The House of Suntory marks an extraordinary 100-year anniversary, celebrating a century of crafting fine Japanese Whiskies.
More to Explore