Suntory: From Japanese Whisky to Modern Gin

Suntory: A Japanese Heritage in Gin and Whisky Worth Knowing

When people think of premium spirits from Japan, Suntory is a name that often comes up — not by accident, but because of over a century of commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and spirits that reflect tradition as much as creativity. Established in Osaka in 1899, Suntory began as a small wine retailer and grew into one of the most respected names in whisky and craft gin in the world.

At MinumKu, we believe good spirits tell a story — not just of flavour, but of culture, history, and the people who make them. With Chinese New Year approaching, it’s a great time to explore one of Japan’s most influential producers and why some of their spirits — from gin to whisky — deserve a spot in your drink rotation and gift ideas.

What Makes Suntory Special
Suntory isn’t just a distillery — it’s a legacy. Over more than a century, it has successfully navigated international trends, shifting tastes, and even resource limitations to create spirits that balance precision with subtlety. While its output today includes many familiar names, the philosophy behind each bottle remains rooted in harmony with nature and people.

Roku Gin — Six Botanicals, Four Seasons
You’ve probably seen Roku Gin on shelves, and for good reason. “Roku” literally means six in Japanese — referring to the six uniquely Japanese botanicals used in its production. These include yuzu peel, sakura (cherry blossom) flower and leaf, sencha and gyokuro teas, and sansho pepper, carefully harvested at their seasonal peak — a Japanese concept known as shun (enjoying ingredients at the height of their flavour).

This intentionality gives Roku a balance of floral, citrus, herbal, and peppery notes that work beautifully neat, with tonic, or in cocktails that reinvent familiar classics with a distinctly Japanese twist.

👉 Look out for Roku Gin in our upcoming Chinese New Year selections — it makes for a thoughtful, sophisticated gift.

Sui Gin — A Modern Japanese Expression
Alongside Roku, Suntory’s Sui Gin represents modern craftsmanship, blending traditional techniques with contemporary tastes. It’s smooth, vibrant, and embodies a new wave of Japanese gin that appeals to both seasoned gin drinkers and newcomers alike. This makes it a great choice for gatherings or as a sharing bottle during festivities.

Kakubin — The Whisky That Shaped Japanese Tastes
Long before craft gin captured international attention, Suntory was already making whisky history.

In 1937, founder Shinjiro Torii introduced a blended whisky initially known simply as “Suntory Whisky 12 Years.” It soon earned the nickname Kakubin (“square bottle”) thanks to its distinctive shape, and quickly became a staple in Japanese households. Kakubin’s appeal lies in its gentle, versatile profile — slightly fruity, approachable, and wonderfully suited to highballs (whisky mixed with soda) that became a cultural mainstay in Japan.

👉 Kakubin is a great choice for whisky fans who enjoy smooth, easy drinking spirits — and we’re excited to include it in future MinumKu offerings.

Chita — The Grain Whisky That Complements Every Pour
While many whisky lovers focus on malt, Suntory’s Chita brings grain whisky into the spotlight. With a clean, elegant character, Chita is often enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in light cocktails, and its gentle profile makes it an excellent match for food and conversation alike.

Hibiki — Harmony in a Glass
If there’s one name in Japanese whisky that resonates globally, it’s Hibiki. Launched in 1989 to celebrate Suntory’s 90th anniversary, Hibiki means “resonance” — a fitting name for a blended whisky that brings together a symphony of malt and grain whiskies with thoughtful precision.

Hibiki blends components from Suntory’s three renowned distilleries — Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita — to produce layers of subtle honey, floral notes, and gentle spice. Its craftsmanship and cultural significance have made it a symbol of Japanese whisky excellence, and its elegant presentation makes it a natural choice for festive gifting.

👉 Hibiki is already available and currently featured in our curated selections — perfect for those looking for something special this Chinese New Year.

Why Suntory Works for Malaysian Spirits Lovers
Here in Malaysia, we enjoy spirits for both everyday moments and special occasions. Suntory’s range — from the floral complexity of Roku to the iconic harmony of Hibiki — offers options for quiet evenings, shared celebrations, and thoughtful gifts alike.

Whether you’re exploring whisky culture or introducing friends to something new, understanding the story behind the bottle enriches the experience — and makes every sip feel more meaningful.

Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight more stories, bottles, and inspirations from around the world — starting here in Japan with Suntory.