Beam Suntory Launches The First World-Blended Whiskey

‘Ao’ Combines Whiskey From Distilleries In Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the U.S.

Beam Suntory has gone around the globe to create the planet’s first “world-blended” whiskey.

Called ‘Ao,’ it combines whisky from five of the most renowned distilleries in Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the U.S.

The name ‘Ao’, comes from the color blue and the whiskey is named after the oceans that connect the distilleries. With notes of vanilla, tropical fruit and cinnamon, it is the distinctive climate, fermentation and distillation processes in each whisky-making region that gives the whisky its unique taste.

Fifth generation Suntory chief blende, Shinji Fukuyo selected each liquid based on Suntory’s globally-recognized Monozukuri craftsmanship.

“‘Ao’ is an exceptional whisky which, through the art of Suntory blending, allows you to enjoy the unique characteristics of all five major whisky-making regions,” Fukuyo said.

Available in 16 markets, ‘Ao’ is the first innovative whisky launch in global travel retail since the coronavirus pandemic began.  Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’ sells for the retail price of 65€/$71.

According to Ed Stening, Global Head of Travel Retail Marketing at Beam Suntory International, “this is a truly innovative whisky that blends five very different distilleries’ greatest assets and unique crafts. We couldn’t be more excited to share this exciting innovation with global travel retail.”

Beam Suntory markets several recognizable brands, among them Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur.