House of Suntory meets Japanese whisky regulations

The Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) created voluntary labelling standards for Japanese whisky in 2021, which The House of Suntory can now apply to all of its exported products.

JSLMA introduced a three-year transition period for its members to comply with the regulations, which are intended to safeguard the category’s reputation and secure confidence in consumers and the trade. This transition period will come to an end in April this year.

House of Suntory has confirmed all of its exported Japanese whiskies are 100% distilled, matured and bottled in Japan, as to be compliant with the standards.

As well as these standards, JSLMA requires Japanese whiskies to use malt and to be matured for at least three years, in wooden casks of no more than 700 litres.

The House of Suntory’s brands include single malt whiskies Yamazaki and Hakushu, single grain whisky Chita and blended whiskies Hibiki, Toki and Kakubin.

“As a pioneer and leading company dedicated to authenticity, we believe the designation will help uphold the integrity of and further vitalise the category,” said Masaki Morimoto, president of House of Suntory.

“This is a milestone not just for Suntory, but for our entire industry, as well as being a great day for whisky lovers globally.”

“Suntory is proud to be one of the producers for whom all of its officially exported whiskies available are 100% compliant.

“Tradition, quality, and innovation are at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to continue showcasing these through artful distilling and blending.”

House of Suntory delivered double-digit growth for parent company Beam Suntory in fiscal 2023.

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Author: Lauren Bowes