In this instalment of discontinued bottlings, we’ll be looking at the great Hakushu and Yamazaki distilleries.

The Hibiki 17 news was followed by the discontinuation of the Hakushu 12-Year-Old. This, after the Hakushu 25 was recently named the World’s Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2018.

While not technically discontinued, we’ve lost many wonderful Yamazaki and Hakushu ranges over the years. The last bottle in the Yamazaki Bourbon Barrel range came in 2013. The for the Yamazaki Puncheon range. The Yamazaki Sherry Cask last appeared in 2016.

The latest blow came during a chat with Suntory’s PR team, when it was confirmed that there will be no Yamazaki Limited Edition 2018, which end a four year streak of amazing bottlings, starting from 2014. Bear in mind, as these of limited releases, new releases may be added at any time, so don’t feel too disheartened.

Some have speculated about the Limited Edition rumour for months, which escalated when the Suntory summer collection didn’t include the Yamazaki release. However, fans were hoping the second half of 2018 would bring the launch of this year’s installment, but that sadly won’t be happening now that the news is official. 

The Yamazaki Limited range has brought a new exciting bottling to fans each year since its inception in 2014. The single malt range consists of vintages of many ages, matured in a variety of oak casks. Unlike the Hibiki 17 and Hakushu 12, the Yamazaki Limited bottlings are, as the title suggests, limited, and thus not guaranteed to be released annually. This also means that the range could return in the coming years if stock permits.

Concerning the core bottlings, Suntory tells me that over $250 million has been invested since 2013 in expanding the facilities and ramping up production at the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries. So, while the discontinuation of these loved, aged bottlings is not the best news, fans may see their return in the years to come.

Today’s Anniversary Discount

Take 10% Off All Discontinued Yamazaki Bottles. (Yamazaki Limited Edition, Puncheon Cask, Bourbon Barrel and more)