The House of Suntory has announced two new global travel retail (GTR) exclusive expressions. The Kogei Collection (2024 Japanese Kimono Edition) includes Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak and Hakushu Peated Malt Spanish Oak. 

 

The collection explores the Japanese craftmanship alluded to in the name ‘Kogei’ (meaning Japanese crafts). The Kogei Collection will release limited-edition whiskies every two years with new packaging designs by traditional Japanese artists. 

 

Brand marketing director global travel retail Manuel Gonzalez commented: “The Japanese Kimono Editions of our 2024 Kogei Collection are a true embodiment of craft through inspired innovation. I’m sure these exceptional expressions will capture the imagination of whisky lovers and collectors, and drive engagement and trade-up for us and our retail partners.” 

 

The 2024 Japanese Kimono Edition was created in partnership with kimono house Chiso, which is known for its pattern work. Chiso’s designers used traditional dyeing method ‘Bokashi-zome’ to create the patterns for the bottle labels and outer packaging. 

 

Crafted by master blended Shinji Fukuyo, both expressions are made with peated malt and matured in Spanish oak casks. For the Yamazaki, the brand says the resultant flavours has “unique, colourful spices”, while in the Hakashu the effect is “drier smoke and undertones of fruity sweetness”. 

 

Global travel retail managing director Ashish Gandham said: “The Kogei Collection is a new milestone for our whisky portfolio — and for the travel retail channel — and illustrates perfectly our commitment to combining premiumisation with sought-after exclusives.”

 

The collection debuted at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 on 1 April 2024, at House of Suntory’s travel retail shop-in-shop boutique. Further activations are expected at Dubai International, London Heathrow, and further airports worldwide. 

 

The Kogei Collection Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak and Hakushu Peated Malt Spanish Oak are bottle at 43% ABV. Both expressions will be available at selected airports for an RRSP of US$205 per 70cl bottle.