Beam Suntory has created a blended whisky that pairs bourbon and Scotch that they are calling Oaksmith. (42.8% ABV, 75 proof)
Suntory is one of the oldest alcohol distribution companies of Japan, Suntory has decided to enter the Indian spirit industry with this fine product of theirs.
About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all around the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic 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 Legend 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.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com
Japanese dedication to quality and craftsmanship is world renowned. Oaksmith Gold is a perfect representation of Takumi which in Japanese means ‘artisan’ or ‘skillful’ as it is an ode to Japanese craftsmanship. The rare blend has a fine balance of smokiness, sweetness and smoothness that was crafted by world renowned Shinji Fukuyo.
Shinji Fukuyo, Chief Blender at Suntory, one who is responsible for every bottle of whiskey that is released from Suntory Distilleries including the single malt Yamazaki and the luxury blend Hibiki, has now come up with a whiskey that would cost between approximately Rs 600 and Rs 1,400 depending on the expression and the state where it is sold. In Maharashtra its priced ₹1375
What makes it gold?
The ingredients do the magic. From Grain to Bottle, Oaksmith Gold is a spirit with a smooth taste. It delicately blends high quality 100% aged Scotch Whisky Malts from the lush highlands of Scotland with aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon whisky from The United States of America using impeccable craftsmanship of Japan. As a result of this world class unique blend created by one of the most celebrated master blenders globally - Shinji Fukuyo, the man with over 30 years of experience creating the most famous award-winning Japanese whiskies in the world such as Yamazaki and Hibiki - the taste of Oaksmith® Gold is rich, smooth and refined. On the palate, the flavour profile is mild but full body with woodiness from the oaks casks, on the nose, it is rich fruity and has a sweet top note followed by a hint of smoke (peat), on the finish, it is clean and smooth making it very delightful. This makes it perfectly suited to tickle the taste buds of connoisseurs and beginners alike.
Aged Bourbon Whiskeys from the Americas
Elegant. Smooth. Refined. That is what 4 years of aging in newly charred American white oak barrels does to the bourbon, which goes into the delicate Oaksmith® Gold blend. A method tested over more than 200 years of time – a method as old as the distillery that produces it.
Aged Scotch Malt Whiskies from Scotland
Oaksmith® Gold contains carefully selected Premium and Aged Scotch Malt Whiskies, that speak of the pride and confidence of some of the most charming distilleries in Scotland. Crafted as nature intended, these precisely selected whiskies are known for wholesome maltiness, honeyed sweetness, a delicious creamy texture, and as much character as the Highlands of Scotland!
The Perfect Serve This beautifully crafted whisky blends well into any cocktail and pairs well with almost all flavor profiles of food. However, the perfect serve of Oaksmith® Gold, is a celebration of purity, authenticity and high quality that comes alive recommended as 45 ml poured in a pre-chilled, wide mouthed whisky rock glass. Add signature Oaksmith® Gold spherical ice for this Takumi ritual, if not, 4 big ice cubes or 6 small, and finally add water to taste, but no more than the pour size (45ml in this case).
This Bourbon Blended Whisky comes in a Golden bourbon colour. Nose strikes a balance between the oak’s woodiness with notes of rich fruity sweetness giving it a clean and smooth finish.It has a Grain and Cereal sweetness. Palate opens with a note of fading Spirit and Spicy hint , Exceptionally soft and silky, Topical fruity and Toffee flavour rolls over the mouth which gives a sweet and spicy finish.
Summary -
Beam Suntory's Oaksmith® Gold is an intriguing attempt by Shinji Fukuyo to appeal to Indian Whiskey drinkers and show that Scotch Whisky can present some of the same kinds of flavor with a little more balance and finesse than your average Indian Whiskey. They've managed to present bold flavors and solid spice without losing focus on balance and the entire taste experience.
