Japanese Whisky Fans Get Bad News as Suntory Raises Prices
Suntory is raising the prices of its whiskies in Japan by as much as 125%. ( Photo: The Yomiuri Shimbun via AP Images )
Suntory time might not happen as much for folks who reside in Japan. According to Sora News 24, the Japanese whisky brand beloved by many is hiking up the prices of some of its whiskies.
The outlet reported that Japan has miraculously been able to skirt inflation for decades, buut within the past two years, the country has begun to witness its steady creep.
Suntory announced it would raise the price of 19 whiskies split amongst its portfolio. The brand announced the increases would begin at a minimum of 20%.
It cites the increase in global demand and its efforts to ramp up production levels as the reasons for the price hikes.
The brand is currently celebrating its centennial, and in September released an expression of Hibiki that was aged in Mizunara Oak. Mizunara oak whiskies are notoriously costly as is and if the limited-release whisky was still available for purchase after inflation, it would be quite expensive.
It’s been a busy year for Beam Suntory, and in August the company released a new blended scotch, Ardray, in the U.S. The blend includes offerings from Laphroaig, Bowmore, and Ardmore to name a few.
Sora News cites the largest price increases as of yet are the Hibiki 30 Year, Yamazaki 25 Year and Hakushu 25 Year whiskies. The expressions will jump in price by 125% from 160,00 yen ($1,070) to 360,000 yen ($2,400).
Yamazaki 12 Year Old and Hakushu 12 Year Old are set to experience a price increase of 50% and now fetch prices of 150,00 yen ($100 USD.) The outlet also cites Hibiki Japanese Harmony and Suntory World Whisky Ao as being subject to a 36% price hike, rendering Hibiki Harmony at 7,500 yen ($50 USD) and Suntory Ao at 6,000 yen ($40 USD.)
The brand’s Chita whisky will increase by 50%, and Yamazaki Hakushu will experience a 56% price hike, rendering Chita priced at 6,000 yen ($40) and Hakushu at 7,000 yen ($46).
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