Through the Japanese practice of Kogei, traditional artisans work in harmony with nature, using timeless techniques to challenge convention. For this collection, Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo revisits a technique from the House of Suntory’s early days – combining peated malt with aging in Spanish oak. Those earliest whiskies felt too heavy for the Japanese palate and American oak was used with peated malts instead. Now, drawing on over a century of whisky-making history, Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo masterfully applies this technique to create two truly special liquids.Since 1555, Kyoto’s Chiso Kimono House has crafted the finest kimono in Japan. For this collection, Chiso applies its timeless craft to the Kogei Collection Japanese Kimono Edition label designs. In the spirit of Kogei, these designs honor Chiso’s heritage while exploring new possibilities. The Yamazaki design expresses the merging of three rivers near the distillery, featuring cloud-inspired gold stamps and misty overtones. For Hakushu, the Japanese Southern Alps are brought to life, with delicate silver stamps floating as clouds above the forest. The warm climate of Yamazaki creates tropical fruit notes, while the use of peated malt imparts a pleasing smokiness – accentuating the unique and colorful spice notes from the Spanish oak casks. Taste: Deep smokiness, roasted cacao. A long finish revealing bittersweet caramelized baking spices. Appearance: Dark amber. Aroma: Dark mocha, raisins, almonds.