Suntory Yamazaki 18 Year Old Crowned Supreme Champion at the International Spirits Challenge 2025

In an outstanding achievement for Japanese whisky, Suntory Yamazaki 18 Year Old Single Malt has been named Supreme Champion Spirit at the International Spirits Challenge 2025. This honour marks the third consecutive year that Yamazaki 18 has claimed the top award, a rare distinction that highlights its consistency, balance, and craftsmanship.

A Masterpiece of Japanese Whisky Craftsmanship

The Yamazaki 18 Year Old represents the pinnacle of Suntory’s artistry. Produced at Japan’s oldest malt distillery, founded in 1923, it embodies the harmony of nature, precision, and patience that defines Japanese whisky.

Rich in character, this single malt displays a deep amber colour and a complex aroma layered with dried fruit, sherry oak, and subtle smokiness. On the palate, it delivers a silky balance of sweetness, spice, and wood, leading to a long and elegant finish. Each bottle reflects the skill of Suntory’s master blenders and the legacy of nearly a century of dedication to excellence.

Japan’s Whisky Renaissance Continues

This victory is more than a single accolade. It symbolises Japan’s growing dominance in the global whisky landscape. Over the past decade, Japanese whiskies have risen to international prominence, challenging long-established Scotch producers and expanding the world’s appreciation for refined, balanced spirits.

Distilleries such as Suntory, Nikka, and Kavalan have consistently earned international awards, proving that Asian whiskies can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best from Scotland and Ireland. The recognition of Yamazaki 18 for three consecutive years reflects this ongoing renaissance and Japan’s commitment to precision, quality, and artistry.

About the International Spirits Challenge

The International Spirits Challenge (ISC) is one of the world’s most respected competitions, judged by leading industry professionals, master distillers, and sensory experts. Entries are evaluated through rigorous blind tastings to ensure integrity and fairness.

Winning the Supreme Champion Spirit title is considered one of the highest honours in the spirits world. For Yamazaki 18 to achieve this feat three years in a row demonstrates an exceptional level of craftsmanship and the respect Suntory commands globally.

What This Means for Collectors and Enthusiasts

For whisky enthusiasts, this award reinforces the Yamazaki 18 Year Old as one of the most desirable bottles in the world. It is admired not only for its flavour and elegance but also for its investment potential. Bottles of Yamazaki have become collector favourites, with demand consistently exceeding supply.

Its consistent performance at the highest level of international competition adds both prestige and long-term value. Collectors who can secure a bottle are not only adding a piece of whisky history to their shelves but also an investment that reflects the golden age of Japanese whisky.

The Future of Suntory and Japanese Whisky

As Suntory celebrates over a century of craftsmanship, the distillery continues to innovate while preserving traditional methods. Its focus on balance, harmony, and meticulous blending ensures that every release upholds the Yamazaki legacy.

This latest achievement cements Japan’s place among the leaders of the global whisky industry and highlights the enduring power of passion, patience, and precision in whisky making.

To explore more about Suntory and its remarkable range of whiskies, visit house.suntory.com