The history of Japanese whisky is the history of Shinjiro Torii, the founder of Suntory. In 1923, Shinjiro Torii envisioned a whisky filled with the essence of Japanese nature and hand-crafted by artisans through a patient process of enhancing the work of nature. He dreamt of creating subtle, refined, yet complex whisky that would suit the delicate palate of the Japanese and enhance their dining experience.

Though initially inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, Torii envisioned a Japanese approach by choosing a terrain and climate completely different from those of Scotland. Torii chose the region of Yamazaki, on the outskirts of Kyoto as the birthplace of Japanese whisky.

Between 1955-1970, Suntory cultivated the growth of Japan's whisky culture by opening Torys bars throughout the country. At Torys bars, Suntory revolutionized the way to drink whisky by introducing "Highball"

Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second Master Blender, took a momentous step forward in pursuing Shinjiro Torii’s vision for whiskies rich in Japanese nature and craftsmanship. On the misty, calm shores of Chita Peninsula, Keizo built a distillery dedicated to the highest-quality Japanese grain whisky.

1984 - Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki was released, 1989 - Hibiki, 1994 - Hakushu, 2015 - Chita, and 2016 - Toki.