Yamazaki Whisky Supreme Champion For Record Breaking Third Year

For the first time in International Spirits Challenge history, a single brand has claimed the title of Supreme Champion Spirit three years running. Yamazaki 18 Years Old secured the prestigious award in London on September 25, following victories by Yamazaki 25 Years Old in 2023 and Yamazaki 12 Years Old in 2024.

Japanese Whisky Dominates Quality

The International Spirits Challenge is one of the spirits industry’s most prestigious competitions and evaluates entries across all categories through blind tastings by world-renowned experts. Judges assess spirits for quality, balance, and character.

“We taste over 1,000 whiskies, so it’s a big job to find our category winners and our Supreme Champion. They’re all judged blind, of course, but Yamazaki 18 Years Old stood out,” the judging panel stated. The official tasting notes praised the whisky as “an absolutely superb whisky within its category,” highlighting its exceptional smoothness paired with remarkable intensity of flavor.

Suntory Global Spirits also earned Producer of the Year in the Japanese Whisky category for the sixth consecutive year. The company’s portfolio garnered multiple awards, including trophies for Suntory Blended Japanese Whisky 2025 and The Japanese Craft Gin ROKU, plus numerous gold medals across the Hibiki, Hakushu, and Yamazaki ranges.

Commitment to Authentic Japanese Whiskey Standards

The recognition reinforces Suntory’s dedication to the Japanese Whisky standards set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association. All exported Suntory Japanese Whisky products are 100% distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan.

“Winning the Supreme Champion Spirit title for the third year in a row is a tremendous honor and it embodies our commitment to kaizen—continuous improvement and dedication to craftsmanship,” said Masaki “Mory” Morimoto, President of The House of Suntory.

The House of Suntory has previously been named Distiller of the Year four times at the International Spirits Challenge (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Last year, Suntory’s Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo was named Master Blender of the Year for the first time.

Founded in 1923, Suntory built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki. The company celebrated its centennial in 2023, marking 100 years of Japanese whisky innovation. Today, the portfolio includes renowned brands such as Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki, alongside newer expressions like Suntory World Whisky AO.