There are ‘deep ties’ between Japan and Scotland, not the least of which are those forged by the two countries’ shared appreciation of the craftsmanship and tradition of whisky-making.
Reaffirming that relationship, Suntory Global Spirits, owner of multiple Scotch whisky distilleries, recently hosted the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, and the Japanese Ambassador to the UK, Hiroshi Suzuki, at its Auchentoshan distillery on the outskirts of Glasgow.
The First Minister and the Ambassador were given a tour of the distillery, including a tasting of Auchentoshan’s triple-distilled single malt whisky, led by master blender Dr Calum Fraser.
They were hosted by Suntory Europe president Kengo Torii, Suntory’s Scotch and Irish managing director Chris Richardson, general manager for manufacturing Craig Martin, and Scotch Whisky Association chief executive Mark Kent.
During the visit, the visitors learned more about Auchentoshan’s 200-year history, as well as Suntory’s other Scotch whisky operations, including the Bowmore and Laphroaig distilleries on Islay, and the Ardmore and Glen Garioch distilleries in Aberdeenshire.
Discussion also focused on Suntory’s production methods and sustainability initiatives across its Scotch operations, most notably its industry-leading Peatland Water Sanctuary programme, which launched in 2021 and aims to restore and replenish 1,300 hectares of peatland by 2030, doubling that to 2,600 hectares by 2040 – the equivalent of twice the amount of peat that the company uses to make its whiskies on an annual basis.
Torii commented: “We are honoured to have hosted the First Minister of Scotland and the Japanese Ambassador to the UK at Auchentoshan.
“This visit underscores the importance of the whisky industry as a bridge between our two nations, built on shared values of quality, craftsmanship, and respect for tradition.
“Suntory Global Spirits takes great pride in contributing to the heritage, sustainability, and future growth of the Scotch whisky industry.”
Richardson added: “As a Japanese business, Suntory is renowned for its patient, long-term approach, its obsession with quality, and its deep commitment to sustainability and responsibility.
“We are proud to be custodians of many historic, iconic Scotch whisky brands, and we have seen first-hand the power of collaboration between Japan and Scotland.
“Today’s visit was an opportunity to highlight Suntory’s contribution to Scotland over many decades, and its ongoing investment in the Scotch whisky industry, our people, and our environment.”
