Suntory Year of the Monkey
75cl / 43%
£109.00
- Malt type: Blended
- Region: Japan
- Chilfiltered: Yes
- Coloring: Yes
Tasting Notes
Toffee, Honey, Ginger, Almonds and Oak
Dried Fruits, Toffee, Marzipan, Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Medium Finish, Ginger, Cinnamon, Dried Fruit and Oak
If you like this whisky, you will also like these
A highly ornate ceramic decanter containing fine Suntory blended whisky, released to celebrate the Chinese Zodiac.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Suntory / Distillery Bottling / Japan |
| Category | Japanese Blended Whisky (Typically Suntory Royal or Old) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | Not stated by the producer (NAS) / Year of the Monkey (Varies, e.g., 1992, 2004) |
| ABV & Size(s) | 43% ABV / 60cl, 720ml, or 750ml |
| Cask / Treatment | Oak Cask (Likely blend components aged in various casks, potentially Mizunara) |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer (Likely Chill-Filtered) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Limited Edition (Annual Zodiac release) |
| Intended channel | Domestic Japanese Gifting Market, Duty Free |
| Packaging | Ceramic decanter (Baboon/Monkey figure), typically with a presentation box |
| Notes on discrepancies | Sizes vary (60cl to 720ml) depending on the bottling year. The liquid is consistently a 43% ABV blend. |
Historical Context
The Suntory Zodiac Collection is a long-running series of decorative ceramic decanters created primarily for the domestic Japanese luxury gifting market, aligning with the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Suntory, having pioneered Japanese whisky distillation since 1923, embraced the art of presentation, creating these annual limited releases that merge exquisite craft with their signature blended spirits.
The whisky inside is generally the premium Suntory Royal or Suntory Old blend. The primary function of the "Year of the Monkey" decanter is aesthetic and cultural. These ceramic vessels are valued by collectors globally as art objects rather than solely for the liquid content.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
This expression is a Blended Japanese Whisky, typically bottled without an age statement. The strength is standardized at 43% ABV. The liquid components are matured in various Oak Casks, which in Suntory’s inventory often includes Japanese Mizunara oak, contributing to a distinctive flavour profile.
The most notable technical challenge posed by this format is the variation in liquid volume, ranging from 60cl to 720ml (the traditional Japanese market size) depending on the distribution channel and year of release.
Documented variants
The monkey motif decanter recurs every 12 years. The composition is consistently a 43% ABV blend, although some collectors seek specific releases, especially those known to be the Suntory Royal 12 Year Old base.
Variant Matrix
| Whisky Base | ABV | Volume | Target Market | Relative desirability |
| Suntory Royal/Old Blend | 43% | 60cl | Domestic/Export | High (For aesthetic collector appeal) |
| Suntory Royal/Old Blend | 43% | 720ml | Domestic Japanese | High (Standard Japanese market size) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
The opaque, ceramic nature of the packaging dictates a specialized assessment protocol.
Ceramic Integrity: A thorough inspection is required to identify any chips, cracks, or wear to the ornate decoration of the monkey decanter. Pristine aesthetic condition is critical for premium valuation.
Ullage Risk (Ceramic Porosity): The chief risk inherent in ceramic decanters is evaporation and liquid degradation. Since the fill level cannot be visually confirmed, the valuation must account for this inherent risk, placing a higher premium on bottles that feel appropriately weighty or have proven integrity.
Presentation Box: The decanter was designed as a premium gift, and the original presentation box is essential for securing the highest collectible price.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The use of the term "Blended Whisky" confirms the contents are a combination of malt and grain whiskies. The 43% ABV adheres to standard Japanese luxury bottling strength.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The blend is admired for its intricate structure, sweetness, and high level of complexity.
Nose: Pleasant and deeply aromatic, offering complex notes of vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, and dried fruits. The aromatic profile is layered with non-traditional notes of cocoa, incense, and butter cookie.
Palate: Noted for its velvety smooth and balanced mouthfeel. Flavours include ripe fruit, dark chocolate, and spice. Unique complexity is introduced by suggested Mizunara oak influence, presenting notes such as green apple and roasted almond.
Finish: Long and refined, concluding with a persistent warmth and a subtle smoky nuance.
With water: N/A.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The market for this item is driven by its rarity as a ceramic collectible and Japanese aesthetic appeal, with liquid content being a secondary, though still important, factor.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer. US retail asking prices suggest an estimated original market value range equivalent to GBP 199.99 - GBP 279.99.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): GBP 280.00 - GBP 450.00.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): GBP 95.00 - GBP 150.00. Auction hammer prices are lower than retail due to the unavoidable ullage risk associated with ceramic decanters.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Auction (UK Hammer) | Current (Example) | 60cl, 43% ABV | GBP 95.00 | Hammer price for ceramic decanter lot |
| Retail (US Price) | Current | 12YO, NAS, 43% ABV | GBP 199.99 | FX: on. Based on $249.99 price point |
Pricing stratification: Maximum valuation is tied to the aesthetic condition of the decanter and the inclusion of the box. Low hammer prices often reflect lots sold without boxes or with noticeable cosmetic defects.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Moderate, stable liquidity. Demand is consistent from collectors specializing in Japanese decanters and the Suntory Zodiac series.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Suntory is the premier name in Japanese whisky. The Zodiac decanters showcase the blend quality delivered alongside cultural aesthetic value.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras
Target pristine ceramic decanters, prioritizing the inclusion of the original packaging (box).
Red flags to avoid
Any visible damage to the ceramic, or anecdotal reports of excessive weight loss (suggesting low ullage).
Condition thresholds
Near-perfect aesthetic condition for the ceramic figure and packaging is essential for premium trade.
Margin/velocity expectations
Stable, moderate velocity driven by a niche, international collector base for decorative Japanese spirits.
