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Clémence Viault

Suntory 21 Light & Smooth, 500ml, 40%

A very mild blended whisky from Suntory from the 1990s. Since this bottling was only available in Japan, it's very rare and a must-have for every collector

Suntory 21 Light & Smooth was a blended whisky launched in 1984. Its tagline, ’21 after 20,’ was somewhat enigmatic but clearly targeted young adults. Given Japan’s legal drinking age of 20, the message was essentially, ‘Once you turn 20, enjoy Suntory 21.’

In the early 1980s, Japanese drinkers developed a taste for lighter, more affordable whiskies like Cutty Sark. To tap into this trend, Suntory focused on the youth market and introduced several lighter, easier-drinking whiskies. In 1983, they released ‘Suntory Q,’ followed by ‘Suntory 21 Light & Smooth’ in 1984. Both whiskies sported green bottles, reminiscent of Cutty Sark, but with unconventional label designs that marked a departure from traditional whisky aesthetics. While Suntory Q was classified as a Ikkyu (First-Class) whisky under the Japanese whisky standards of the time, Suntory 21 Light & Smooth was a Tokkyu (Special Class) whisky containing a higher proportion of malt whisky. Unfortunately, neither whisky achieved significant commercial success, and both were discontinued by the late 1980s.

Suntory 21 Light & Smooth has an exceptionally light color for a whisky. Its taste profile is very light-bodied with a noticeable alcohol kick when enjoyed neat. It was clearly designed to be mixed with ice or soda.

It is said that the style of Suntory 21 Light & Smooth was later adopted for the Suntory Kakubin White label.

Nose: Sipping neat, there’s a noticeable alcohol kick. Aromas of green apple, nuts, and vanilla emerge.

Palate: Initially dry, but sweetness follows in the aftertaste.

Finish: Light and refreshing, but don’t underestimate the smoky undertones. Not ideal for drinking straight.

Overall: True to its name, it’s very light and lacks strong characteristics. Some might find it lacking in depth and interest. Adding water brings out acidity and smokiness. On the rocks, the harshness of the alcohol is toned down, offering a smooth mouthfeel with a touch of sweetness and fruitiness. Mixed with soda, it loses its aroma but makes an excellent refreshing drink. Best enjoyed on the rocks or as a highball.



Japanese whisky - 40%

Suntory 21 Light & Smooth  - b. 1980s, 1990s - 500ml

Whisky

Reserve price

No reserve price

Budget

From

Closing date

Sunday

19 April

Saturday

tomorrow

18 April

Monday

Wednesday

17 April

16 April

Tuesday

20 April

21 April

Location

Germany

Italy

France

Belgium

The Netherlands

Taiwan

Spain

Portugal

Poland

Japan

Slovak Republic

Austria

United Kingdom

United States

Andorra

Czech Republic

Switzerland

Croatia

Hong Kong

Hungary

Denmark

Estonia

Greece

Romania

Sweden

Brand

Macallan

Johnnie Walker

Jack Daniel's

Glenfiddich

Glenfarclas

Hibiki

Ardbeg

Balvenie

Lagavulin

Bowmore

Highland Park

Yamazaki

Lakes

Ballantine's

Talisker

Glenmorangie

Karuizawa

Laphroaig

Royal Salute

Aberlour

Caperdonich

Glen Grant

Springbank

Dalmore

Glendronach

Object

Single malt whisky

Blended whisky

Scotch whisky

Japanese whisky

Tennessee whiskey

Bourbon whiskey

Malt whisky

Irish whiskey

Pure malt

Blended malt whisky

Single grain whisky

American whiskey

Scotch whisky 

Canadian whisky

Blended whisky 

Liqueur

Blended grain whisky

Blended malt

Mirror

Poster

Plate

Sign

Enamel sign

Country of origin

Scotland

Speyside

Islay

Highlands

Ireland

Lowlands

Campbeltown

England

Isle of Skye

Orkney

Canada

Isle of Arran

Wales

Isle of Jura

India

Norway

Israel

Bottle size

70cl

700ml

75cl

750ml

1 Litre

50cl

20cl

2 Litres

1.5 Litres

35cl

3 Litres

4.5 Litres

37.5cl

1.14 Litres

75.7cl

1.0 Litre

72cl

73cl

180ml

660ml

4.7cl

10cl

Material

Enamel

Steel

Wood

Metal

Glass

Condition

As new - unused

Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

A- (fine - tiny imperfections)

Good condition - used with small signs of ageing

Period

1970s

1980s

1990s

2020s

2010s

2000s

1960s

1950-1960

2010-2020

2020+

2000-2010

1950s

Subject

Advertising

Landscape

Style

Vintage

Contemporary

Colour

Black

Brown

Gold

White

Multicolour

Alcohol Percent List

57.1%

45.8%

48.3%

46.5%

46.6%

48.5%

43.8%

48.2%

48.4%

Whisky

This object is no longer available, but there’s still lots to explore

Suntory 21 Light & Smooth - b. 1980s, 1990s - 500ml

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