Your Guide to Suntory Kakubin—Japan's Classic Whisky

Get to know Kakubin—one of Japan's most popular whiskies

Suntory's Kakubin is a classic whisky with a history dating back to 1937. It was created as part of the Suntory founder's aspiration to craft a Japanese whisky that could compete with the finest Scotch.

The bottle’s distinctive tortoise-shell pattern draws inspiration from Satsuma kiriko, a traditional Japanese glass-cutting technique. Initially, the label didn't bear the name Kakubin, "square bottle" in English. The whisky earned its name from fans who affectionately referred to it based on its angular shape, a nickname that eventually became official.

The flavor profile of Suntory Kakubin

Suntory Kakubin is a blended whisky made from a variety of unblended whiskies. It combines bourbon barrel-aged whiskies from Suntory's renowned Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries. It’s characterized by its sweet aroma, rich flavor, and dry finish.

It comes in a range of sizes, including 180ml and 700ml glass bottles, as well as PET bottles in 1.92l, 2.7l, and even 4l options. The availability of 5l bottles for restaurants highlights its widespread popularity.

Why Shiro Kaku and Kuro Kaku were discontinued

In response to Kakubin’s popularity, Suntory introduced Shiro Kaku and Kuro Kaku as part of the series. Kuro Kaku, officially known as Kakubin Black 43°, offered a richer, creamier taste with a higher alcohol content of 43 percent compared to the standard 40 percent.

Shiro Kaku featured a blend of slightly dry unblended whisky, resulting in a crisp, clean finish that complemented delicate Japanese cuisine. The series gained popularity for its versatility, catering to different preferences and occasions.

Unfortunately, Kuro Kaku has been discontinued, and Shiro Kaku is currently suspended. These decisions were made to ensure a stable supply of the core Kakubin product as the high demand outpaced production capacity.

While there's a possibility that Shiro Kaku could return in the future, no timeline has been set. For those interested in Shiro Kaku, the canned Suntory Tokusen Shiro Kaku Mizuwari remains available.

Kakubin whisky is perfect for highballs

Whisky can be enjoyed in various ways, such as neat, on the rocks, or with water, depending on the type. Kakubin, however, is best enjoyed as a Kaku highball, where it is mixed with sparkling water. This combination enhances the whisky’s flavor and richness.

Much like beer, sake, or wine, a Kaku highball pairs well with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile and refreshing choice for any meal. While the traditional highball features whisky and sparkling water, you can also get creative by adding cola or ginger ale.

Discover the legendary Cho-ten Highball: Kakubin's Perfect Mix

The "Cho-ten Highball" refers to the ultimate highball served at bars and restaurants that adhere to Suntory's strict quality standards. These standards ensure the drink is served at the optimal temperature, in the right glass, and with the perfect whisky-to-sparkling water ratio.

The Cho-ten Highball is made by squeezing a lemon into a chilled glass, filling it with ice, and pouring extra fizzy sparkling water, cooled to 1°C, over the whisky. The golden ratio of whisky to sparkling water is 1:4. When enjoying the Cho-ten Highball, listen to the fizz of the sparkling water, inhale the aromas of whisky and fresh lemon, and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors.

How to make a Kaku highball at home

To create a bar-quality Kaku highball at home, follow the Cho-ten Highball recipe. Begin by chilling your glass, squeezing a lemon, and filling it with plenty of ice. Use the classic 1:4 whisky-to-sparkling water ratio, but feel free to adjust it based on your taste or the occasion.

Once prepared, gently stir the Kaku highball with a swizzle stick. This drink pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, from yakiniku barbecue and curry to sandwiches and hot pot.

Find canned highballs in Japanese convenience stores and supermarkets

For a more convenient way to enjoy Kaku highball, try the ready-to-drink canned version. Choose from two options: the classic canned Kaku Highball, which tastes like it's straight from a bar, or the canned Kaku Highball Strong, with a bolder whisky flavor.

Available in 350ml and 500ml sizes, both options feature upgraded carbonation and lemon peel spirits for a taste that’s even closer to the bar experience.

Where to buy Suntory Kakubin

Suntory Kakubin is widely available across Japan, and you can find it at most liquor stores, online retailers, and even some convenience stores and supermarkets. With a variety of bottle sizes to choose from, you can pick the one that best suits your drinking style.

You could also grab a few 180ml bottles to share with friends. If you’re looking to enjoy a casual highball in your hotel room after a day of sightseeing, the canned Kaku highball is a great option.

Enjoy Suntory Kakubin: The perfect drink for any occasion

Suntory Kakubin is a beloved whisky that has been a long-seller for over 80 years. The recommended way to enjoy it is as a highball, rather than neat or on the rocks. Highballs are perfect for a quick drink, making them ideal for meals or hot summer nights.

If you're not a fan of the classic whisky and sparkling water combo, feel free to mix it with your favorite soda, like cola or ginger ale. With its smooth taste, Kakubin is a great choice for both whisky fans and those new to whisky.

*Consuming alcohol under the age of 20 is prohibited by Japanese law, and these regulations also apply to international visitors and foreign residents in Japan. Please enjoy alcohol responsibly and don’t drive after drinking. Please also check the alcohol import allowance of your country before bringing them back into your country.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.