AO World Whisky by Suntory Whisky 700mL

Blended using whisky from five of the most renowned distilleries in Japan, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the US, Ao Whisky, meaning blue, is named after the oceans that connect these distilleries together. Fifth generation Suntory chief blender, Shinji Fukuyo, carefully selected the liquids used based-on Suntory’s globally recognized Monozukuri craftsmanship – a relentless pursuit of perfection, attention to detail and quality. Building on Suntory’s history of craftsmanship, this innovative, premium blended whisky embodies the spirit of Suntory and is a tribute to the liquid’s long history.

AO is brilliant golden hue in the glass. The nose had a citrus, apple and honey notes, but with a surprising richness. Offsetting the sweet core is a strong presence of old oak and sandalwood. Much of this is shaken off of this on the finish though, leaving it dry and slightly spicy. As a sipping whiskey, AO is a complex, but fully approachable wonder of the world.