Yamazaki Owner's Cask 1996/2012 for Ritz Carlton Tokyo

Post by Stefan of Tokyo Whisky Hub.

The Ritz Carlton Hotel in Tokyo will be promoting their exclusive Yamazaki Owner's Cask 1996/2012 (15yo) in March. "The Bar" (that's not meant as a superlative, that's the name of the actual bar on the 45th floor of the hotel) will start selling the bottles but the whisky must be consumed on the premises - in other words, it's set up as a "bottlekeep". Pricing hasn't been confirmed yet. The bar staff gave me an approximate figure and while it's obvious that the price will be a multiple of what such a bottle would normally be sold for in a liquor shop, the whole package is attractive - if you're a frequent visitor of hotel bars, or plan on becoming one there. Cover charge (2,500 yen per head) will be waived for the owner of the bottle and up to 3 guests, so if you go a few times and bring some of your friends, your bottle will be "free" - so to speak - in no time. Suntory Owner's Casks are much less ubiquitous than they used to be since the program was stopped two years ago. They make exceptions for special clients only and the Ritz is such a special client, or so it would seem. If you happen to be in Tokyo Midtown in March, treat yourself to a fabulous view of the city and a stellar malt to go with it.