The House of Suntory is rewriting the rules of Japanese whisky with the launch of Toki Black. This bold new limited-edition expression channels the spirit of reinvention while paying homage to Japan’s rich cultural DNA.
Crafted with Hakushu heavily peated malt and Hakushu grain, Toki Black brings a smokier, richer twist to the approachable character of Suntory Whisky Toki. Think layers of baked apple, oregano, and honeysuckle leading into butterscotch sweetness, before finishing on clove, cinnamon, white pepper, and a lingering smokiness. It’s whisky with depth, designed to move seamlessly from neat serves to culture-driven cocktails like the Toki Ginger Sour or the Tokio Night (a coffee old fashioned with an edge).
Toki Black is the first limited-edition whisky from Suntory Whisky Toki, underscoring its philosophy where respect for tradition meets fearless reinvention. Masaki Morimoto, President of The House of Suntory, commented: “The name ‘Toki,’ meaning ‘time,’ represents a deep part of Japanese culture—where reverence for tradition meets bold innovation. This limited-edition launch reflects that philosophy, offering a contemporary expression that honours our heritage while engaging a new generation of whisky enthusiasts.”
The launch of Toki Black comes to life through a music and film collaboration with Grammy-nominated LA Producer Terrace Martin and Japanese jazz pioneer and DJ Ryota Nozaki (Jazztronik) for a cross-continental creative experiment. The hero film released today can be viewedhere. The duo also recorded an exclusive vinyl, limited to just 200 heavyweight pressings worldwide, inspired by Japan’s jazz kissa listening bar culture and the philosophy of Ichigo Ichie, which posits that every moment is unique and unrepeatable.
Just as the whisky blends old and new, so does the record: Side A features a raw, improvisational session between the artists, while Side B flips the script with Martin’s modern reinterpretation, bridging tradition and innovation through sound.
“This project was more than just making music—it was about capturing a moment that can’t be repeated,” said Terrace Martin. “When I learned about the inspiration behind Toki Black, it immediately resonated. Ryota and I set out to blend spontaneity with intention, tradition with experimentation, and create a record that lives in the spirit of now—just like the whisky that inspired it.”
Toki Black is now available in the UK in selected retailers, including Selfridges, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop, and Master of Malt!