Celebrate a rare piece of Japanese whisky and Expo history with Suntory Old Whisky – Portopia ’81 Limited Edition, a special commemorative bottling released exclusively for the 1981 Portopia Expo in Kobe, Japan. Featuring Suntory’s iconic Old Whisky blend in a unique label design incorporating nautical flag motifs and the official Portopia ’81 emblem, this limited-edition release has become a sought-after collector’s item. With its mellow, honeyed, rounded flavour profile and its historical significance as an early Japanese expo bottling, Suntory Old Portopia ’81 is a prized addition for collectors of vintage Suntory, World Expo memorabilia and rare Japanese whisky.
🥃 Bottle Overview
Producer: Suntory
Edition: Portopia ’81 Commemorative Release
Event: Kobe Portopia Expo (opened 1981)
Category: Japanese Blended Whisky
Bottle Size: 350ml (stated clearly on the label)
ABV: 43%
Label Features:
Nautical signal flags
Portopia ’81 blue emblem
Special silver label design
Era: Bottled specifically for 1981, now considered a vintage Japanese collectible
Rarity: High – expo editions were limited and are increasingly scarce in good condition
This edition is significantly more collectible than standard Suntory Old bottles due to its event tie-in and age.
🍯 Flavour Profile (Typical Suntory Old Style)
Despite being collectible, the whisky inside is the classic Old blend of the period:
Honey, caramel, malt sweetness
Light dried fruit (raisin, apricot)
Gentle spice, soft oak
Subtle smokiness
Smooth, mellow finish
Older Suntory Old bottlings tend to taste slightly richer and deeper due to recipe differences from the modern version.
🧠 Why Collectors Want It
Authentic 1981 vintage commemorative bottling
Direct tie-in to a major Japanese expo (Portopia ’81 in Kobe)
Rare label variant seldom seen outside Japan
Strong cross-collectability: whisky + Expo memorabilia + Japanese history
Early Suntory bottlings increasingly sought after
Very attractive display bottle