Celebrate one of the most coveted vintage zodiac-themed Japanese whiskies with Suntory Special Reserve – Year of the Dragon, a beautifully presented limited edition featuring striking dragon artwork on both bottle and box. Crafted from a blend of specially reserved, premium Suntory malt and grain whiskies, this rare collectible offers a smooth, elegant profile with notes of honey, oak, dried fruits, vanilla and gentle spice. Highly sought after due to its zodiac symbolism, age, and ornate gold-and-black design, Suntory Special Reserve – Dragon Edition is a prized bottle for collectors of vintage Japanese whisky and iconic Suntory ephemera.
🥃 Bottle Overview
Producer: Suntory
Edition: Special Reserve – Dragon Edition
Theme: Year of the Dragon (commemorative design)
Series: Suntory Special Reserve (premium blend, below Royal and Hibiki)
Bottle Size: Typically 700ml
ABV: 43%
Era: Most Dragon-label Special Reserve bottles date from late 1970s to early 1980s
Packaging:
Gold box featuring traditional dragon ink artwork
Matching dragon label on the bottle
Calligraphic Japanese seal mark (hanko)
This edition is far less common than standard Special Reserve bottles and was produced in very limited quantities.
🍯 Flavour Profile (Typical Suntory Special Reserve)
A smooth, premium blend with old-style Japanese whisky character:
Honey, caramel, vanilla cream
Ripe orchard fruits and dried apricot
Gentle oak spice and light nuttiness
Soft smoke in the background
Warm, rounded finish
Older Special Reserve blends tend to be richer and more complex than modern versions.
🧠 Why Collectors Want It
Zodiac-themed Dragon artwork — always one of the most collectible symbols
Vintage Suntory bottle from the pre-Hibiki era
Beautiful, display-worthy packaging
Increasing scarcity in good condition
Strong crossover appeal: whisky + art + zodiac + vintage Japanese design
A standout bottle in any Japanese whisky collection