Celebrate a unique piece of Japanese whisky history with the Yamazaki Suntory Very Rare Old – Sapporo 1972 Winter Games Edition (18cl), a highly collectible miniature bottling released to commemorate the XI Olympic Winter Games held in Sapporo, Japan. Distilled and bottled by Suntory during the early era of Japanese whisky development, this rare 18cl edition features the elegant, smooth and lightly fruity profile characteristic of Suntory’s classic blends from the 1960s–70s. With its distinctive Winter Olympics label and historical significance, the Very Rare Old Sapporo 1972 miniature is exceptionally sought after by collectors of Japanese whisky, Olympic memorabilia and vintage Suntory releases. A true treasure from the dawn of Japan’s modern whisky age.
🥃 Bottle Overview
Producer: Suntory (Yamazaki / early-house blend)
Name: Suntory Very Rare Old – Sapporo 1972 Winter Games
Volume: 18cl (180ml miniature)
ABV: Approximately 43% (typical for the series)
Release Year: 1972
Edition: Special commemorative bottling for the XI Olympic Winter Games – Sapporo, Japan
Category: Vintage Japanese blended whisky
Rarity: High — early-era Suntory minis are extremely scarce and seldom appear in good condition
This bottle sits within Suntory’s iconic “Very Rare Old” line, which predates many modern Yamazaki branding conventions but shares early distillate heritage.
🥃 Typical Flavour Profile (Classic 1970s Suntory)
Expect a gentle, elegant, old-style Japanese blend:
Soft orchard fruit (pear, apple)
Honey, caramel and light toffee
Floral notes, heather, chamomile
Mild oak, vanilla, subtle spice
Smooth, lightly sweet finish
These old Suntory blends have a lighter, more delicate style than modern Japanese whisky.
🧠 Why Collectors Want It
Genuine 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics commemorative release
Extremely rare 18cl format
Important piece of early Japanese whisky history
Attractive vintage design with Olympic branding
Increasing interest in pre-1980 Suntory/Yamazaki
Cross-collectible appeal (whisky + Olympic memorabilia)