Our Story | Scottish & Japanese Whisky Makers

EXPRESSION OF A QUEST

We invite you to join the Ardray journey. Shaped by Scotland's rugged terroir and crafted with the precision of Suntory blenders, Ardray balances respect for traditions with the desire to build upon them. We’re proud of where this journey has taken us and the unique interpretation of blended Scotch whisky we have to show for it.

Come along to discover not just another blended Scotch whisky, but a quest to find a new view of Scotch whisky blending.

In 1923, Shinjiro Torii, Suntory’s founder, started this journey when he set out to create a subtle, yet complex whisky that would suit the delicate Japanese palate. Today we have taken our lead from his passion, as well as a deep respect for Scotch whisky, blending the two together.

Ardray is the latest expression of the ongoing bond between the Suntory whisky makers and their counterparts in Scotland. With all the craft and character of some of the finest Scotch whisky blended with the refinement and meticulous approach of our blending team, we reinterpreted traditional blended Scotch whisky into something new for today’s whisky drinker.

Our new blend honours our founder’s original mission in its name.

ardray blended scotch whisky woman observing barrel

LITERALLY MEANING ‘TOWARDS THE LIGHT’, OUR NAME REFLECTS THE GUIDANCE OF SHINJIRO TORII AND OUR QUEST TO ENSURE OUR WHISKIES ALWAYS REFLECT A BETTER VERSION OF THEMSELVES.

You’ll also see reference to our passion for the journey in our seal. It is inspired by notes entitled Michi Shirube, or A Path to Realise a Dream, written by Shinjiro Torii for his autobiography. Our seal acts as a reminder of Ardray’s continuous journey to honour and perfect its Scotch whisky blend.

"My intention [is] to be a guide to those who follow me… No matter how difficult the road may be, if you have a guide, you will be able to step over it with a peace of mind and arrive at your destination."

Shinjiro Torii, Suntory’s founder

Where did the journey to Ardray take us?

THE STORY OF THE FINAL ARDRAY BLEND IS COMPOSED OF THREE DISTINCT CHAPTERS

The Muse, The Artist and The Art.

The Muse represents our Scottish inspiration and a beautiful variety of Scotch whisky flavours. The Artist refers to the Suntory blending team in Japan and their elegant expression of blended Scotch. And The Art is our final product, the culmination of our Scottish inspiration and Suntory team’s artistry.

Discover more of our story here.

ardray blended scotch whisky bottle with box by window

The Muse

Like its finest Scotch whisky ancestors, Ardray is born in the varied landscapes of Scotland.

Its roots can be traced to Speyside and Highlands and also out to the smoky Islands. Can you taste the Scottish character in Ardray’s malts and grain blend?

Though it is crafted with a passion for centuries-old Scottish traditions, Ardray is not a recreation of older whisky blends. Rather, we were inspired by Scottish malts and grains and time-honoured craftmanship to test the limits of what a Blended Scotch whisky could be.

Discover Ardray’s Scottish roots.

The Artist

The artists behind Ardray’s malt-rich, harmonious blend are from the award-winning Suntory team in Japan.

Share in their blending philosophy, centered on a passion for Scottish traditions and a meticulous dedication to detail.

With a desire to create something new using only the finest and most complex Scotch whiskies, the team selected each whisky based on their distinct terroir and crafting methods. The result: A delicate balance of rich signature malts and elegant, buttery grain whiskies - a precise and exquisite blend.

Explore the passion of Ardray’s Suntory blenders.

The Art

To us, every bottle of Ardray is a work of art — to be enjoyed, explored and to spark conversation.

Like most artwork, its appeal is not just the final piece, but the careful process of creation. Over two years, and hundreds of prototypes, the Ardray blend you experience today was crafted.

It was a passion for the excellence of blended Scotch whisky that led us down this path and it is the reason why we are so eager to share Ardray with you. Can you taste the artistry? The history? The craft? We encourage you to pour a glass and share what you think.

Experience the artistry of Ardray.