#Whiskey #SpiritsIndustry #SuntoryGlobalSpirits #JapaneseWhiskey #Bourbon #Collectibles #KnobCreek #Yamazaki
Join us for an unfiltered conversation with Greg Hughes, President and CEO of Suntory Global Spirits, about the dynamic world of whiskey and beverage alcohol innovation. Hughes dives deep into Suntory’s portfolio—including Yamazaki, Hibiki, and Jim Beam—and explains the passion behind collecting rare spirits, noting that scarcity and exclusivity drive high prices for bottles like a 50-year-old Bowmore.
Innovation today is less about changing the 200-year-old production process and more about consumption occasions, particularly the booming Ready-to-Drink (RTD) category, which prioritizes flavor and convenience. Hughes addresses the economic headwinds facing the industry, citing inflation and changing demographics, but assures whiskey lovers that a temporary inventory surplus means amazing aged expressions will soon hit the market. He also shares his personal favorite drink, Knob Creek 9 Year Old.
Chapters
00:00 – Introducing Suntori Global Spirits CEO Greg Hughes
00:17 – Suntori’s Vast Global Portfolio of Brands
01:22 – Collecting Competitors’ Whiskey
02:40 – Scarcity Drives Collectible Spirit Prices
04:44 – Innovating Consumption Occasions, Not Production
06:09 – The $45 Billion Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Category
07:27 – Tequila Brands Need Authentic Product Quality
08:25 – New Knob Creek and Booker’s Reserve Releases
10:25 – Aged Hibiki Returns
11:29 – Gen Z Drinking
16:37 – Excess Inventory Means Aged Whiskey is Coming
26:04 – Favorite Drink and Perfect Ice Quality
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