Yamazaki
Whiskey aficionados are always happy to have distiller Suntory’s premium varieties in their glass, and now you can have them in your chocolate too.
So determined to win rare full-sized Hibiki and Yamazaki whiskies we’re willing to spend over US$300 for them.
The best part of the new remote distillery tours is the special box they send you for the whisky tasting.
Only a few months remain until the Ritz franchise in Japan changes hands and production is shifted overseas. Perhaps this is why we’re being treated to some distinctly Japanese flavors.
The whisky distiller, famous for upstaging Scottish standbys to be crowned “Best Whisky in the World” in 2014, recently renovated their open-to-the-public facilities. We figured it was as good an excuse as any for a tour and tasting!
What’s the best way to ring in the New Year? Participate in a nation-wide food ranking competition, of course! Japan loves to make lists, and everyone checks them twice to see where they rank on all the big sites. But in a country that loves food, competition is always fierce to see which area of Japan has the best local delicacy.
Yamazaki Baking Co. has a set of sandwiches that are called the “Lunch Pack“. Two pieces of white bread are sandwiched together and filled with a variety of ingredients. This year, seven lucky fillings are facing off to become the most popular Lunch Pack of them all! Find out how you can participate and what exciting flavors hope to be eaten after the jump.
![Taco sandwiches appear in Japan with new Lunch Pack sandwich pocket flavor[Taste test] Taco sandwiches appear in Japan with new Lunch Pack sandwich pocket flavor[Taste test]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/07/5_b24272.jpg?w=640)
















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