Bartenders eagerly welcome a new high-tech device

Classic cocktails are making a big comeback all over the world. Those that modify their recipes with Japanese whisky are earning high marks from aficionados. The highball or “haibo-ru” has been enjoyed by whisky drinkers in Japan for decades. The popularity of this classic drink in the country dates back to 1924 when entrepreneur Torii Shinjirō built the first malt whisky distillery. Within five years, Yamazaki Distillery became the place where Suntory Whisky Shirofuda (White Label) was created as the first single malt whisky in Japan. Fast forward to 2017 and Suntory whisky meets modern technology with the Suntory Whisky Toki Highball Machine.

Photos: Gabi Porter

A High-Tech Way to Make a Highball

This state-of-the art device creates the perfect three-to-one ratio of refreshing sparkling water and Suntory Whisky Toki to bring the “haibo-ru” into the 21st century. Suntory again establishes themselves as the premier innovators in the whisky arena by elevating the popularity of the highball with a modern twist for a new generation. Some of world’s top venues like Brooklyn’s Kinfolk 94 and Las Vegas newcomers Libertine Social and Sparrow & Wolf are getting on board the highball craze with a pull of the lever. With a perfect mix of touch and taste, the highball machine streamlines the experience for enjoying this simple but popular classic.

Choose your Highball: Man or Machine?

As the mainstay of globally acclaimed Japanese whisky, the House of Suntory’s three distilleries, Hakushu, Yamazaki and Chita, continue to craft elegant spirits made with superior taste and quality for the most discriminating drinker. To make your own traditional Toki highball in the proper Japanese technique, fill a tall glass to the brim with ice. Add one measure of whisky. Stir to cool the whisky and glass before adding ice again to the brim. Pour three measures of chilled sparkling water along the side of the glass to avoid melting the ice or… find a Suntory Whisky Toki Machine and let a high-tech device lend you a hand! Either way, you’re sure to enjoy this classic drink!