Suntory Global Spirits

The world's second largest spirits distributor by volume (formerly Beam Suntory). In Scotland: Teacher's (heart — Ardmore), Laphroaig, Bowmore, Auchentoshan, Glen Garioch. In Japan: Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries; Hibiki and Suntory Toki brands. In the USA: Jim Beam (global bourbon leader), Maker's Mark, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden's, Booker's. Japanese philosophy: distilleries do not trade casks between companies, so each must maintain a diverse array of still shapes to independently create all the malt profiles needed for blending.