Some whiskeys announce themselves with fanfare; others prefer a quieter entrance. Laws Whiskey House 7 Year Centennial Straight Wheat Whisk... vs Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’: Which Expression Wins? belongs firmly to the latter school.
When a single distillery produces multiple expressions, it raises an irresistible question: which one is actually better? Today we put Laws Whiskey House 7 Year Centennial Straight Wheat Whisk... and Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’ from ies head-to-head to find out which bottle delivers the most satisfying pour.
Both come from the same house, so they share a heritage of craftsmanship, but differences in age, mash bill, or finishing can create dramatically different drinking experiences. Let's dig in.
Specifications at a Glance
| Laws Whiskey House 7 Year Centennial Straight Wheat Whisk... | Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’ | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | ies | ies |
| Type | American | Japanese |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 50% ABV, mash bill: 100% heirloom Centennial wheat | 43% ABV |
| Price | $80.00 | $55.00 |
| Rating | 9/10 | 6/10 |
Nose
Laws Whiskey House 7 Year Centennial Straight Wheat Whisk...: The first impression is of a punchy spirit with fruity and vanilla notes. The aromatics leap from the glass upon pouring. As it opens up, this kid gets down the business. Theres a whiff of volatile acidity that transforms into red cherries and Sweet Tart candies. The nose is mostly savory, though, with notes of oatmeal cookies, melted butter, and toasted walnuts. This does show its age in comparison to the five-year, which had a more raw flour note. This ends with a touch of shoe polish and shucked corn.
Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’: Slight smokiness that then turns into rich, fruity sweetness.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Laws Whiskey House 7 Year Centennial Straight Wheat Whisk...: The whiskey is more medium-bodied than viscous with a harsh astringency to its finish that keeps the palate clean. Its not sugary, but there is a sweetness to the taste. I pick up notes of sesame crackers, buttered toffee, creamed corn, and pecan clusters. Theres oodles of flavors and lots of complexity to enjoy without being cloying or overbearing. The finish is fairly long in length. I would hate to use this as a mixer with anything but a dash of water or ice, its simply too complex and delicious on its own.
Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’: since 1984. I think this is what makes for a really interesting thesis behind the bottle. Rather than focusing on one grain or one production method, we are getting a collage of whiskies that become Japanese in spirit due to their assembly by someone who has helped shape the identity of Japanese Whisky for decades. We review Suntory World Whisky Ao, made from a blend of five whiskies from across Suntorys global portfolio of distilleries. (image via Suntory) Tasting Notes: Suntory World Whisky Ao Vital Stats: 43% ABV. Blended from five unspecified whiskies across the Suntory portfolio. $55 for a 700ml bottle. Nose: Slight smokiness that then turns into rich, fruity sweetness. Palate: Light and sweet, more so than you would think based on the smell. Very mild heat, and only traces of the
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Laws Whiskey House 7 Year Centennial Straight Wheat Whisk...: Comments: Barrels were aged seven years and nine months on average in new American oak, 50% ABV, mash bill: 100% heirloom Centennial wheat, SRP $79.99/ 750ml bottle
Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’: Comments: 43% ABV. Blended from five unspecified whiskies across the Suntory portfolio
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Both whiskeys are competitively priced for what they deliver, with Laws Whiskey House 7 Year Centennial Straight Wheat Whisk... at $80.00 and Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’ at $55.00.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
In this matchup, Laws Whiskey House 7 Year Centennial Straight Wheat Whisk... takes the crown with a rating of 9/10 compared to Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’'s 6/10. It delivers a more compelling overall experience that justifies its place in your collection.
That said, Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’ is by no means a bad whiskey. If the flavour profile of Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’ appeals to your palate more, don't let a number stop you.
Read the Full Reviews
- Laws Whiskey House 7 Year Centennial Straight Wheat Whisk... – Full Review
- Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’ – Full Review
Final Reflections
Laws Whiskey House 7 Year Centennial Straight Wheat Whisk... vs Suntory World Whisky ‘Ao’: Which Expression Wins? is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
