The House of Suntory has announced the launch of Hibiki 40 Year Old, its oldest blended whisky to date, crafted from high-quality whiskies sourced from the Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries. This release highlights Suntory’s pioneering role in Japanese whisky.
A portion of the bottles will be available in global travel retail, specifically at major airports in cities like Sydney, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, and more.
Suntory emphasized that Hibiki 40 Year Old reflects decades of expertise in blending whisky, representing the pinnacle of craftsmanship and innovation within the brand.
Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo explained that the whisky captures a sense of elegance and tranquility, likening it to the calm of an old temple. He hopes drinkers will appreciate its refined aroma, which has developed over the years.
The whisky features a unique blend of Mizunara Japanese oak and Spanish oak, offering notes of Japanese loquat, dry lemon peel, and clove. On the palate, it reveals flavors of acacia honey and dry fig, finishing with a rich aftertaste that includes hints of caramelized cacao from aged American oak.
To celebrate this release, Suntory collaborated with Japanese washi artist Eriko Horiki to create a handcrafted label for the Hibiki 40 Year Old box. The bottle itself is made of crystal glass, designed with 30 facets by a renowned glassmaker linked to the Japanese imperial family. It’s adorned with traditional Japanese maki-e, mother-of-pearl, and gold lacquer, reflecting the country’s heritage.
The wooden box, made from 12 types of Japanese wood, symbolizes the 12 months of the year, and features designs that represent the changing seasons.
Ashish Gandham, Managing Director of Global Travel Retail for Suntory, highlighted the significance of this release, noting that Hibiki, introduced in 1989 for Suntory’s 90th anniversary, embodies luxury and craftsmanship. He believes Hibiki 40 Year Old will resonate with travelers looking for an exceptional whisky experience.
