Embarking on a journey of exquisite Japanese whisky craftsmanship and indulging in the pursuit of unparalleled flavour experiences.
Indulging in a whisky that pays tribute to the iconic “Suntory time” is never a wrong choice, and now, there’s an even more coveted expression from the renowned Japanese whisky producer. The House of Suntory, currently celebrating its 100th year, has introduced the highly sought-after Hibiki 21-Year-Old Whisky, calling for a toast to this special occasion.
While the year also saw the release of a film directed by Sofia Coppola and starring Suntory ambassador Keanu Reeves, it’s this Japanese whisky that is truly stealing the spotlight. Hibiki, first released in 1989, is described by Suntory as a harmonious blend of various malt and grain whiskies from their esteemed Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries.
Each brings its distinct characteristics, resulting in a truly exceptional final product. However, it is the unrivalled presence of rare Japanese Mizunara Oak that takes centre stage in this release, boasting a lustrous golden colour and a palate that reveals floral sweetness, complemented by aromatic agarwood and spiced sandalwood.
The exclusive Hibiki 21-Year-Old, crafted for the centennial celebration, intricately combines malt and grain whiskies, orchestrating a symphony of exquisite flavours and aromas. In this limited edition, the rare Mizunara oak takes centre stage, leaving a profound impact on the blend while preserving the distinctive character and essence of Hibiki.
Chief Blender of Suntory, Shinji Fukuyo, expressed the meticulous precision involved in harnessing the distinct qualities of Japanese Mizunara oak to enhance the unique flavour profile that Hibiki whiskies are known for.
“For the limited-edition Hibiki 21-Year-Old, our team took on the challenge of crafting a new blend to celebrate our centennial,” says Chief Blender of Suntory Shinji Fukuyo. “With meticulous precision, we managed to harness the challenging-yet-rewarding characteristics of Japanese Mizunara oak to accentuate the unique flavour profile for which our Hibiki whiskies are known,” he added.
This exquisite whisky exemplifies the House of Suntory’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship. Of course, such dedication demands a fitting price tag, retailing for a suggested price of $5,000 in select global markets, offering alcohol by volume (ABV) of 43 per cent.
Joining the 21-year-old Hibiki, the release also includes Hibiki Japanese Harmony, which deviates from its older counterpart. It exhibits a warm amber hue, a more approachable suggested price tag of $200, and a finish noted by Suntory as delightfully subtle and tender, with just a hint of Mizunara.
Both releases feature stunning and distinctive bottle designs that pay homage to Japanese culture, nature, and the unparalleled craftsmanship that defines Suntory. Either expression, for the right price, will undeniably bring character and extraordinary flavour to your cherished bar cart.
