SUNTORY UNVEILS EXCLUSIVE HIBIKI 40 YEARS OLD WHISKY MASTERPIECE

In the ever changing world of fine whisky, Japanese distilleries have carved out a prestigious niche. Suntory is one brand that stands at the pinnacle. The company, known for their meticulous craftsmanship and dedication to whisky making, have once again raised the bar with the release of a 40 year old Hibiki. This whisky is a blend of rare liquids from all three of Suntory’s renowned distilleries – Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. 

Suntory, a multinational behemoth in the spirits world, has earned its reputation through decades of blending expertise, innovation, and a commitment to quality that continues to define its products today. The introduction of Hibiki 40 Years Old is not just a new launch; it’s a celebration of Suntory’s deep roots in whisky-making and the legacy of founder Shinjiro Torii, who established Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in 1923. A century later, this latest release is the culmination of that history and expertise, offering collectors and connoisseurs an opportunity to savour an extraordinary piece of Japanese whisky culture.

A Blend of Time-Honoured Tradition

The Hibiki brand has long been synonymous with balance and harmony, and the 40 Years Old expression is no exception. What makes this release particularly special is the blend itself, which draws from three Suntory distilleries, each with its unique contribution to the whisky’s flavour profile.

Yamazaki, Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery, imparts a rich, deep fruitiness, a signature of its whisky style. Hakushu, nestled in the Japanese Alps, adds a distinct herbal freshness, a nod to its location surrounded by lush forests and pristine waters. Chita, a grain whisky distillery, provides a mellow, creamy texture, rounding off the blend with a delicate sweetness. Together, these three elements form a symphony of flavours that can only come from decades of maturation.

But it’s not just the distilleries that play a role in crafting the Hibiki 40 Years Old; it’s also the casks in which the whisky is aged. Suntory’s use of Japanese oak, known as mizunara, lends a subtle spiciness and incense-like aroma to the whisky. Over time, these casks add layers of complexity, developing flavours that are unique to the region and cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. The result is a whisky that encapsulates the essence of Japan—delicate, refined, and deeply expressive.

Shinji Fukuyo’s Masterpiece

The man behind this exceptional whisky is Shinji Fukuyo, Suntory’s chief blender, who has spent his career perfecting the art of blending. His role is integral to maintaining Suntory’s consistent quality, and with Hibiki 40 Years Old, he has reached new heights of mastery. Fukuyo’s philosophy has always been about crafting whiskies that evoke emotion, and with this release, he aims to create a sensory experience that transports the drinker to a place of calm and reflection.

He describes the whisky as embodying the “tranquillity of old temples and storehouses” with an aroma that has been “sharpened over the years.” This poetic description encapsulates the ethos of Suntory: creating whisky that not only pleases the palate but also stirs the soul. Fukuyo’s vision for Hibiki 40 Years Old is one of purity and nostalgia, a whisky that is as much about the memory of Japan’s whisky-making past as it is about its future.

A Work of Art Inside and Out

Hibiki 40 Years Old is not just a triumph of blending; it is also a masterpiece of design. For this release, Suntory collaborated with renowned Japanese washi artist Eriko Horiki, whose delicate craftsmanship is evident in the hand-crafted washi paper label adorning the bottle. The artistry doesn’t stop there—the bottle itself is a crystal work of art, designed with 30 facets, each representing the multiple layers of time and craftsmanship that have gone into creating this whisky. These facets are also a tribute to the Japanese tradition of appreciating time, nature, and the changing seasons.

The embellishments on the bottle go beyond mere decoration. It is adorned with maki-e, a traditional Japanese lacquer technique, and features intricate inlays of mother-of-pearl and gold. Each detail has been carefully considered, symbolising the elegance and refinement of both the whisky and the culture that produced it.

Even the wooden box that houses the bottle is a marvel of craftsmanship. Made from 12 different types of Japanese wood, including pine and zelkova, it features 12 faces—one for each month of the year. The box is decorated with flowers and grasses representing the four seasons, using maki-e lacquer to create a piece of art that complements the beauty of the bottle within. This holistic approach to design ensures that Hibiki 40 Years Old is not just a drink, but a complete sensory experience, one that encompasses sight, touch, and smell as much as taste.

Limited Release, Infinite Value

As one might expect from such a rare and carefully crafted product, Hibiki 40 Years Old is a limited release. Only a select number of bottles will be available worldwide, with markets including the US, Europe, the UK, and parts of Asia Pacific. The exclusivity of this release makes it a highly sought-after item, not only for whisky aficionados but also for collectors who appreciate the rarity and craftsmanship behind each bottle.

In the UK, the recommended retail price for this whisky is an eye-watering £33,150. However, as with all high-end spirits, the final price is at the discretion of individual retailers, and it’s likely that the few bottles that do make it to market will fetch even higher sums. For those fortunate enough to obtain a bottle, it will be a true investment, both in terms of its liquid value and its artistic merit.

The Legacy of Hibiki and Suntory

Hibiki, which means “resonance” in Japanese, is not just a whisky—it’s a symbol of Suntory’s ethos of harmony, balance, and respect for nature. The brand has always aimed to create whiskies that reflect the beauty of Japan, and with Hibiki 40 Years Old, they have produced a whisky that resonates on both an emotional and sensory level.

Founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, Suntory has grown from a small domestic producer to one of the world’s leading whisky makers. The Hibiki range, launched in 1989, was developed to celebrate the company’s blending expertise, and over the years, it has garnered numerous accolades and awards, including the prestigious title of World’s Best Blended Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards.

Today, Suntory’s influence extends far beyond Japan. Its acquisition of Beam Inc. in 2014 helped solidify its position as a global powerhouse in the spirits industry, with a portfolio that includes not only Japanese whiskies but also world-renowned brands like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Laphroaig.

Hibiki 40 Years Old represents the pinnacle of Suntory’s achievements, a whisky that encapsulates the company’s 100-year history while looking forward to the future of Japanese whisky. It is a fitting tribute to the passion, dedication, and artistry that have defined Suntory for the past century and will continue to do so for years to come.

A Toast to Tradition and Innovation

The release of Hibiki 40 Years Old is a celebration of both tradition and innovation. With this whisky, Suntory has created something truly special—an extraordinary blend of time, craftsmanship, and artistry that will resonate with collectors, connoisseurs, and anyone who appreciates the finer things in life. While its price may make it out of reach for many, its existence is a testament to the heights that whisky-making can achieve when passion and artistry come together.

Suntory’s commitment to excellence is also evident in its other iconic releases, including the popular Hibiki Harmony, which blends the same ethos of balance and precision but in a more accessible format. Whether you are fortunate enough to experience the 40 Years Old or simply enjoy a dram of Hibiki Harmony, the legacy of Suntory is one that resonates deeply across the whisky world.