The house of Suntory unveils the oldest blended whisky in brand history, a blend from all three Suntory distilleries – Hibiki 40 years old.
Pioneer of Japanese Whisky
The House of Suntory announces the release of Hibiki 40 Years Old – emphasising the brand role as a pioneer of Japanese Whisky.
Hibiki 40 Years Old is an exceptional whisky, showcasing a unique blend of premium Japanese whiskies from Suntory’s esteemed distilleries—Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. Each component has been matured for over 40 years, resulting in a harmonious symphony of flavours and aromas.
Craftsmanship and Heritage
This release reaffirms The House of Suntory’s status as a leader in the Japanese spirits industry, known for producing whiskies of unmatched rarity and heritage. The creation of Hibiki 40 Years Old is a result of decades of expertise passed down through generations, exemplifying the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship and innovation.
Tasting Notes
Shinji Fukuyo, Suntory’s Chief Blender, has expertly crafted this whisky to achieve a perfect balance. On the nose, expect notes of Japanese loquat, dry lemon peel, and clove. The palate reveals flavours of pure acacia honey and dry fig, leading to a refined aromatic finish. Fukuyo describes the whisky as embodying the elegance of Hibiki with a sense of calm reminiscent of ancient temples.
Shinji Fukuyo said that behind the elegance and bloom that is typical of Hibiki, there is a sense of subduedness, like that of an old temple, and a wabi-sabi patina due to the long ageing process.
“I would like people to enjoy the pure aroma that has been sharpened over the years; the tranquillity of old temples and storehouses and the nostalgic warm feeling that accompanies them.”
Signature Characteristics
Hibiki 40 Years Old marks a new era for the brand, enhancing its signature theme of ‘Creating Harmony’. This whisky combines the complexity of Mizunara Japanese oak and the gentle sweetness of Spanish oak, complemented by the smoothness of caramelised cacao from aged American oak.
Artisanal Packaging
In celebration of Japanese craftsmanship, The House of Suntory collaborated with renowned washi artist Eriko Horiki to create the label for the Hibiki 40 Years Old box. The bottle itself is crafted from crystal glass, featuring 30 intricately designed facets, and is adorned with traditional maki-e, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gold lacquer—reflecting the brand’s rich heritage.
Unique Design Elements
The accompanying wooden box, made from 12 different types of Japanese wood, represents the 12 months of the year. It is beautifully decorated with seasonal flora and fauna in maki-e lacquer, symbolising the passage of time and the connection between the past and future through the essence of Hibiki.
Final Thoughts
Hibiki 40 Years Old is not just a whisky; it is a testament to Japanese artistry, heritage, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. This exquisite release invites whisky enthusiasts to savour its complexities that come from its rich history.
Only a limited number of bottles of the ultra-luxury Hibiki 40 Years Old will be released in selected markets, at selected retailers.
For more information on Hibiki 40 Years Old, please visit the website here:
About The House of Suntory
Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as a pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son and Suntory’s second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu Distillery.
As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Whisky Toki and Ao.
