Suntory unveils Hibiki 40 Years Old

Combining whiskies from the Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries, Hibiki 40 Years Old is Suntory’s oldest blended Japanese whisky to date.

Created by Suntory’s chief blender, Shinji Fukuyo, Hibiki 40 Years Old is described as a ‘harmonious’ blend. The whisky sits at 40% ABV. The liquid used to make the blend was aged in a mixture of casks, including barrels made from mizunara Japanese oak, Spanish oak and American oak. Tasting notes include aromas of Japanese loquat, dry lemon peel, and clove. The palate is said to offer flavours of acacia honey and dry fig, ending with an aromatic aftertaste. Shinji Fukuyo, chief blender at House of Suntory, said: “I would like people to enjoy the pure aroma that has sharpened over the years; the tranquillity of old temples and storehouses and the nostalgic warm feeling that accompanies them.” To celebrate the Japanese craftsmanship that went into making the blend, the House of Suntory partnered with Japanese washi artist Eriko Horiki to create the washi label on the Hibiki 40 Years Old box. Made from crystal glass, the bottle features 30 facets and is adorned with traditional Japanese maki-e, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gold lacquer in a nod to the Suntory’s heritage and tradition. The bottle is encased in a wooden box, made from 12 different types of Japanese wood, including pine and zelkova. It has 12 faces to symbolise the 12 months of the year. A limited number of Hibiki 40 Years Old will be released in chosen markets through select retailers. To further discuss the craftsmanship that went into creating Hibiki 40 Years Old, The Spirits Business had an in-depth interview with the chief blender. Fukuyo said: “Working with unique and special whiskies aged over 40 years was an invaluable experience. “It brings a sense of reverence for the legacy left by previous generations of master blenders and distillers who produced these whiskies. “The complexity and depth of the unblended whiskies reflect the passage of time, and it was my responsibility to honour and amplify these qualities.”