What you need to know:

• Suntory is releasing a limited edition commemorative bottling of the Hibiki Japanese Harmony, where it will carry a design evocative of Ryusui-Hyakka, or the One-Hundred Flowers and Flowing Water.
• This represents the 24 seasons of the traditional Japanese lunar calendar and symbolises the cyclical passage of time and showcases the blossoms of the 24 seasons laid against a backdrop of an ever-changing flow of water that connects one passing season to another.
• Many of Japan's beloved seasonal florals are depicted on this commemorative design - ultimately embodying Suntory and Hibiki's motto of "Harmony".
• Fun Fact: The Hibiki decanter also has 24 facets.
• Given that the contents of the bottle are exactly the same as the ordinary Hibiki Japanese Harmony, this has become a flippers paradise (many of whom should beware the Greater Fools Theory).
• Cop the Drop or Not Verdict: Not

Suntory's Hibiki Japanese Harmony will get a fresh set of limited edition commemorative clothes. (Image Source: Suntory)

Suntory has released a limited edition bottling of the commonly available Hibiki Japanese Harmony that will spot a specially-designed commemorative skin paying tribute to the Ryusui-Hyakka (One-Hundred Flowers and Flowing Water). The bottle's limited edition design will featured painted flowers and flowing ribbons of water representing a vital force of Japan's twenty-four seasons.

Fun Fact: The Hibiki decanter bottle has 24 facets as well.

The number of 24 is symbolic in Japan as it symbolises the 24 hours in a day and also the 24 seasons of the year in the traditional Japanese lunar calendar. The Ryusui-Hyakka motif symbolises the cyclical passage of time and showcases the blossoms of the 24 seasons laid against a backdrop of an ever-changing flow of water that connects one passing season to another. Many of Japan's beloved seasonal florals are depicted on this commemorative design - ultimately embodying Suntory and Hibiki's motto of "Harmony".

“The iconic Hibiki bottle has always been a representation of Japanese art and design, as represented by the many limited-edition series over the past ten years,   

This specially-designed bottle is not only the continuation of this artistic expression, it honors Hibiki and Suntory’s ethos to live in Harmony with nature. In 2021, this philosophy may echo with the world more than ever.”

- Jon Potter, Managing Director of the House of Suntory

Official Tasting Notes

Color

Amber

Nose

Rose, Lychee, Hint of Rosemary, Mature Woodiness, Sandalwood

Palate

Honey-like Sweetness, Candied Orange Peel, White Chocolate

Finish

Subtle, Tender Long Finish, With Hint of Mizunara

Hibiki was first introduced in 1989 and is a blend of Suntory's Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita, malt and grain whiskies. The RRP is $125 USD for the 750ml decanter, bottled at 43% ABV. No word (as far as we are aware) on the total number of bottles released.

Our Take

This release has already been out in the market (arguably even ahead of the official launch), with somemore left to be released, and has been hotter than a frying pan, despite the fact that it is in fact the same whisky as the commonly available Hibiki Japanese Harmony.

To be clear, only the bottling design is different.

I'll sell you the Hibiki Japanese Harmony I just grabbed from my grocery store for a discount, just 2x RRP.

In fact, we had held off on posting this piece of news given that we knew how hot this was despite the actual contents of the bottle, and that quite a few of these bottles had already leaked in the grey market before the date of the official launch. We didn't really wanna add to that fire. But given that the cat is out of the bag, we thought we'd just put our stance out for posterity.

Already, many secondary sites list the bottle for anywhere from 10x - 20x RRP, but honestly this is just the madness of the crowds and flippers trying to make a quick buck. I would not recommend getting this at anything more than RRP (if that even remains possible).

For those attempting to flip this, beware the Greater Fool Theory, which states that prices go up because people are able to sell an overpriced item to a "greater fool", regardless of the actual value, merit or fundamentals of the item, until there are not greater fools left. In which case, you my friend, are the greatest fool left holding the bag.

Cop the Drop or Not Verdict: Not

Other Recent Candidates For Being Overpriced:

• Macallan Debuts New Harmony Collection Starting With Rich Cacao
• Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Pittyvaich, Fourth In Series Spotlighting Mothballed Distilleries
• Chichibu Paris Edition 2021

If you actually wanna learn about the distilleries behind the Hibiki:

• The Water That Binds Japanese Tea, Sake and Whisky - Yamazaki Distillery
• The Distillery Hidden In A Forest: The Most Scenic Distillery You'll Ever Find

Kanpai! 

@111hotpot