Age statement Japanese whiskies have been sorely missing for a good number of years when massive global demand caught Japan's most established whiskymakers by surprise into the 2000's, which in turn resulted in many beloved expressions having to be discontinued indefinitely until sufficient aged whisky stocks could be replenished. And as we all know, nothing makes a day, a month, or a year go by any faster or slower, and so every single digit stated on the whisky label is hard earned, one day at a time. 

But now, after 11 years, Suntory is ready to re-introduce the Hibiki 12 Year Old. 

The launch will nevertheless be kept to Global Travel Retail first, and remain a travel exclusive that will make its debut in May 2026, first at the Dubai International Airport's Dubai Duty Free, before later making its way to select international airports, including Singapore Changi Airport and New York's John F. Kennedy, from 1st June 2026.

Subsequent travel destinations including London (UK), Hong Kong, Incheon (South Korea), Beijing, Shanghai and Hainan (China), Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore (India), Paris (France), Doha (Qatar), Los Angeles and San Francisco (USA), Frankfurt (Germany), Sydney and Melbourne (Australia), Taipei (Taiwan), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Bangkok (Thailand), Sao Paulo (Brazil), Panama City (Panama), are slated to also see later roll-out.

The Hibiki 12 Year Old Travel Exclusive will be priced at US$188, and be bottled at 43% ABV.

The newly released Hibiki 12 Year Old is said to be re-interpreted by fifth-generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo to reflect its original concept, where Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita whiskies aged in American, Spanish and Mizunara Oak are blended as one. The expression will come in a newly designed bottle that is inspired by Kacho-Fugetsu, the Japanese aesthetic philosophy that is rooted in nature and the seasons, featuring flowers, birds, the wind and moon, along with motifs of flowing water forms and seasonal variations. Its packaging will also feature specifically the Marumado motif of a circular window that is often found in traditional Japanese architecture, serving as a frame of nature as a living painting.

Official Tasting Notes

Color: Golden Amber

Nose: Persimmon, jasmine, cardamom, hint of orange and sandalwood.

Taste: Spiced orange peel, toasted cinnamon, butterscotch.

Finish: Rich, long finish with spiced soothing aftertaste.