The House of Suntory Launches Its Oldest Blended Whisky Yet, The Hibiki 40 Year Old
The House of Suntory has announced the launch of Hibiki 40 Year Old, which tops the flagship Hibiki 30 Year Old and the Hibiki 35 Year Old, making it the oldest Hibiki expression till date.
Hibiki is of course Suntory's premium blend of Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita Japanese whiskies, and has a history going back to 1989, when it was created to celebrate Suntory's 90th Anniversary. Whilst the components of the blend are never disclosed, components that have been once used includes the likes of umeshu aged Yamazaki single malts.
Official Tasting Notes
Color: Golden Amber
Nose: Notes of dried apricot and ripened biwa (Japanese loquat), balanced with subtle hints of lemon peel and clove.
Taste: Dried fig mingles with subtle undertones of yuzu and the sweetness of acacia honey, all wrapped up in the smoothness of toasty roasted cacao.
Finish: The finish is long and soothing, with the warm embrace of incense spiced with cinnamon and the distinctive presence of Mizunara (Japanese oak).
Chief Blender Shinji Fukoyo believes in embodying the spirit of Omotenashi (A Japanese term describing the concept of 'The customer is always right') and the serenity of Japanese temples within this delicate composition, where everything is in perfect balance.
The Harmony of Tradition and Innovation
Hibiki 40 Year Old marks the next chapter in the brand's legacy, where the concept of ‘creating harmony’ resonates through the complexity of Mizunara Japanese oak, the subtle sweetness of Spanish oak, and the smoothness of caramelized cacao from aged American oak.
The bottle's packaging and design pay tribute to Japanese artistry in various ways:
- The crystal glass bottle, crafted by a renowned glassmaker serving the Japanese imperial family, features 30 facets, symbolizing the depth and complexity of Hibiki.
- The bottle is adorned with traditional maki-e, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gold lacquer, representing the changing seasons and Japan’s cultural heritage.
- The handcrafted washi label, designed in collaboration with esteemed Japanese washi artist Eriko Horiki, highlights the fusion of tradition and modernity.
- The wooden box, made from 12 types of Japanese wood and decorated with maki-e lacquer, symbolizes the 12 months of the year and the connection between past and future.
The rarity and craftsmanship that define each bottle of Hibiki 40 is representative of 40 years of dedication, patience, and artistry.
Only 400 bottles of Hibiki 40 will be released globally, with each bottle retailing at SGD 47,000 (before tax). This exquisite whisky will be available for purchase through selected retailers in limited markets.
Kanpai!
88 Bamboo Editorial Team