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Released in early October 2024, Hibiki 40-year-old is the oldest Japanese blended whisky from owner Suntory Global Spirits. The rare blend combines whiskies from Suntory's three distilleries - Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita - all of which have been aged for more than 40 years.
The blend includes Yamazaki single malts distilled in 1978 and 1983 and aged in American white oak casks. A 1980 Yamazaki aged in Spanish oak brings texture to the expression, and a Mizunara oak-aged single malt from 1983 gives the blend a spicy, incense-filled character.
The blend—created by chief blender Shinji Fukuyo—also features a lightly peated single malt from Hakushu, distilled in 1981. The grain whiskies from the Chita distillery, distilled in 1979 and 1981, contribute to the expression's roundness and sweetness on the palate.
Hibiki 40-year-old is presented in a 30-faceted bottle crafted by Kagami Crystal, a glassware maker and supplier to the Japanese imperial family. The bottle is decorated with traditional Japanese maki-e, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gold lacquer. The refined attention to detail extends to the outer box, which is made of 12 varieties of Japanese wood and features 12 faces. On the outside, the box is adorned with delicate flowers and grasses that bring the vibrancy of Japan’s changing seasons to life using maki-e lacquer.
To honour the Japanese craftsmanship behind the blend, the House of Suntory collaborated with Japanese washi artist Eriko Horiki to design the washi label for the Hibiki 40-year-old box.
Images by Suntory Global Spirits
The limited edition blend is offered at 43% ABV and has a suggested retail price of £33,150 (US$35,000) at the time of release. Only available in extremely limited amounts, inspired buyers can purchase the item through selected retailers in chosen markets.
To learn about Suntory's previous releases encased in ceramic decanters, please click here.
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