Japan’s reigning whisky producer, House of Sauntry, has announced the release of a highly anticipated 21–year–old Hibiki whisky and Hibiki Japanese Harmony. The releases pays homage to the four seasons, including the past, present and future. They form part of a collection that celebrates the House of Sauntry’s 100th anniversary of the opening of Japan’s first-ever malt whisky distillery in 1923 by the founder of the company, Shinjiro Torii.
The Hibiki range first came to the scene in 1989 and has been held in high regard in the global whisky scene ever since. Created using a blend of grain and malt whiskies from a number of Sauntry’s distilleries in Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita, the Hibiki whisky has also been made from a rare species of oak, called Mizunara, which greatly affects the flavour profile.
HIBIKI 21 YEAR OLD ANNIVERSARY EDITION
“To create this limited edition Hibiki 21-Year-Old, our team challenged themselves to design a new blend that celebrates our centenary,” says head blender Shinji Fukuyo. With meticulous precision, we have managed to harness the stimulating and rewarding characteristics of Japanese Mizunara oak to accentuate the unique flavour profile that our Hibiki whiskies are known for. This special whisky showcases House of Suntory’s ongoing dedication to craftsmanship.
The colour gradient of the bottle evokes feelings of the Japanese sunrise, a symbol of life, vitality and the passage of time in Japanese culture, and the whisky itself boasts a golden hue that is visible through the bottle.
Limited Whisky Release Notes | The Hibiki 21 Year Old
ABV: 43%
AGE: 21 years old
DISTILLED DATE: Unknown
CASK TYPE: Mizunara
WHISKY TYPE: Blended.
PROFILE: Elegant and refined.
NOSE: Kumquat and Jasmine
PALATE: Subtly sweet floral flavor and parfum as the harmony elongates to introduce spiced Japanese sandalwood and agarwood notes
FINISH: Long, deep finish, accompanied by spicy Mizunara wood undertones
REGION: Japan
RETAIL PRICE ON RELEASE: Unknown
AVAILABLE TO BUY: Worldwide at selected markets.
For further information, visit: https://house.suntory.com/hibiki-whisky/hibiki-21-years-100-anniversary-edition
HIBIKI JAPANESE HARMONY ANNIVERSARY EDITION
The calming and serene packaging on the bottle feature snow, moon and flower designs that represent Japan’s changing seasons, and the “Kakehashi” (bridge) on the label links Japan and the world to the past, present and future. The rare 24-faceted bottle design represents 24 hours in a day, with 24 Japanese seasons in a year.
Limited Whisky Release Notes | The Hibiki Japanese Harmony Anniversary Edition
ABV: 43%
AGE: 21 years old
DISTILLED DATE: Unknown
CASK TYPE: Mizunara
WHISKY TYPE: Blended.
PROFILE: Elegant and refined.
NOSE: Rose, lychee, hint of rosemary, mature woodiness, sandalwood.
PALATE: Honey-like sweetness, candied orange peel, white chocolate.
FINISH: Subtle, tender long finish, with a hint of Mizunara (Japanese oak).
REGION: Japan
RETAIL PRICE ON RELEASE: Unknown
AVAILABLE TO BUY: Worldwide at selected markets.
For further information, visit: https://house.suntory.com/hibiki-whisky/hibiki-japanese-harmony-100-anniversary-edition
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