NEWS
SUNTORY RELEASES ITS OLDEST EVER BLENDED WHISKY THE HIBIKI 40YO
By Susan Lewis
10-10-2024
Source: House of Suntory
Japan’s Suntory has launched a limited edition of Hibiki 40YO using whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries.
This is the oldest blended whisky Suntory has ever released, and only 400 bottles will be sold on a global basis with RRP of USD35,000 per bottle.
Suntory’s Chief blender Shinji Fukuyo has hand picked whiskies aged in Mizunara, Spanish and American oak for the blend.
Although they each imparted their own distinct flavour, Yamazaki’s 1978 American Oak, with its signature aroma and mellowness, plays a key role. The Mizunara barrels, meanwhile, are central to the 40YO’s smooth and long finish.
On the nose, the blend is said to offer aromas of loquat, dry lemon peel and clove, while whisky lovers can look forward to acacia honey and dry fig on the palate, and an aromatic aftertaste.
Source: House of Suntory
Fukuyo said the whisky has “a sense of subduedness, like that of an old temple, and a wabi-sabi patina due to the long ageing process.”
He added: “I would like people to enjoy the pure aroma that has been sharpened over the years; the tranquillity of old temples and storehouses and the nostalgic warm feeling that accompanies them.”
The wooden box that encases the bottle is a tall, 12-sided structure made using 12 different Japanese woods, including pine and zelkova.
Source: House of Suntory
The Hibiki 40YO label is printed onto striking black washi Gampi paper, known as ‘the king of paper,’ with a hand-crafted design by esteemed washi artist Eriko Horiki. The base of the box is encircled with a floral lacquerware maki-e design that nods to Japan’s four unique seasons.
The crystal bottle has 30 facets, and was crafted by Kagami Crystal, the glassware supplier to Japan’s Imperial Family.
An intricate web of gold lacquer, maki-e and mother-of-pearl inlay darts its way up the bottle and up towards its lid and mouth. Every design element of the bottle is intended to showcase and amplify the 40YO’s golden hue.
(the writer can be contacted at: info@thewinechronicle.com)
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