Established Japanese whisky maker House of Suntory has just announced the release of Hibiki 40 Years Old, the oldest blended whisky ever released by the historic brand.
This new exclusive blend is comprised of numerous whiskies that come from all three of Suntory’s distilleries: Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita. Each of the whiskies included has been matured for over 40 years, resulting in a final liquid that brings both complex flavors and aromas.
The House of Suntory is pitching Hibiki 40 Year Old as the culmination of decades of expertise and experience in the art of blending, suggesting it is ‘the pinnacle of generations of learning and craftsmanship’.
Crafted by Suntory chief blender Shinji Fukuyo, Hibiki 40 Year Old provides aromas of Japanese loquat, dry lemon peel and clove on the nose. While the palate brings pure acacia honey and dry fig. This is a subtle, refined whisky that Fukuyo suggests has an element of subduedness akin to that of an old temple.
“I would like people to enjoy the pure aroma that has been sharpened over the years; the tranquility of old temples and storehouses and the nostalgic warm feeling that accompanies them,” said Fukuyo.
In this release, Suntory has taken things a step further, not only releasing a special liquid but also a decanter and box that exudes a true respect for Japanese craftsmanship. Suntory worked closely with Japanese washi artist Eriko Horiki who hand-crafted the washi label that can be found on the Hibiki 40 Year Old box.
Related
[See also: The Dalmore Unveils Second Installation in The Luminary Series]
The bottle itself is comprised of crystal glass with 30 facets that have been crafted by a glassware maker who creates pieces of the Japanese imperial family. The decanter is then decorated with traditional Japanese Maki-e, a mother-of-pearl inlay, and a gold lacquer.
The wooden box it arrives in is a statement in itself, a twelve-sided shape formed from 12 separate kinds of Japanese wood to represent the months of the year. Meanwhile Japan’s four seasons are represented through flowers and grasses depicted in maki-e lacquer on its exterior.
Content from our partners
As an exceptionally limited release, Suntory’s Hibiki 40 Year Old will be priced at $35,000 and is set to be released in selected markets at selected retailers.
[See also: The Story Behind Dalmore’s Exclusive Port Edition Whisky Set]
