As 2023 marks a momentous year for the House of Suntory, the founding House of Japanese whisky has announced the centennial release of Hibiki 21-Year-Old and a limited-edition bottle design of Hibiki Japanese Harmony.
The two limited releases mark the latest centennial whisky offerings from the House of Suntory’s anniversary celebration, honoring a century since founder Shinjiro Torii established Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in 1923.
Originally debuting in 1989, Hibiki is a blend of various malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. For this centennial edition, Mizunara oak is placed at the forefront, influencing the blend while still maintaining Hibiki’s character, the company says.
“For the limited-edition Hibiki 21-Year–Old, our team took on the challenge of crafting a new blend to celebrate our centennial,” says Chief Blender of Suntory Shinji Fukuyo. “With meticulous precision, we managed to harness the challenging-yet-rewarding characteristics of Japanese Mizunara oak to accentuate the unique flavor profile for which our Hibiki whiskies are known. This special whisky showcases our continued dedication to craftsmanship at the House of Suntory.”
The result is aromas of kumquat and jasmine with Japanese incense, the company reports. The palate is sweet and floral combined with spiced sandalwood and agarwood, before a finish if spiced Mizunara wood.
Hibiki 21-Year-Oldis 86 proof. It is available globally in select markets with a suggested retail price of $5,000 a 700-ml. bottle.
The House of Suntory’s centennial Hibiki Japanese Harmony bottle design reflects the art of “Monozukuri” craftsmanship. The Hibiki Japanese Harmony centennial edition packaging features motifs of snow, moon and flowers, representing Japan’s changing seasons. The “‘Kakehashi” (bridge) depicted on the bottle links Japan and the world to the past, present and future, the company says. “The water flowing underneath is pure and clear, symbolizing the cleansing of hardships and calamity. The ‘Kakehashi’ symbolizes the emotional connection of the Japanese people to their country’s unique seasonality and its significance in everyday life, fostering an appreciation for time that deeply resonates and inspires Hibiki.”
Hibiki Japanese Harmony is 86 proof. It is available globally in select markets with a suggested retail price of $200 a 750-ml. bottle.
Earlier this year, the House unveiled its centennial edition Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara and Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt whiskies. Limited 100th-anniversary labels of the flagship Yamazaki 12 Year Old and Hakushu 12 Year Old were also released for the centennial. All four are available in select markets around the world.
