The following article was produced in partnership with House of Suntory.
To explore the rich history of Japanese whisky, we must first understand the ideas and many hands that have helped shape it.
First, is the concept of Wa: a deeply-respected cultural value that embodies the essence of harmony and balance. Wa is found in all aspects of Japanese life, permeating through social interactions, craftsmanship and aesthetics such as flower arranging and tea ceremonies.
In the context of whisky, it suggests a combination of flavours far greater than the sum of their parts, and for more than a century, wa has been a guiding principle in Japanese whisky distillation.
Japanese whisky is known the world over for the harmonious blend of its signature drops – various whiskies aged in different types of casks, such as American and Japanese Mizunara oak barrels, that have become synonymous with this unique part of the world.
This philosophy of harmony and balance in whisky originated with Suntory’s founder, Shinjiro Torii, and has been passed down through the many generations of master blenders throughout this House’s esteemed history.
A visionary leader and founding father of Japanese whisky production, Torii established Japan’s first distillery, Yamazaki, in Osaka in the early 1920s.
The region’s humid climate, together with the lush natural surroundings, where three rivers meet, created optimal conditions for ageing whisky.
For more than 100 years, the unique environment in this corner of the world has been intrinsic to the House of Suntory’s specialised maturation process, carefully influencing the dram over decades and imparting a nuanced yet balanced flavour to each of Suntory’s signature blends.
Torii’s careful selection of the distillery’s location embodied his deep understanding of the importance of nature in whisky production; an extension of the brand’s enduring ethos of wa — harmony between the product and its environment. To this day, Yamazaki is used in Suntory’s most celebrated releases.
In Japan, the belief that time and people are interconnected is often reflected in the concept of Ma, referring to the space between things and the significance of the passage of time.
For a world-leading whisky distillery like Suntory, Ma takes on a profound role. It’s not just about the literal time involved in the ageing process of whisky but also about the people who contribute to every stage of its creation.
Ma represents the idea that every moment in the whisky-making process is valuable, from the selection of grains to the careful blending and the slow, deliberate maturation. Yet it presents the people involved in this process – master blenders and distillers – as integral parts of the whisky’s unique journey.
“At the House of Suntory Whisky, we are never just about protecting our heritage and lineage, challenging conventions and embracing innovation, is what drives us.”
Shinji Fukuyo, Suntory’s Chief Blender
These guiding principles have continued to shape the reputation and world-leading quality of each of the signature drops produced by the House of Suntory… and the revered distillery’s Hibiki 40-Year-Old could be one of the most exclusive and innovative whiskies ever produced.
Hibiki 40-Year-Old
This exceptional creation is a testament to the journey initiated by Suntory’s visionary founder; whose legacy of craftsmanship and dedication to quality continues to influence the brand today. His grandson, Shingo Torii, continues to serve as custodian of this revered brand as the Third Generation Master Blender of Suntory, carrying forward the family’s tradition of excellence and innovation into today’s contemporary luxury market.
Inspired by the philosophy of creating harmony and capturing the essence of time, the goal for Hibiki’s 40-Year-Old was to craft a whisky that embodies the beauty and refinement that comes with ageing. This limited edition release is an exquisite blend of various malt and grain whiskies, sourced from Suntory’s renowned distilleries—Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita.
The 1978 Yamazaki American oak is the primary malt that plays a key role in this blend. This is then blended with select whiskies aged in a variety of casks, including the signature Japanese Mizunara oak, adding layers of complexity and depth. Each element is carefully chosen to create a harmonious orchestra of flavours.
The result is a spirit that not only delivers a nuanced taste, but also visually represents the elegance and passage of time, reflecting the intricate artistry of Japanese whisky-making and a pioneering distillery at the peak of its powers.
On the nose, the Hibiki 40-Year-Old reveals dried apricot, ripened biwa, Japanese loquat with hints of lemon peel and clove. It’s an alluring scent, echoing the natural surroundings unique to Suntory’s distinct locations across Japan.
To taste, Hibiki 40-Year-Old is a true masterpiece: it’s sweet, citrusy and perfectly balanced. Immediately, you’re met with dried fruits and brown sugars from the hand-selected Spanish casks, giving way to sweet acacia honey that’s perfectly accentuated by toasted cacao.
The finish is smooth and inviting, with warming notes of cinnamon and incense, thanks largely to the Japanese Mizunara casks exclusive to the region.
Limited to just 400 bottles globally, Hibiki 40-Year-Old is a masterpiece of modern distillation; a celebration of centuries-old craft that has been distilled through the generations for an indelible final drop. Hibiki 40-Year-Old will be released in Australia on 4th October, retailing at $75,000 AUD per bottle.