Could the Hibiki 40 Years Old be the new crown jewel of Japanese whisky?
By all accounts, it very well could, thanks to its ultra-refined blend of 40-year-old whiskies from three of Suntory’s most iconic distilleries
CAST YOUR MIND BACK TO 1984. Japan is buzzing with cultural milestones that would shape its future. In music, city pop rules the airwaves, with Mariya Takeuchi’s Plastic Love becoming the anthem for a generation. On the silver screen, Toho’s The Return of Godzilla reignites the iconic franchise. In the spirits world, nestled within the serenity of Suntory’s storied distilleries – Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita – the whiskies destined for the Hibiki 40 Years Old are quietly maturing in their casks.
Released in October 2024, the Hibiki 40 Years Old stands out as the pinnacle of age-statement whiskies from Hibiki – although it must be pointed out that the brand itself was created only in 1989 to commemorate Suntory’s 90th anniversary.
This release is particularly significant as it marks the oldest blended whisky in Suntory’s history. With only 400 bottles available globally, it is now one of the most sought-after luxuries among collectors and whisky aficionados.
And when we say luxury, we don’t use the term lightly. Each whisky in this blend has aged for over 40 years in barrels crafted from Mizunara oak, known for its delicate flavours, and American oak, which adds a touch of sweetness.
Decades of Japan’s gentle humidity and temperature shifts have coaxed out complex layers of character, weaving rich tapestries of flavour and evolving aromas. Amid this beauty sleep, intricate tapestries of flavours and symphonies of aromas evolve with each passing year.
Credit goes to Shinji Fukuyo, Suntory’s chief blender, for assembling an elixir that embodies not just great age but a profound depth and elegance. He was also recently recognised as the Master Blender of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge 2024. Coincidentally, 2024 also marks Fukuyo’s 40th year with the company.
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“Working with unique and special whiskies aged over 40 years was an invaluable experience,” Fukuyo says, emphasising the reverence he holds for the legacy left by previous generations of master blenders. His meticulous approach ensures that each bottle reflects both quality as well as a deep respect for tradition.
A blend unlike any other
The blending process for the Hibiki 40 Years Old involved sourcing whiskies from the Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries, with each distillery contributing unique characteristics that enhanced the final blend.
Yamazaki provided depth with its rich fruit notes and complexity from various cask types; Chita lent smoothness with its grain whiskies, offering sweet, floral notes; and Hakushu added a refreshing herbal quality due to its lightly peated malt.
Fukuyo describes this harmonious blend as “a gorgeous taste with layers of unprecedented aroma and mellowness” that’s evident in every sip. Indeed, the Hibiki 40 Years Old offers a riveting experience that unfolds like a delicate flower in bloom, with a complexity that makes it perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.
The nose is first greeted by the sweet, juicy essence of Japanese loquat mingling with the bright, zesty notes of dry lemon peel and the enticing aroma of dried apricot. This is complemented by a subtle hint of clove, bringing a warm spiciness.
On the palate, the whisky reveals its true character: A sumptuous wave of pure acacia honey, rich and velvety, followed by complex layers of dry fig – both offering a delightful sweetness that balances perfectly with the whisky’s inherent depth.
With each sip, you’re enveloped in a gentle warmth, a sensation that culminates in an aromatic aftertaste that lingers long after the last drop has been savoured. This spiced aftertaste reveals subtle notes of cinnamon, intertwining beautifully with the essence of Japanese oak, creating a rich tapestry of flavours that invites you to reflect on the experience.
If you’re wondering about pairing recommendations, you won’t go wrong with dark chocolate or a selection of fine cheeses, both of which complement the whisky’s complexity and enhance its exquisite character.
What’s on the outside matters
The presentation of the Hibiki 40 Years Old is as exquisite as its contents. The bottle is crafted from crystal glass featuring 30 facets, designed by a glassmaker known for serving the Japanese imperial family.
Each facet captures light beautifully, enhancing the golden hue of the liquid. Further decoration comes in the form of traditional maki-e lacquerwork and mother-of-pearl inlay on the bottle cap, each element a nod to Japan’s rich heritage.
The whisky comes housed in a wooden box made from 12 different types of Japanese wood, symbolising the calendar months. The box features intricate designs depicting seasonal flowers and grasses in maki-e lacquer, representing Japan’s changing seasons. To top it off, renowned Japanese washi artist Eriko Horiki designed the washi label, adding another layer of artistry to this remarkable release.
While the Hibiki brand is a relative youngster at 35 years, it has chalked up a healthy reputation under the Suntory umbrella, with legions of devoted fans worldwide. Since its inception, the brand has consistently embodied harmony and balance in its blends, showcasing the best of Japanese whisky craftsmanship.
Hibiki’s portfolio includes other remarkable age-statement whiskies such as the Hibiki 21 Years Old and the Hibiki 30 Years Old, each telling a story of heritage and evolution.
At the International Spirits Challenge 2024 held in London in September, both expressions won Double Golds. But the biggest win of the night went to the Yamazaki 12 Years Old, which scooped up the Supreme Champion Spirit award.
As Suntory continues to solidify its position as a leader in the global spirits industry, such accolades reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation within the whisky realm.
For those who truly appreciate the art of whisky, Hibiki 40 Years Old offers an unparalleled experience, making it a coveted addition for collectors and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
But newcomers and budding enthusiasts shouldn’t feel left out. Hibiki offers a range of expressions, including the no-age-statement Hibiki Japanese Harmony, a wildly popular, high-quality blend that is much more accessible in terms of price and availability.
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