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Hibiki 40 Year Old: Suntory’s Masterpiece of Balance, Aroma, and Flavour

In Partnership with The House of Suntory
Rob Edwards
By Rob Edwards - Sponsored

Published: Last Updated: 

Readtime: 4 min

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When we think of great Japanese drams, there’s one name that stands above all others: The House of Suntory. Now, this iconic distiller is preparing to establish a new pinnacle of Japanese whisky with the release of Hibiki 40 Year Old, its oldest blended whisky to date and a landmark combining some of the highest-quality expressions from some of its most acclaimed distilleries, including Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. 

Each of the whiskies used to craft this special drop has matured for over 40 years, all leading to the day when they would play their part in Hibiki’s sumptuous symphony of flavours and aromas. Now, the time is almost upon us to experience this triumph of blending, and what’s more, you can take part in an unforgettable celebration at its historic launch. Read on to discover how.

House of Suntory Habiki 40 Year Old | Image: House of Suntory
House of Suntory Hibiki 40 Year Old | Image: House of Suntory

History in the Making

Hibiki 40 Year Old is a marvel of the mixing arts; the culmination of decades of compounded expertise and experience, handed down from one generation of blenders to the next. As a result, you will not find a more perfect and premium embodiment of Japan’s mastery of whisky. 

To make this astonishing feat a reality, the Suntory team—led by Suntory’s Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo—carefully selected a variety of treasured, ultra-high-aged whiskies produced decades beforehand with great care by previous generations of Suntory whisky custodians. The result? A decadent and innovative layering of unprecedented aroma and mellowness that sets a new standard for Japanese whisky.

Offering up a perfectly harmonious blend of scent and taste, Hibiki 40 Year Old’s nose offers up layers of Japanese loquat, dry lemon peel, and clove, followed by a palate of pure acacia honey and dry fig, all rounded out by a stunningly aromatic finish of incense spiced with cinnamon and Mizunara (Japanese oak). Put simply, it’s a masterpiece of balance and layering. 

House of Suntory Habiki 40 Year Old | Image: House of Suntory
House of Suntory Hibiki 40 Year Old | Image: House of Suntory

Packaging a Work of Art

To ensure the Hibiki 40 Year Old’s packaging is every bit as special as the liquid contained within, The House of Suntory has partnered with Eriko Horiki, a renowned Japanese washi artist who has hand-crafted the washi label on the whisky’s box.

Further, each bottle is fashioned using crystal glass and boasts 30 facets that have been intricately crafted by a glassware maker of such renown that he’s known as a trusted purveyor to the Japanese imperial family. Decorated with traditional Japanese maki-e, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gold lacquer, it is a thing of extraordinary beauty that pays tribute to The House of Suntory’s unequalled heritage and tradition. 

Encasing this extraordinary bottle is a box built around the number 12. Not only does it boast 12 Japanese wood varieties—including pine and zelkova—it also features 12 faces, each representing one of the 12 months of the year. Plus, around the box you’ll find flowers and grasses for each of Japan’s four seasons, representing the passage of time and Hibiki’s role as a link between future and past.

If you’d like to get your hands on one of these incredibly luxurious bottles, act fast as only 400 will be released to selected markets and retailers at an RRP of AUD$75,000.

House of Suntory Habiki 40 Year Old | Image: House of Suntory
House of Suntory Hibiki 40 Year Old | Image: House of Suntory

A Celebration of Creating Harmony

Beyond securing said bottle, there’s another way to ensure you have the chance to sample this extremely rare whisky for yourself. On October 24th, 2024, The House of Suntory will be hosting an exclusive launch event that promises to redefine luxury and it’s happening right here in Sydney. 

When the special evening comes, guests will ascend to the 26th floor of the Crown Sydney and enter Oncore by Clare Smyth, the internationally acclaimed restaurant helmed by the first and only British female chef to hold three Michelin stars in the UK. From there, guests will take in incredible views of Sydney Harbour, experience Hibiki 40 Year Old for themselves, and dine on a five-course dinner menu to complement and elevate the Hibiki experience.

This will not only be the unmissable whisky event of the year, it will also act as an unforgettable tribute to the art of supreme craftsmanship. Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity are priced at AUD$1,800 per person. Reserve your place now to experience the wonder of The House of Suntory’s Hibiki 40 Year Old.

Rob Edwards

Branded Content Editor

Rob Edwards

Rob Edwards is Man of Many’s Branded Content Editor. As a former editor of consumer technology and lifestyle publications like T3, Official Nintendo Magazine, Official Windows Magazine, and TechRadar, Rob has honed his expertise in consumer technology and lifestyle products ...