Suntory unveils its centennial release of Hibiki 21 Year Old and a limited-edition Hibiki Japanese Harmony that honours the four seasons.

The two limited releases mark the latest centennial whisky offerings from Suntory’s anniversary celebration honouring a century since founder Shinjiro Torii established Japan’s very first malt whisky distillery in 1923.

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Originally making its debut in 1989, Hibiki, one of the most prestigious whiskies in the world, is a harmonious blend of whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries and the limited-edition Hibiki 21 Year Old is a delicate marriage of both malt and grain spirits blended to create an orchestra of flavours and aromas.

For the special centennial edition, rare Mizunara oak has been placed at the forefront, profoundly influencing the blend while still maintaining Hibiki’s character and essence.

The centennial anniversary whisky, the label of which artfully displays a gradual transition of colours that evoke the sunrise in Japan, a symbol of life, vitality, and the ever-flowing passage of time, offers refined and elegant notes of kumquat and jasmine with Japanese incense and a long, deep finish with undertones of spiced Mizunara.

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In addition, the centennial Hibiki Japanese Harmony bottle design brings the art of Monozukuri craftsmanship to life, with the bottle design featuring motifs of snow, moon and flowers to represent Japan’s changing seasons. The kakehashi (bridge) depicted links Japan and the world to the past, present, and future, while the water flowing underneath is pure and clear, symbolising the cleansing of hardships and calamity.

Amber in colour, this luminous and delicate whisky presents notes of rose, lychee, a hint of rosemary, mature woodiness, and sandalwood on the nose. On the palate, look for aromas of honey-like sweetness, candied orange peel and white chocolate followed by a subtle and tender finish with a hint of Mizunara.