About HIBIKI

Emotions Embedded in Hibiki

"With a Japanese sensibility, we will create whiskey loved around the world."

The history of whiskey-making in Japan was paved by the dream of Shinjiro Torii, the founder of Suntory. Learning from the methods of Scotland, he embarked on a journey of trial and error to craft flavors that would suit the delicate Japanese palate within the climate of Japan.

To be accepted by those unfamiliar with Western-style liquors at the time, it was essential to create exceptional blends that captured the trends and tastes of the era. Blessed with a sharp sense of taste, often called 'Osaka's Nose,' Shinjiro developed numerous blended whiskeys such as 'Shirofuda,' 'Kakubin,' 'Old,' and 'Royal.' He refined them alongside the taste buds of the Japanese people."

Time-Symbolizing 24-Sided Decanter Bottle

Reflecting Japan's abundant nature and sensibility, "Hibiki" is filled with Japanese essence in its attire. Adorning 'Hibiki' is the decanter bottle with 24 facets, radiating an elegant and gleaming presence. This bottle signifies the 24 hours that mark each day and the 24 solar terms that capture the changing seasons.
Since ancient times, the Japanese have divided the seasons into six based on the movement of the sun, using the lunar calendar's '24 Solar Terms.' These terms include events like Risshun (Spring begins), Geshi (Summer Solstice), and Shubun (Autumn Equinox), deeply intertwined with our lives even today.

It encapsulates the timeless days spent within the casks, the rich history of Suntory's whiskey craftsmanship spanning over ninety years, connecting the past and the future through 'Hibiki'...
It serves as a symbol of all the 'times' associated with 'Hibiki.'

Art of Blending

The complex and delicate aroma of Hibiki would not be possible without the skill of the blender. The Master Blender, who ultimately determines the flavor of the whiskey, has been in the family of Shinjiro for generations, preserving the quality and complexity of the whiskey's aroma. The current Master Blender is Shingo Torii, grandson of Shinjiro Torii. The chief blender oversees the whisky production under the master blender. Currently, Shinji Fukuyo, the fourth generation, is in charge of this role.
The recipe for blending cannot be written down in numbers or letters. The blender selects the "perfect" sake from each barrel based on its unique character and peak of maturity. The blender then combines these different types of sake and combines them into a single barrel, a skill that is truly the art of the artisan. It requires the delicate sensibilities and meticulous skills unique to the Japanese.