When we decided to commemorate 100 years of whisky making with a bottle of “Hibiki” rather than Yamazaki or Hakushu, we knew that “Hibiki” would be appropriate for the occasion. We conducted a series of tastings, imagining Hibiki with a gorgeous aroma and a round, elegant flavor that would brighten the faces of anyone who tasted it.
We used a wide range of sake in this blend. Some are lively and vibrant, while others have been aged for a long time, so if you have been drinking “Hibiki” for a long time, you may think it is similar to “17nen,” while others may say it is closer to “30nen. We hope that while enjoying the diversity of flavors that change depending on how you drink it and the occasion, you will also enjoy the elegance that is unique to Hibiki, and the calm and gorgeousness that comes from its long aging process.
Over the past 100 years, Suntory has constantly worked to improve the quality of its products. By looking at the remaining recipes and stock of original sake, we can imagine what the previous blenders were thinking and what kind of flavors they were aiming for. There is no clear message from blender to blender, saying, “This is how we make it. However, sometimes the time spent together in the blender’s room or a casual conversation reminds me of what my predecessor said at that time, and I decide on the final flavor. When it came to deciding where to land with this anniversary blend, many memories came to mind. I believe that in Suntory’s whisky making, not only “Hibiki” but also in the past and in the future, good sake, blending techniques, and the chain of blender’s memories that have been passed down from generation to generation will protect the style and evolve it to a higher level.
We select carefully selected unique sake that is at least 17 years old.
We then carefully blend in Yamazaki Mizunara oak barrel malt and mature Chita grain, both of which are over 30 years old.
The result is a gorgeous aroma that is unique to “Hibiki” with a sense of maturity and complexity.
This is a special blend with an aroma and flavor that is befitting of the 100th anniversary.
The aftertaste is smooth and lingers for a long time. We hope you can feel the thoughts that continue into the future.
Reference: Suntory HP
At “BAR SHINKAI,” one glass is available for 45ml: 14,850 yen, 30ml: 9,900 yen, 15ml: 4,950 yen.
For more information on the Hibiki 100th Anniversary Bottle please see this article.
For a full list of BARShinkai’s whisky menu, click here.
