Hibiki 21 yo, 43%

Introduction

Hibiki 21 Year Old represents the pinnacle of Japanese whisky blending expertise, first introduced in 1989 as part of Suntory’s premium Hibiki line, whose name translates to “resonance” or “harmony” in Japanese.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Premium barley and grain sourced from Scotland and Japan, combined with pristine Japanese water from natural springs near each distillery
• Distillation process: Meticulously distilled at Suntory’s three distilleries – Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita – using both pot stills for malt components and column stills for grain components
• Maturation: Aged for a minimum of 21 years in a combination of American white oak, rare Japanese Mizunara oak, and Spanish ex-sherry casks
• Special techniques: Employs Suntory’s unique bamboo charcoal filtration process and is blended using over 100 different malt and grain whiskies to achieve perfect harmony

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich sandalwood, ripe tropical fruits, honeyed sweetness, fragrant Japanese incense, subtle Mizunara spice, and hints of antique leather
• Palate: Velvet texture delivering complex layers of dark chocolate, dried fruits, winter spices, sweet caramel, roasted nuts, and distinctive Mizunara oak with subtle hints of Japanese plum (ume)
• Finish: Incredibly long and balanced with persistent sweet oakiness, gentle spice, dried fruits, and subtle smoky notes that gradually fade

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Hibiki’s specially designed 24-faceted glass representing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar, or a traditional Glencairn whisky glass
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat to appreciate its complexity, or with a single drop of spring water to open up additional aromatic nuances
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with high cacao content, dried fruits, aged cheeses, or traditional Japanese wagashi sweets

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 43% ABV
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Japan
• Certifications/Awards: World’s Best Blended Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards multiple times, Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and numerous 95+ ratings from whisky critics

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Hibiki 21 Year Old stands as the supreme expression of Japanese whisky artistry, where each sip reveals layers of complexity that can only be achieved through decades of patient maturation.

Due to overwhelming global demand and limited aged stock, Hibiki 21 has become increasingly difficult to obtain, with allocations strictly limited even in Japan.

Celebrated master blender Shinji Fukuyo personally oversees the creation of each batch, ensuring that only the finest casks are selected to maintain the legendary standard established by Suntory’s founding father, Shinjiro Torii.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Whisky connoisseurs and collectors worldwide consider Hibiki 21 an essential addition to any serious collection, with many enthusiasts making annual pilgrimages to Japan in hopes of securing a bottle.

Once experienced, Hibiki 21 becomes the standard against which other premium blended whiskies are measured, inspiring a lifelong appreciation for the Japanese approach to whisky craftsmanship.

Its consistent acclaim across international competitions and from critics like Jim Murray and Dave Broom confirms its status as one of the world’s most perfectly constructed whiskies.

From Suntory to You

Each 24-faceted bottle of Hibiki 21 represents a gift of time and tradition from the artisans at Suntory, who have dedicated their lives to perfecting the art of whisky blending.

The elegant presentation, featuring traditional Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship, reflects the same attention to detail and beauty that you’ll discover in the exceptional liquid within.

By experiencing Hibiki 21, you join a global community of discerning enthusiasts who appreciate the Japanese philosophy of harmony and balance in spirits – secure your bottle today to experience this masterpiece of whisky artistry.