The invitation of an enticing floral bouquet, followed by the signature Hibiki depth and complexity of honey, candied orange peel, jasmine and chocolatey decadence, all climaxing to a surprising finish of bitter sweet spicy notes. The end result is a particularly unique expression of Hibiki. Achieving the right balance and orchestration proved to be a great challenge from the start since the Sakura cask is one with strong character that can easily become overbearing.Īfter much trial and error, we found that the grain whiskies finished in the Sakura cask best elevated the overall balance as a Blossoming Harmony slowly unfolding. Every Hibiki expression is one of the most sought after blends in the world where every Hibiki expression is meticulously crafted for us to discover a different kind of Harmony. As the Founding House of Japanese Whisky and A House of Master Blenders, the House of Suntory has gone to great lengths to explore the breadth and depth of what Harmony can mean for a blend. in Japanese Whisky, News Octo0 Suntory has announced the release of Hibiki Blossom Harmony, a limited-edition blend featuring whiskies finished in Sakura casks and for the first time Hibiki 30 Year Old will be available in the U.S. From its launch in 1989 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Suntory, Hibiki embodies the Suntory philosophy to live in harmony with nature and people. It’s available through Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange, Amathus, Milroys and Soho Wines.Hibiki means “Resonance” in Japanese. Not to be missed, Hibiki Blossom Harmony is available from October 18, priced at £175. Grilled Wagyu, soy-based roasted baby gem lettuce and buckwheat soba noodles ushered us toward autumn, with a cocktail of Hibiki Harmony, white truffle, mirin and sake.įinally, scallop nigiri, matcha and Sakura blossom panna cotta and chocolate delivered us to winter, with a Hibiki Harmony and matcha Old Fashioned for company. Tuna parfait, crab salad and trout, with daikon radish and Shiso tempura, heralded the beginning of Spring, washed down with a glass of Hibiki Harmony and chilled soda.Ĭhicken yakitori, ponzu-infused tomatoes and prawn croquettes took us into summer, accompanied by a fusion of Hibiki Harmony, ponzu and sparkling sake. Hibiki Blossom Harmony and chilled soda cocktail Similarly, the accompanying Hibiki Blossom Harmony launch menu was an intriguing mix of flavour combinations. This new expression of Hibiki is complex and inviting. “As a limited edition, I wanted our Hibiki aficionados to enjoy a Hibiki they had never experienced before, something unexpected,” explains Fukuyo.įukuyo describes the 43 percent ABV as “very pure, and light.” Whisky says its Unbelievably balanced, and dangerously drinkable. Shinji Fukuyo was on hand to relate the story behind the new release, and we were all ears. Suntory’s specially designed bottle of Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select highlights the traditional symbols of the Sakura flower (Cherry Blossom), Goshoguruma (Royal Carriage) and Ryusuimon (streaming water). Hibiki 21 was named Worlds Best Blended Whisky at the 2013 World Whiskies Awards and was awarded 96 points in Jim Murrays 2014 Whisky Bible. A 12 course pairing menu was accompanied by an assortment of Hibiki-based cocktails. To launch Hibiki Blossom Harmony, the House of Suntory staged an immersive tasting experience in London, with high-tech 12k projectors depicting the micro seasons of Japan and lavish ikebana displays. The launch of Hibiki Blossom Harmony was fully immersive – and we were there The idea of employing Sakura casks was one that particularly intrigued fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo… It is this special relationship, harmony, that inspired me to create this blend.”īottled at 43 per cent ABV, the amber liquid has a smooth mouthfeel, with notes of honey and sweet pear. “There have been many experiments with malt and grain whisky components, and we found that there was a special alchemy between the grain whiskies and the Sakura cask. Matured in oak then finished in casks constructed from Sakura (Japanese cherry blossom) wood. “I have been mesmerised by the Sakura cask for the last five years now due to its symbolism, but also because of its distinctive, subtly floral and spicy aroma and flavour notes,” says Fukuyo. from Suntorys Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. The idea of employing Sakura casks was one that particularly intrigued fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo. Hibiki, which means ‘Resonance’ in Japanese, hails from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. The new whisky sets out to capture the spirit of Japan’s spring cherry blossom season, by blending a rare selection of matured malt and grain whiskies in the floral casks. Japanese whisky pioneer The House of Suntory has released Hibiki Blossom Harmony, a limited edition blend finished in Sakura wood casks.
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