Hibiki Japanese Whisky. Basics You Need To Know

Hibiki Japanese whisky is a premium blended whisky that has been making waves in the whisky world since its introduction in the 1980s. Known for its smooth, complex flavour profile and exquisite packaging, Hibiki has become a go-to choice for whisky lovers around the world. In this article, we will explore the history of Hibiki Japanese whisky, the famous personalities associated with the brand, and the awards that it has won.

History of Hibiki Japanese Whisky

Hibiki Japanese whisky is produced by the Suntory company, which was founded in 1899 by Shinjiro Torii. Torii began his career as a pharmaceutical wholesaler, but he had a passion for creating new and innovative products. In 1923, he introduced a brand of whisky called "Akadama Port Wine," which was the first whisky produced in Japan. However, Torii wanted to create a whisky that could compete with the best whiskies from Scotland, and he knew that he needed to create a blend that was unique and distinctive.

Torii spent several years experimenting with different blends of whisky, and in 1929, he finally created a blend that he was proud of. He named this blend "Suntory White Label," and it quickly became popular in Japan. However, Torii didn't stop there. He continued to experiment with new blends, and in 1937, he introduced a new whisky called "Suntory Kakubin." This whisky was a blend of malt and grain whiskies, and it was designed to be enjoyed with food. It became an instant hit in Japan, and it is still popular to this day.

In the 1970s, Torii's son, Keizo Saji, took over the Suntory company. Saji shared his father's passion for creating new and innovative products, and he began to experiment with new blends of whisky. In 1989, he introduced a new whisky called "Hibiki." This whisky was a blend of more than 30 different malt and grain whiskies, and it was designed to be a premium, luxury whisky. Hibiki was an instant success, and it quickly became one of the most popular whiskies in Japan.

Famous Personalities Associated with Hibiki Japanese Whisky

Hibiki Japanese whisky has been associated with many famous personalities over the years. One of the most famous is the Japanese actor, Suntory Yamazaki. Yamazaki starred in a series of commercials for Suntory whisky in the 1980s, and he became a national icon in Japan. His catchphrase, "Suntory Time," became famous throughout the country, and he helped to popularize whisky in Japan.

Another famous personality associated with Hibiki Japanese whisky is chef, Joël Robuchon. Robuchon was a French chef who was known for his innovative cooking techniques and his passion for Japanese cuisine. He was a big fan of Hibiki whisky, and he often served it at his restaurants in Paris and Tokyo.

In addition to these famous personalities, Hibiki Japanese whisky has also been enjoyed by many famous musicians, artists, and writers over the years. The smooth, complex flavour profile of Hibiki makes it a perfect choice for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.

Awards Won by Hibiki Japanese Whisky

Hibiki Japanese whisky has won many awards over the years, and it is widely regarded as one of the best whiskies in the world. Some of the most notable awards won by Hibiki include:

• World Whiskies Awards: Hibiki 21 Year Old won the title of "World's Best Blended Whisky" at the 2014 World Whiskies Awards. This was a significant achievement for Suntory, as it was the first time a Japanese whisky had won this prestigious title.
• International Spirits Challenge: Hibiki Japanese Harmony won the title of "World's Best Blended Whisky" at the 2017 International Spirits Challenge. This was another major accomplishment for Suntory and Hibiki, as this competition is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious spirits competitions in the world.
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Hibiki Japanese Harmony won a double gold medal at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, while Hibiki 21 Year Old won a double gold medal in 2015. This competition is one of the most respected spirits competitions in the world, and winning a medal here is a significant achievement.
• Other notable awards won by Hibiki Japanese whisky include the Best Japanese Blend award at the World Whiskies Awards in 2016, the Best Blended Whisky award at the International Spirits Challenge in 2015, and the Best Japanese Blend award at the World Whiskies Awards in 2010, among others.
• Hibiki Japanese whisky's success at these prestigious spirits competitions is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship that goes into each and every bottle of Hibiki. The master blenders at Suntory take great care in selecting and aging the malt and grain whiskies used in each blend, and the resulting whiskies are some of the finest in the world. 

Hibiki Japanese whisky comes in several different varieties, each with its own unique flavour profile and character. Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular types of Hibiki whisky:

1. Hibiki Japanese Harmony - This is the flagship blend of Hibiki Japanese whisky. It is a blend of more than ten different malt and grain whiskies, each aged for at least three years. The resulting whisky is smooth and complex, with notes of honey, vanilla, and citrus.

2. Hibiki 12 Year Old - This whisky is a blend of more than 30 different malt and grain whiskies, each aged for at least 12 years. It has a deep, rich flavour with notes of oak, dark chocolate, and dried fruit.

3. Hibiki 17 Year Old - This whisky is a blend of more than 20 different malt and grain whiskies, each aged for at least 17 years. It has a delicate, refined flavour with notes of honey, orange, and spice.

4. Hibiki 21 Year Old - This whisky is a blend of more than 20 different malt and grain whiskies, each aged for at least 21 years. It has a complex, sophisticated flavour with notes of oak, vanilla, and tobacco.

5. Hibiki Blender's Choice - This is a limited edition blend of Hibiki whisky that was released in 2020. It is a blend of more than ten different malt and grain whiskies, each aged for at least 15 years. It has a rich, complex flavour with notes of dark chocolate, plum, and spice.

Each type of Hibiki whisky is carefully crafted to showcase the unique flavour profiles of the different malt and grain whiskies that are used in the blend. The result is a range of whiskies that are smooth, complex, and sophisticated, each with its own distinct character and flavour.

In addition to these standard blends, Hibiki has also released several limited edition whiskies over the years, including the Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select, which was released in 2020 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Hibiki Japanese whisky. This special edition blend features whiskies aged in five different types of casks, including Mizunara oak, which is highly prized in Japan for its unique flavour profile.

Hibiki Japanese whisky is a premium blended whisky that has been making waves in the whisky world since its introduction in the 1980s. With its smooth, complex flavour profile and exquisite packaging, Hibiki has become a go-to choice for whisky lovers around the world. Whether you prefer the flagship blend of Hibiki Japanese Harmony or one of the more aged varieties like the Hibiki 21 Year Old, there is a Hibiki whisky to suit every palate. And with its long history of innovation and excellence, there's no doubt that Hibiki will continue to be a favourite of whisky connoisseurs for many years to come.