Hibiki (whisky)

Hibiki (whisky) is a brand of Japanese whisky produced by Suntory, one of the oldest and most renowned distilleries in Japan. The name "Hibiki" translates to "resonance" or "echo" in English, reflecting the harmony and complexity of the whisky's flavor profile.

History

The Suntory company was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1899, originally as a wine shop in Osaka. The company's first distillery, Yamazaki Distillery, was established in 1923. The Hibiki brand was introduced in 1989 to commemorate Suntory's 90th anniversary.

Production

Hibiki whisky is a blend of malt and grain whiskies, aged in a variety of cask types, including American white oak, sherry, and rare Japanese oak (known as Mizunara). The whiskies are sourced from Suntory's three distilleries: Yamazaki Distillery, Hakushu Distillery, and Chita Distillery. The blend is crafted to achieve a harmonious balance of flavors, reflecting the brand's name.

Varieties

There are several expressions of Hibiki whisky, each with its unique characteristics:

• Hibiki Japanese Harmony: This is the standard expression of the brand, a blend of malt and grain whiskies from Suntory's three distilleries. It is known for its harmonious balance of flavors.

• Hibiki 17 Years Old: This expression is aged for 17 years and is known for its complexity and depth of flavor.

• Hibiki 21 Years Old: This is one of the most awarded expressions of the brand, recognized for its rich, deep flavors and smooth finish.

• Hibiki 30 Years Old: This is the oldest expression of the brand, renowned for its exceptional smoothness and complexity.

Awards

Hibiki whiskies have received numerous awards at international spirits competitions. Notably, the Hibiki 21 Years Old has been named the World's Best Blended Whisky multiple times at the World Whiskies Awards.

In popular culture

Hibiki whisky has been featured in various films and television series, most notably in the 2003 film Lost in Translation, which significantly increased the brand's international recognition.