Suntory Hibiki Master’s Select

Suntory is Japan's first whisky company, started by Shinjiro Torii in 1899. Now, over 100 years later, Suntory are the leading producer of Japanese whisky, with Yamazaki and Hakushu malt distilleries and Chita grain distillery in their portfolio. From these three starting points they produce a wide range of blended and single malt whiskies, catering to both the palates at home and abroad. The House of Suntory is a House of Japanese artisans, crafting world-class spirits, inspired by Japanese nature and mastered with Japanese craft.

Hibiki, meaning “resonance” was launched in 1989 to commemorate Suntory’s 90th anniversary, and has ever since been embraced as the paragon of The Art of Japanese Whisky, the very product of Japanese nature and her people. A blend of Japan’s 24 seasons from its three soul places, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distillery. A tribute to the 24 subtle season changes from the ancient traditional lunar calendar, to emphasize the crucial role of Japanese nature on whisky maturation.

The name “Master’s Select” comes from the fact that Shingo Torii, Suntory’s master distiller, chose the five types of casks that went into making this blend. In addition to the American oak used for bourbon and sherry barrels, the legendary Japanese Mizunara oak barrels were also used, usually only for the finest whiskeys.

A great nose for cleanliness and balance between wood, pepper, caramelized orange peel, coffee, ripe fruit cooked in the oven, and the return of cinnamon whispered by honeyed lips. On the palate, it is soft, has a smooth rhythm, and has an agile step. Good balance, never overpowering spice, sharp fruit oscillating between ripe grapes and citrus fruits, light herbaceous flavors, and then a tannic and nutty finish from the wood.