Japanese whisky pioneer The House of Suntory has released Hibiki Blossom Harmony, a limited edition blend finished in Sakura wood casks.
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.
Hibiki, which means ‘Resonance’ in Japanese, hails from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries.
The idea of employing Sakura casks was one that particularly intrigued fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo.
“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. “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. It is this special relationship, harmony, that inspired me to create this blend.”
Bottled at 43 per cent ABV, the amber liquid has a smooth mouthfeel, with notes of honey and sweet pear.
The idea of employing Sakura casks was one that particularly intrigued fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo…
The launch of Hibiki Blossom Harmony was fully immersive – and we were there
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. A 12 course pairing menu was accompanied by an assortment of Hibiki-based cocktails. Shinji Fukuyo was on hand to relate the story behind the new release, and we were all ears.
“As a limited edition, I wanted our Hibiki aficionados to enjoy a Hibiki they had never experienced before, something unexpected,” explains Fukuyo.
Fukuyo describes the 43 percent ABV as “very pure, and light.”
This new expression of Hibiki is complex and inviting. Similarly, the accompanying Hibiki Blossom Harmony launch menu was an intriguing mix of flavour combinations.
Hibiki Blossom Harmony and chilled soda cocktail
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.
Chicken yakitori, ponzu-infused tomatoes and prawn croquettes took us into summer, accompanied by a fusion of Hibiki Harmony, ponzu and sparkling sake.
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.
Finally, scallop nigiri, matcha and Sakura blossom panna cotta and chocolate delivered us to winter, with a Hibiki Harmony and matcha Old Fashioned for company.
Actor Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box, gracing the label art for the company’s upcoming 2026 Hedonism release. A fan favourite in blockbuster franchises such as Doctor Who (Amy Pond), Guardians of the Galaxy (Nebula) and Jumanji (Ruby Roundhouse), Gillan has become one of Scotland’s most recognisable international…
Brother’s Bond Bourbon has launched in the UK, bringing its premium four-grain American whiskey portfolio to British shelves for the first time. Founded in 2020, the celebrity-fuelled brand has been making waves Stateside with accessible yet layered bourbon and rye, distinguished by hands-on blending, careful barrel selection, and a commitment to regenerative agriculture. Co-founders Ian…
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Hackstons of Knightsbridge is offering a curated selection of last-minute luxury drinks gifts certain to elevate the most romantic night of the year. In-house expert Guillaume Ragot has selected five outstanding bottles that tick all the right boxes, from celebratory sparkling wines, to memorable sippers, and luxury after-dinner…
The Luxe Review 
Japanese whisky pioneer The House of Suntory has released Hibiki Blossom Harmony, a limited edition blend finished in Sakura wood casks.
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.
Hibiki, which means ‘Resonance’ in Japanese, hails from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries.
The idea of employing Sakura casks was one that particularly intrigued fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo.
“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. “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. It is this special relationship, harmony, that inspired me to create this blend.”
Bottled at 43 per cent ABV, the amber liquid has a smooth mouthfeel, with notes of honey and sweet pear.
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. A 12 course pairing menu was accompanied by an assortment of Hibiki-based cocktails. Shinji Fukuyo was on hand to relate the story behind the new release, and we were all ears.
“As a limited edition, I wanted our Hibiki aficionados to enjoy a Hibiki they had never experienced before, something unexpected,” explains Fukuyo.
Fukuyo describes the 43 percent ABV as “very pure, and light.”
This new expression of Hibiki is complex and inviting. Similarly, the accompanying Hibiki Blossom Harmony launch menu was an intriguing mix of flavour combinations.
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.
Chicken yakitori, ponzu-infused tomatoes and prawn croquettes took us into summer, accompanied by a fusion of Hibiki Harmony, ponzu and sparkling sake.
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.
Finally, scallop nigiri, matcha and Sakura blossom panna cotta and chocolate delivered us to winter, with a Hibiki Harmony and matcha Old Fashioned for company.
Hibiki Blossom Harmony is available from £250. It’s available through Master of Malt, and The Whisky Exchange.
Karen Gillan fronts Compass Box Hedonism 2026 limited edition Scotch whisky
Actor Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box, gracing the label art for the company’s upcoming 2026 Hedonism release. A fan favourite in blockbuster franchises such as Doctor Who (Amy Pond), Guardians of the Galaxy (Nebula) and Jumanji (Ruby Roundhouse), Gillan has become one of Scotland’s most recognisable international…
Celebrity-founded Brother’s Bond Bourbon makes UK debut with starry four-grain whiskey range
Brother’s Bond Bourbon has launched in the UK, bringing its premium four-grain American whiskey portfolio to British shelves for the first time. Founded in 2020, the celebrity-fuelled brand has been making waves Stateside with accessible yet layered bourbon and rye, distinguished by hands-on blending, careful barrel selection, and a commitment to regenerative agriculture. Co-founders Ian…
Valentine’s Day drinks gift guide: fine wine, champagne and rare spirits they’ll love
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Hackstons of Knightsbridge is offering a curated selection of last-minute luxury drinks gifts certain to elevate the most romantic night of the year. In-house expert Guillaume Ragot has selected five outstanding bottles that tick all the right boxes, from celebratory sparkling wines, to memorable sippers, and luxury after-dinner…
Share this: