The House of Suntory has unveiled Hibiki 40 Years Old, the oldest blended whisky yet from the brand. This limited release comprises carefully selected whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries – each matured over four decades.
The blend brings together the influences of Mizunara Japanese oak, which contributes a distinct complexity, the subtle sweetness of Spanish oak, and a smoothness derived from caramelised cacao notes characteristic of aged American oak.
Crafted by Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo, Hibiki 40 Years Old is said to encapsulate a lifetime of knowledge in blending; it’s a tribute to Japanese whisky craftsmanship.
This exclusive blend comprises carefully selected whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries…
Fukuyo describes the expression as carrying the elegance and bloom typical of Hibiki, but with a unique sense of subduedness and wabi-sabi warmth.
“I would like people to enjoy the pure aroma that has been sharpened over the years; the tranquillity of old temples and storehouses and the nostalgic warm feeling that accompanies them,” he says.
Hibiki 40 Years Old tasting notes
The 40 Years Old opens with a complex and delicate aroma, offering notes of Japanese loquat, dry lemon peel, and clove on the nose. On the palate, tasting notes speak of layers of pure acacia honey and dry fig. The finish is said to linger, with an aromatic aftertaste.
The Hibiki 40 Years Old is presented in a specially crafted wooden box made of 12 different types of Japanese wood, including pine and zelkova.
Each face represents one month of the year, and is embellished with maki-e lacquer artwork depicting flowers and grasses of Japan’s four seasons.
Epitomising Japanese craftsmanship, the washi label on the box has been handcrafted by Japanese washi artist, Eriko Horiki.
The bottle itself is crafted from crystal glass, and boasts 30 facets intricately shaped by a respected glassware maker who has also served as a purveyor to the Japanese imperial family.
The bottle is adorned with traditional maki-e, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gold lacquer, chosen to enhance the golden hue of the whisky.
Only a limited number of bottles of Hibiki 40 Years Old will be available globally at select retailers, price TBA.
The Whisky Exchange has dropped three new exclusive bottlings to mark the start of 2026, spanning Scotch whisky, American bourbon and Jamaican rum. The limited collection comprises an experimental single-cask Torabhaig from the Isle of Skye, a punchy single-barrel bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Company, and a sherry-cask-aged Hampden Estate rum that leans fully into the…
Just in time for Burns Night, Orkney-based Highland Park has announced a limited-edition cask strength single malt whisky. The new release, Cask Strength: Heather, is made using 100 per cent Orkney peat-smoked barley, with peat sourced responsibly from Hobbister Moor, just a few miles from the distillery. Given Orkney’s northern latitude, trees struggle to grow,…
January may feel long and grey, but one undoubted bright spot is Burns Night, the annual celebration held on January 25, marking the birthday of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. For whisky lovers, it’s one of the most convivial fixtures of the year: a night where poetry, food and Scotland’s greatest export meet in cheerful,…
The Luxe Review 
The House of Suntory has unveiled Hibiki 40 Years Old, the oldest blended whisky yet from the brand. This limited release comprises carefully selected whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries – each matured over four decades.
The blend brings together the influences of Mizunara Japanese oak, which contributes a distinct complexity, the subtle sweetness of Spanish oak, and a smoothness derived from caramelised cacao notes characteristic of aged American oak.
Crafted by Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo, Hibiki 40 Years Old is said to encapsulate a lifetime of knowledge in blending; it’s a tribute to Japanese whisky craftsmanship.
Fukuyo describes the expression as carrying the elegance and bloom typical of Hibiki, but with a unique sense of subduedness and wabi-sabi warmth.
“I would like people to enjoy the pure aroma that has been sharpened over the years; the tranquillity of old temples and storehouses and the nostalgic warm feeling that accompanies them,” he says.
Hibiki 40 Years Old tasting notes
The 40 Years Old opens with a complex and delicate aroma, offering notes of Japanese loquat, dry lemon peel, and clove on the nose. On the palate, tasting notes speak of layers of pure acacia honey and dry fig. The finish is said to linger, with an aromatic aftertaste.
The Hibiki 40 Years Old is presented in a specially crafted wooden box made of 12 different types of Japanese wood, including pine and zelkova.
Each face represents one month of the year, and is embellished with maki-e lacquer artwork depicting flowers and grasses of Japan’s four seasons.
Epitomising Japanese craftsmanship, the washi label on the box has been handcrafted by Japanese washi artist, Eriko Horiki.
The bottle itself is crafted from crystal glass, and boasts 30 facets intricately shaped by a respected glassware maker who has also served as a purveyor to the Japanese imperial family.
The bottle is adorned with traditional maki-e, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gold lacquer, chosen to enhance the golden hue of the whisky.
Only a limited number of bottles of Hibiki 40 Years Old will be available globally at select retailers, price TBA.
Drink in 2026 with these Jamaican sherried rum, peated whisky, and high-strength bourbon exclusives
The Whisky Exchange has dropped three new exclusive bottlings to mark the start of 2026, spanning Scotch whisky, American bourbon and Jamaican rum. The limited collection comprises an experimental single-cask Torabhaig from the Isle of Skye, a punchy single-barrel bourbon from Bardstown Bourbon Company, and a sherry-cask-aged Hampden Estate rum that leans fully into the…
New Cask Strength Highland Park whisky puts Orkney heather front and centre
Just in time for Burns Night, Orkney-based Highland Park has announced a limited-edition cask strength single malt whisky. The new release, Cask Strength: Heather, is made using 100 per cent Orkney peat-smoked barley, with peat sourced responsibly from Hobbister Moor, just a few miles from the distillery. Given Orkney’s northern latitude, trees struggle to grow,…
Toasting the Bard: Where to eat, drink and celebrate Burns Night 2026
January may feel long and grey, but one undoubted bright spot is Burns Night, the annual celebration held on January 25, marking the birthday of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. For whisky lovers, it’s one of the most convivial fixtures of the year: a night where poetry, food and Scotland’s greatest export meet in cheerful,…
Share this: