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.
Bunnahabhain has released the latest edition of its annual 12 Year Old Cask Strength whisky, bottled at 55.8% ABV. The 2026 expression brings together 12-year-old whisky matured in an equal split of first-fill Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks. Bottled at natural cask strength, it promises a rich, full-bodied interpretation of the Islay distillery’s unpeated single…
Laphroaig has released Strong Characters Chapter Two, a limited-edition 35 Year Old single malt celebrating Dugald Johnston, the son of co-founder Donald Johnston. The release follows the inaugural 33 Year Old bottling, which honoured Donald, and continues a series recognising those who have shaped the Islay distillery’s history. Dugald inherited Laphroaig during a difficult period…
London’s Shogun Sakes is putting English sake on the drinks map with a Peckham-brewed Junmai that could make an intriguing Christmas gift for spirits enthusiasts. Traditionally associated with Japan, the rice-based drink is now finding a foothold in the UK, with independent producer Shogun Sakes brewing its Pure English Sake in small batches in Peckham.…
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.
Bunnahabhain 12 Year Old Cask Strength 2026 edition is a rich, sherried Islay whisky
Bunnahabhain has released the latest edition of its annual 12 Year Old Cask Strength whisky, bottled at 55.8% ABV. The 2026 expression brings together 12-year-old whisky matured in an equal split of first-fill Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks. Bottled at natural cask strength, it promises a rich, full-bodied interpretation of the Islay distillery’s unpeated single…
Laphroaig Strong Characters Chapter Two is a 35 Year Old single malt tribute to its historic distillery owner
Laphroaig has released Strong Characters Chapter Two, a limited-edition 35 Year Old single malt celebrating Dugald Johnston, the son of co-founder Donald Johnston. The release follows the inaugural 33 Year Old bottling, which honoured Donald, and continues a series recognising those who have shaped the Islay distillery’s history. Dugald inherited Laphroaig during a difficult period…
This Peckham-brewed Pure English Sake is a different kind of festive pour
London’s Shogun Sakes is putting English sake on the drinks map with a Peckham-brewed Junmai that could make an intriguing Christmas gift for spirits enthusiasts. Traditionally associated with Japan, the rice-based drink is now finding a foothold in the UK, with independent producer Shogun Sakes brewing its Pure English Sake in small batches in Peckham.…
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