Japanese whisky maker Suntory has revealed two new limited-edition bottlings in its six-part celebratory centennial range.
Founded in 1923, the House of Suntory has unveiled Hibiki 21-Year-Old and a limited-edition bottle design of Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select, which is a Traveller’s Exclusive.
The two limited releases mark the latest centennial whisky offerings from Suntory’s anniversary celebration, honouring a century since founder Shinjiro Torii established Japan’s first malt whisky distillery.
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| Hibiki 21-Year-Old Japanese whisky |
In travel retail, Hibiki 21-Year-Old (bottled at 43%abv) will be available in only five key strategic locations: Singapore, London, Hainan, Dubai and Frankfurt. In addition to the specially selected travel retail locations, it is available globally in select markets retailing at $6,321.50.
Throughout October, the release will be featured in Singapore Changi Airport’s World of Wines & Spirits showcase, in partnership with Lotte Duty Free. In November, the launch will be supported by a hero activation at London Heathrow T5, in partnership with Avolta (formerly Dufry).
Also in November, Hibiki 21-Year Old will be showcased at Suntory’s shop-in-shop in CDF Sanya International Duty Free Complex, Haitang Bay. This will be followed by the company’s debut shop-in-shop boutique concept at Singapore Changi Airport, in T3 departures, which is scheduled to open by the end of December.
Finally, Hibiki 21-Year Old will also be highlighted at a high-profile pop-up at Frankfurt Airport in December, in partnership with Gebr Heinemann, created to celebrate Suntory’s 100th anniversary.
Hibiki 21-Year-Old (700ml) is a blend of malt and grain whiskies in which rare Mizunara oak is placed at the forefront, profoundly influencing the blend while still maintaining Hibiki’s character and essence.
The centennial anniversary label design on the Hibiki 21-Year-Old bottle artfully displays a gradual transition of colours that evoke the sunrise in Japan, a symbol of life, vitality and the ever-flowing passage of time.
The whisky is said to embody the spirit of “Wa”, or oneness, with enticing aromas. It offers refined and elegant notes of kumquat and jasmine with Japanese incense. The palate is subtly sweet and floral combined with spiced sandalwood and agarwood. The result is a long and deep finish with undertones of spiced Mizunara wood.
A milestone achievement
In other news, Suntory has created another two centennial limited-edition bottle designs for its Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select whisky (43%abv): one for the domestic market, and one for the travel retail channel. Both feature the 100th anniversary logo on the outer box and outer label.
The travel retail-exclusive version of the Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select 100th Anniversary edition is available in all existing Hibiki Harmony Master’s Select locations, retailing at $115.50 for 700ml.
“This anniversary is a milestone achievement for the House of Suntory, and I am delighted that we are able to showcase the very special Hibiki 21-Year-Old Centennial Edition in selected travel retail doors,” said Beam Suntory Brand Marketing Director Global Travel Retail Manuel Gonzalez. “I am also excited to unveil the travel retail-exclusive version of the Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select 100th Anniversary edition."
