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.

Beguiling aromas of apricots, orange blossom and marmalade, bolstered by subtle spiciness, too – cinnamon and clove. Elegant and seductive. The generous fruit continues on to the palate, with oranges and apricots in abundance. There’s a little peppery spice, but the soft, succulent fruit takes hold. Nice balance, and nicely crafted. The spiciness takes over from the fruit and lingers, along with a little barrel char. Something of a baby compared with much older Hibiki bottlings, this retains the classic soft, elegant orange-blossom character and generous fruitiness, with a little spice to help things along.