The Hibiki premium-blended range has gathered 15 gold medals and trophies in less than five years, including the title of ‘The World’s Best Blended Whisky’ for the 30-year-old Hibiki in 2007 and 2008.
The introduction of Hibiki 12-year-old adds to the line-up of Hibiki expressions by offering whisky connoisseurs what promises to be a new favourite in the popular 12-year-old category.
London was chosen as the stage for the world launch due to the growing interest and demand for Suntory premium whiskies in the UK, and to support the Hibiki brand positioning on the world stage by introducing it to whisky connoisseurs in an international capital.
Aged in Japanese plum liqueur Umeshu casks, Hibiki 12-year-old is sweet and has a velvety texture and fruity aromas. It’s blended from a variety of malt and grain whiskies, and is filtered through bamboo charcoal.
Seiichi Koshimizu, Suntory’s chief blender and the first Japanese representative to be appointed a judge at the International Spirits Challenge, said: “Our goal was to create a uniquely Japanese whisky that’s mellower and smoother than any other premium 12-year-old whisky in the world. Hibiki is a niche brand and we understand that not many people can afford to buy such premium whiskies. By adding Hibiki 12-year-old to the range, we seek to make the brand more affordable to whisky enthusiasts and to increase awareness of the marvellous flavours of Japanese whisky.”
Tomoo Akaike, Suntory business development director, said: “The role-call of honour speaks of the great quality of this amazing whisky. It’s going to appeal to whisky lovers who appreciate the care and attention that go into creating a new expression. We anticipate great interest in Hibiki 12-year-old among whisky specialists.”
The presentation in an elegant 24-facet decanter (recalling the original 24 seasons in the Japanese year) finished with a traditional Echizen Washi label. Hibiki 12-year-old will be priced at between £39.99 and £42.99 a bottle, and will be available from whisky specialist retailers across the UK.
The Hibiki premium-blended range is distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends.
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