Shinji Fukuyo, Chief Blender at House of Suntory, has taken ultra-premium aged whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita to create the Hibiki 40 year old. His creation is a tribute to premium Japanese spirits. The presentation reflects the exceptional nature of the whisky Fukuyo has crafted and every aspect of this release is a considered aspect of the whole. I was fortunate to hear from Shinji Fukuyo about the historic release.
Celebrating Japanese Craftsmanship
The House of Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii began work on the first whisky distillery in Japan back in 1923. Since then Japanese whisky has evolved to become internationally renowned and collected. The Hibiki blend is known for its sought-after limited editions, and this 40-year-old echoes the quality and striking artistry those releases have become known for.
“I hope that when people experience Hibiki 40 Years Old, they feel a deep connection to time—past, present, and future,” said Shinji Fukuyo. As Chief Blender at Suntory Fukuyo is experienced at creating exceptional spirits and naturally suited to the task of creating the oldest Hibiki release to date. “I want consumers to savor the purity and complexity of the aromas, the smoothness of the palate, and the tranquil, almost meditative finish that evokes the serenity of ancient temples and nature that leads you to the nostalgic warmth that accompanies them.”
The Art Of Blended Whisky
Speaking with Shinji Fukuyo it is clear that for him, blending whisky is an art form in itself.
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“My favorite part of this project has been witnessing how every element—both in the liquid and in the presentation—came together to express not only the history of Suntory but how beauty and transience patinates, while time adds depth. I believe you would be able to taste the change in flavor over time, reminiscent of blooming flowers at first followed by an elegant simplicity from the middle to the aftertaste.”
The limited edition nature of the blend means that the experience Shinji Fukuyo has created will be open to only a limited number of fans. The presentation however, remains something that can be appreciated universally. From the bottle to the label and case, the presentation of this historic whisky has been considered in a way that perfectly reflects its Japanese heritage.
Japanese Washi and Maki-e
Limited edition Hibiki’s are renowned for their stunning bottle designs, each intricately decorated to represent some aspect of Japanese culture. The oldest Hibiki to date lives up the stage set by its predecessors.
Renowned Japanese Washi artist Eriko Horiki has hand crafted the labels for the hibiki 40-year-old. Horiki is known for her work balancing the historic and modern needs of the traditional Japanese paper craft. The balance of traditional product meeting the needs of a modern age is something echoed in the whisky industry. When the whiskies in this release were distilled there was no international Japanese whisky market, but those distillers still worked to create something that could last into the future.
The box too has been carefully considered and reflects aspects of Japanese culture. It has been crafted from 12 different types of Japanese wood, and has 12 sides, both reflecting the 12 months of the year. While the painting on the box represents the four seasons through different flowers and grasses in more maki-e lacquer.
The crystal decanter has been created by a renowned glassware maker known as a trusted purveyor to the Japanese imperial family. Traditional Japanese maki-e, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gold lacquer have been used to create a bottle that is another aspect of this work of art.
And make no mistake, the Hibiki 40-year old is a work of art. I am sure Shinji Fukuyo has created a masterful whisky, but the glasswork and case elevate his whisky to more than just a drink. The designs are supposed to represent the changing of the seasons and how the past and future are linked through whisky because of the nature of the slow maturation. It’s a striking piece and another stunning release that begins to erase the lines between art and consumables like a bottle of whisky.
Future Traditions
Working with something first created 40 years ago, in a world of different traditions and values, is not without its challenges. Shinji Fukuyo explained that the older whiskies require perhaps a different way of handling. “As for working with liquids that have been aged for more than four decades, the complexity and depth of the unblended whiskies reflect the passage of time, and as a blender, it was my responsibility to honor and amplify these qualities.”
I think the Hibiki 40 year old may be one of the most striking releases I’ve seen so far this year. Yes there have been donut shaped decanters, but this release, for me, feels more about embracing the past and bringing traditions into the future, rather than trying to redefine the genre.
Finally I asked about his favorite aspect of creating such a monumental blend. Fukuyo explained, “For me, the most rewarding part of blending is the moment when the components—each whisky aged for decades—come together and reveal a harmony that is greater than the sum of its parts.”
I have to say I agree that he has achieved something greater than a 40-year-old blended whisky. It is a visually stunning representation of Japanese whisky and culture that is a credit to the four decade old whisky it contains.
The original version of this article was written by me for Forbes.com
