Hibiki 30 Year Old Comes Available In US For First Time

The Hibiki Japanese whisky brand, under the ownership of Beam-Suntory, is a blend of various malt and grain whiskies from House of Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries in Japan. Various bottlings exist within its portfolio, including a 30 year expression which, for the first time, is now available in the U.S.

The Hibiki 30 Year Old, according to those behind it, represents “the paragon of the Hibiki brand” and was first released in 1997. Described as “a select blend of Yamazaki malt whiskies that are 30 years and older from Suntory’s treasured historic collection, with mild grain whiskies that have also matured at least 30 years,” only a few thousand bottles are produced and bottled by hand each year.

Now officially a permanent addition to the House of Suntory portfolio in the U.S., it has been released this month in very limited quantities, sporting a 43% ABV and a price point of $5,000. Official tasting notes are below.

The rare Hibiki 30 Year Old Japanese whisky comes to the U.S. for the first time as a new annual release from Beam-Suntory. (image via Beam-Suntory)

• Color: Deep amber.
• Nose: Leather, raisin, prune, sweet chestnut.
• Palate: Brown sugar, dried fig, apricot jam, cedar and pain d’epices (gingerbread).
• Finish: Extremely rich, cinnamon and Mizunara (Japanese Oak)