"Suntory Whisky Hibiki 'The Art of HIBIKI'" was held ahead of Roppongi Art Night 2025, which starts on September 26th. I attended this special event.
The venue for this event is Janu Tokyo, where visitors can experience the world of Suntory Whisky Hibiki (hereafter referred to as Hibiki), the pinnacle of Suntory whiskey, which is now sought after all over the world, through its history, aroma, color, appearance and taste, a crystallization of Japanese aesthetics, using all five senses.
At dusk, you will be invited into the bar through an entrance where bottles of Hibiki are displayed.
"Hibiki JAPANESE HARMONY" is attractive for its gorgeousness and freshness. It is also perfect as an aperitif. A sparkling version of "Hibiki JAPANESE HARMONY" was served as a welcome drink.
This experiential exhibition allows you to experience the art of Suntory Whisky Hibiki with all five senses, learning about its history, listening to its aroma, admiring its colors, and admiring its appearance...it's truly a luxurious experience.
In 1989, to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Suntory's founding, an exhibition was held to tell the story of the birth of the blended whisky "Hibiki," which brought together the essence of Suntory, a company that built the dawn of whisky in Japan, and the various backstories surrounding it. In particular, the exhibition includes the story behind the naming and the process of deciding on the logo, which is a must-see for fans.
The ten malt spirits that make up "Hibiki" are on display, each with its own unique color and aroma. After visually checking the differences in color, visitors can experience the individual scents, just like enjoying the aroma of an exquisite perfume.
The experience involves finding the deep purple that is the brand color of "Hibiki." The light shines through the color palette, making it a vivid sight. Each color has a Japanese name, which is interesting to look at.
A presentation by Akiko Furusho, Creative Director of Suntory Whisky Hibiki. She oversees the creative direction of products, including the packaging design of Suntory Whisky Hibiki, Yamazaki, and Chita. She brings together various traditional Japanese designs to create a unique worldview.
Also on display were bottles of "Hibiki 35 Year Old" and special limited editions created by Living National Treasures. There were many items that would be coveted by any enthusiast, such as the "Hibiki 35 Year Old Western-style Liquor Bottle with Light Ink Grass and Flower Design, Made by Imaizumi Imaemon XIII."
The most talked about item on this day was the "Hibiki 40 Year Old." Seeing the actual product with its washi paper label and wooden box decorated with maki-e (lacquerware), the packaging was a marvel of the craftsmanship that went into it. The best of Japanese craftsmanship has been combined into one, elevated to the level of a work of art.
Next came the much-anticipated tasting seminar by Shinji Fukuyo, the fifth chief blender. He spoke directly about the history of Suntory whisky making and how Hibiki was developed.
After tasting the characteristics of the single malts and single grains that make up "Hibiki," we tried "Hibiki JAPANESE HARMONY," "Hibiki 21 Year Old," and "Hibiki 30 Year Old," in that order. We were able to experience the wonderful flavors, aromas, and depth of flavors that are created by blending single malts and single grains, each with their own unique characteristics.
The five types of malt whiskey that make up "Hibiki" all have their own distinct personalities. After confirming the differences between each, we tasted "Hibiki Japanese Harmony," "Hibiki 21 Year Old," and "Hibiki 30 Year Old," and found that they all express different flavors while making the most of the individual characteristics of the malt whiskeys.
Shinji Fukuyo, the fifth chief blender, will explain the charm of "Hibiki" from various angles, including the history of its creation.
Following the tasting seminar, we had dinner at JANU Grill. I was curious to try pairing it with Hibiki, as it was my first time enjoying a meal with whiskey.
The "Flounder Tartar, Carrot Dressing, and Salmon Roe" is paired with "Hibiki Japanese Harmony" sparkling style (float). It pairs surprisingly well with the flounder!
The "Roasted duck breast, nuts and dried fruit, baked porcini risotto with a hint of truffle" is served with Hibiki 21 Year Old mixed with water. The fragrant duck and rich baked risotto are perfectly matched with the gorgeous aroma of Hibiki 21 Year Old. It was an unexpected marriage, but a great success.
"Aged Kuroge Wagyu Beef Grilled T-Bone with Iburi-gakko Mashed Potatoes and Poivreaux Sauce." The grilled T-bone and the cooked lean meat are exquisite. The gorgeous "Hibiki 30 Year Old" has a structure that matches the powerful T-bone. Enjoy it on the rocks.
With the "Chocolate Terrine with Pear Compote and Caramel Sauce," a straight "Hibiki 21 Year Old" is the perfect pairing! The combination of the rich, creamy chocolate terrine with "Hibiki" is like heaven. It was a perfect marriage.
Roppongi Art Night 2025, where you can experience Suntory Whisky Hibiki, is coming up from September 26th to 28th. Come experience the world of Hibiki, the crystallization of Japanese beauty.
◆"Suntory Whisky Hibiki" The Art of HIBIKI
日時：9/26(金) 、27(土) 16:00〜22:00、9/28(日) 16:00〜20:00
Location: Roppongi Hills O-Yane Plaza
Free (food and drink costs are separate)
Menu provided:
Hibiki Japanese Harmony: Highball, on the rocks, with water, straight ¥800 each
Hibiki 21 Year Old: Straight only 5,000 yen
Hibiki 30 Year Old: Straight only 30,000 yen (numbered tickets will be distributed at the designated counter and sold only to winners)
Tasting set: 1,800 yen
Chisa Nakajima
Daili, aka Editor N, is the editor-in-chief of Premium Japan. He loves watching Japanese movies from the 1950s and 60s and drinking wine. He's a bit of an otaku whose hobby is collecting postwar women's magazines.
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