Skip to main content

The House of Suntory just released its oldest blended whisky ever

This whisky from The Hous of Suntory spent four decades aging

The House of Suntory
The House of Suntory

Even if you’re a novice Japanese whisky drinker, you’re likely keenly aware of Suntory. This iconic brand makes some of the most well-known Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki, Cita, and more. And while it’s known for its single malt whiskies, it’s also well-known for its blended whiskies. Fans of the style should be excited because The House of Suntory just released its oldest blended whisky to date.

Hibiki 40-Year-Old

The House of Suntory
The House of Suntory

It’s called Hibiki 40-Year-Old, and it shouldn’t be surprising that this is the oldest blended whisky in this renowned brand’s portfolio. Forty years is a long time to age whisky. People don’t like to wait that long to bottle whisky and enjoy it.

Recommended Videos

Hibiki 40-Year-Old is a blend of whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. Each whisky included spent at least four decades maturing before being blended to create this epic expression. You can thank decades of maturation and Suntory’s Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo for this timeless whisky.

According to the brand, four decades of maturing have given this mix of single malt whiskies a nose of lemon peels, cloves, and Japanese loquat. Sipping it reveals a mix of acacia honey and dry figs, as well as other flavors.

“I would like people to enjoy the pure aroma that has been sharpened over the years,” Fukuyo said in a press release. “The tranquility of old temples and storehouses and the nostalgic warm feeling that accompanies them.”

Where can I buy it?

Whiskey glass
Vinicius "amnx" Amano / Unsplash

Remember that this is a 40-year-old Japanese whisky. It’s not something you’ll just grab at your local liquor store for the weekend on your way home from the office. The House of Suntory is only releasing 400 bottles of this limited-edition whisky to select retailers for the suggested retail price of $35,000. Yes, you read that right.

Christopher Osburn
Christopher Osburn is a food and drinks writer located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. He's been writing professional
The Glenlivet just launched its oldest permanent expression ever
The Glenlivet just released a whisky that matured for four decades
The Glenlivet

In the Scotch whisky world, few names are more well-known than The Glenlivet. This iconic brand is famous for its limited-edition releases and flagship expressions. It’s about to add an epic single malt whisky to the latter. That’s because The Glenlivet is set to launch its oldest permanent expression ever.
The Glenlivet 40 Year Old

This 46.9% ABV single malt whisky was matured in oak barrels for at least forty years and finished in custom Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry-seasoned casks from Jerez, Spain.

Read more
Rod & Hammer’s California Whiskey is releasing a bourbon and having a concert to benefit wildfire relief
Rod & Hammer's has two initiatives to help with the California wildfire relief
Rod & Hammer’s

Regardless of where you live, chances are you’ve seen the devastation of the recent wildfires in Southern California. Rod & Hammer’s California Whiskey recently announced two initiatives to support the wildfire relief efforts.

The first initiative is called “Songs of Solace.” It will be a concert to benefit Los Angeles Wildfire Relief. They’re also announcing the launch of a special-edition whiskey called Wildfire Resilience Straight Bourbon. Both will raise money to help support communities impacted by the wildfires and firefighters working tirelessly to put them out.
Songs of Solace: A Benefit Concert for LA Wildfire Relief

Read more
7 classic tequila cocktail recipes that prove it’s more than just a party shot
Mixing a drink with tequila as the star? Here are the recipes you ought to make
Classic margarita cocktail with salty rim on wooden table with limes and drink utensils

To me, tequila always -- first and foremost -- calls to mind slammers. When I think about this spirit. I can almost taste the tequila, salt, lime, and regret. However, tequila needn't be only a party shot. In fact, it's a wonderful tool for any home bartender, as it can be mixed into a range of fruity, sour, or even savory drinks. My personal favorite is the Michelada, a savory tomato and beer-based cocktail that was a revelation the first time I tried it. It's like a funky, sharp, spicy version of a Bloody Mary, and it's an absolute pleasure to enjoy with tacos or other Mexican food.

But that's just the tip of the tequila cocktail iceberg. There are tons of beloved tequila drinks, from a classic margarita to a refreshing Paloma. Tequila goes well with sharp citrus fruits like lemon and lime and can be lengthened with fruit juices or sodas to be more sippable and less heavily boozy than in its shot form. It can also go well with more bitter flavors, if you're looking for something darker and moodier, such as a Negroni variation.

Read more