Hibiki was introduced in 1989 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Suntory Distillery and since then, this whisky has been the paragon of the Art of Japanese Whisky. Not only it is one of Japan’s most highly awarded blended whiskies, but it is also among the most prestigious whiskies in the world. Hibiki 17 years old was first introduced in 2015 as a harmonious blend blessed with the riches of Japanese nature and craftsmanship. Inspired by the riches and subtleties of Japan’s 24 seasons of the traditional Japanese lunar calendar and mastered by Suntory’s Art of Blending, Hibiki 17 is a meticulous blend of the finest selection of malt and grain whiskies from the House of Suntory Whiskies —distilled by the Suntory Distillery in Japan, the same distillery where Yamazaki, Hibiki and Toki come from.
Elegant and poised, the Hibiki 17 Years Kacho Fugetsu Limited Edition is very unique not only because of its special bottle but also for what’s inside. The Hibiki 17 Year Old Kacho Fugetsu is a limited edition released in 2016 in very small numbers with probably less than 1,000 bottles ever made. The theme of this particular bottle is ‘Kacho Fugetsu’, a design that embodies the beauty of Japanese nature.
Kacho Fugetsu is the Japanese Kanji for flowers, birds, breeze and lunar phases. The bottle of the Hibiki 17 Years Old Kacho Fugetsu is beautifully decorated with chrysanthemum, which is the national flower of Japan and with flying white cranes. All symbols are in the traditional Maki-e patterns symbolizing congratulations, wishing happiness and the best of fortunes. This bottle is one for the collector or for that whisky connoisseur that wants something celebratory during special occasions, much like wearing a Vacheron Constantin FiftySix Tourbillon ref. 6000E —you can read our review here— on a special gala night.
With its amber color and notes of peach, apricot and lemon leaf on the nose, this Japanese whisky opens up to the palate with notes of vanilla, Mizunara —Japanese Oak— and black cherry. With a fruity aftertaste, the Hibiki 17 Years Old is like nothing else you’ve tasted from the Suntory Distillery. The sweet floral aroma of the hand-selected matured malts combine with a natural wood essence to create a truly distinctive whisky with a full-bodied taste. The bottle with its 24 facets —like the 24 hours of the day— symbolize the ancient tradition of Sekki, the age-old Japanese lunar calendar.
To properly enjoy it and taste it in full, Suntory Distillery recommends six different forms as part of their Japanese ritual: a Highball glass with 1 part of whisky to 3-4 parts of club soda over ice, Neat, On the Rocks, Half Rock with a touch of water, Whisky Water with 1 part of whisky to 2-2.5 times water over ice or in the most unique form as Hot Whisky with 1 part of whisky to 2-3 parts of hot water.
For us, enjoying it neat is the perfect way to appreciate its unique aromas and unparalleled flavor. The Hibiki 17 Years Old Kacho Fugetsu Limited Edition Japanese Whisky is not only hard to find but a whisky that is now commanding high prices in the secondary market. If you happen to run into one of these bottles, better grab it before its gone.
Sticker Price $5,000 USD and $130,000 USD for Vacheron Constantin FiftySix Tourbillon. For more info on Suntory Distillery click here. For more info on Vacheron Constantin click here.
