The 2022 Hibiki Blossom Harmony is a limited edition blend finished in cherry blossom casks, the unique flavour and finish a tribute to the Sakura flower.
Trust the founding house of Japanese whisky, The House of Suntory, to deliver creations that pull together all the key elements of Japanese culture in a single, novel but familiar way. It is thus no surprise that the Hibiki Blossom Harmony is Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky, and among the most prestigious and honoured whiskies in the world.
The Hibiki Whisky itself was born in 1989, to celebrate 90 years of Suntory Whisky. Unlike the other whiskies in Suntory’s portfolio, it does not have its own distillery. It instead brings together numerous malt and grain whiskies that are meticulously blended to create a full orchestra of flavours and aromas that are seductive, blossoming and enigmatic. Time and time again, it stands as the paragon of unrivalled art of blending, fine craftsmanship and a sense of luxury from the House of Suntory.
Inspired by the Sakura flower of Japan, the Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 was created through the delicate finishing of Japanese whiskies in Sakura casks, an ode to the magical and joyful Sakura blossom season that has always been a time for celebration in Japan. This came from the House of Suntory’s continuous exploration and experimentation with various wood types, the Sakura cask intriguing Fifth Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo.
“I have been mesmerized by the Sakura cask for the last five years now due to its symbolism, but also because of its distinctive, subtly floral and spicy aroma and flavour notes,” said Fukuyo. “There have been many experiments with malt and grain whisky components, and we found that there was a special alchemy between the grain whiskies and the Sakura cask. It is this special relationship – harmony – that inspired me to create this blend.”
The right balance and orchestration of the Hibiki Blossom Harmony thus resulted in a particularly distinctive expression of Hibiki. The flavours begin with an enticing whiff of a floral bouquet, before following by the signature Hibiki depth and magnetic complexity of honey, candied orange peel, jasmine and chocolatey decadence. The finish features a surprising assortment of bittersweet and spicy notes.
As part of the introduction to the limited edition creation to Singapore, House of Suntory partnered up with GOHO Kaiseki & Bar for an exquisite pairing dinner that lasts from 4 November to 30 November. On top of their signature omakase menus, choose from two special Hibiki Harmony pairings; Hibiki Harmony served as a highball with a delectable trio of Miso Caramel Purin, Sake Aged Hotate, and Takoyaki Karaage, or the Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022, served neat, with a mouth-watering Wagyu Shortribor Pork Jowl with seasonal vegetables, satsumaimo puree, warijoyu jus and shaved roasted chestnuts.
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