Hibiki ‘Japanese Harmony’ Blended Whisky

Suntory is widely considered the pioneer of modern Japanese whisky. The company was founded in 1899 by Shinjiro Torii, who originally focused on importing and producing wine before turning his attention to whisky. Torii believed that Japan could produce a whisky that matched the quality of Scotland while appealing to the local palate. In 1923 he established Japan’s first malt whisky distillery, the Yamazaki Distillery, located between Kyoto and Osaka where the climate, water, and seasonal changes were well suited for whisky maturation.

Over the following decades, Suntory refined a distinctly Japanese approach to whisky-making, blending traditional Scottish techniques with meticulous craftsmanship and a focus on balance and subtlety. The company expanded its production with the opening of the Hakushu Distillery in 1973, known for producing lighter, fresher styles of malt whisky.