The partnership honors Hibiki’s pursuit of artistry in a limited-edition presentation box for two limited blends, Hibiki 21 Years Old and Hibiki 30 Years Old. Senju’s work transforms each bottle’s casing into a keepsake, a tribute to Japanese mastery and the shared values of harmony and beauty. Both expressions are bottled at 86 proof.

Hibiki is a blend of whiskies from Suntory’s distilleries in Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. Similarly, Senju draws inspiration from Japan’s landscapes, utilizing natural materials to honor the environment. This alignment of vision has brought forth an artistic collaboration: the painting “Waterfall on Colors ‘Hibiki.’”

This monumental artwork features ten stunning shades of purple, inspired by the deep Kokimurasaki gradient that symbolizes Hibiki, reflecting noble origins and a connection to rarity and craftsmanship. Senju’s technique involves filling canvas panels with water, hokaimatsu, a natural marble powder, and allowing the flow of water to guide the colors freely.

For the 21 Years Old, Senju’s waterfall imagery graces both the label and the presentation box. The 30 Years Old is presented as a collector’s piece, encased in a traditional byōbu-style display with multi-panel screens, complete with a reflective base, an etched Hibiki emblem, and a waterfall wrap at the neck of the crystal bottle.

A prominent figure in the art world, Senju has received numerous accolades, including the Honorable Mention Award at the Venice Biennale and the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for his contributions to art.

Hibiki 21 Years Old Artist Collaboration with Hiroshi Senju is $899.99, while Hibiki 30 Years Old Artist Collaboration with Hiroshi Senju is $7,500.

The post House of Suntory Touts Artsy Hibiki appeared first on The Whiskey Lifestyle.

To mark the occasion, the brand has just released Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage, a new limited-edition expression that builds on the legacy of the globally beloved Nikka From The Barrel in a 500ml size as originally introduced in 1985.

The creation of Nikka From The Barrel originated with Takeshi Taketsuru, nephew and adopted-son of Nikka Whisky’s founder Masataka Taketsuru, who wanted to recreate the richness of whisky that only blenders can nose and taste as they are directly “from barrels.” Master Blender Shigeo Sato and the Nikka blending team met the challenge with the creation of Nikka From The Barrel 40 years ago. Sato and team discovered that resting the blend for three months (known as the “marriage” process) resulted in a soft mouthfeel and exquisite mellowness. In addition, a higher 102.8 proof was identified as the ideal level to enhance the natural richness, as if the whisky is bottled directly from the barrel.

The “marriage” process is conducted at Nikka Whisky’s Tochigi Aging Cellar. After blending all the whisky batches according to the blenders’ recipe, the liquid is filled into used puncheon casks and matured for another three months. In the case of Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage, the marriage maturation is extended an additional three months.

“Nikka From The Barrel is a timeless whisky that has been embraced globally as an icon that represents Nikka’s masterful blending artistry,” says Emiko Kaji, Nikka Whisky Global Business Strategy Education & PR Leader. “With Extra Marriage, we seek to commemorate this acclaimed expression by revealing what more maturation, more marriage of the complex blend, can achieve.”

Like the original Nikka From The Barrel, Extra Marriage is presented in the distinctive cubic bottle that has cemented the expression’s iconic status. Designed by Taku Sato, one of Japan’s most renowned graphic designers, the shape reflects a “small block of whisky,” per Takeshi Taketsuru’s vision for the creation.

6,900 bottles of Nikka From The Barrel Extra Marriage will be available in select markets for $69.99.

The post Nikka From The Barrel Turns 40 appeared first on The Whiskey Lifestyle.

Made at the Fuji Gotemba Distillery, the 92 proofexpression is aged in a range of casks, including American white oak and French oak red wine barrels. Fuji’s pioneering whisky-making draws on three traditions—Scottish copper pot stills, Canadian-style multi-column distillation, and American bourbon techniques—all crafted at a single site.

“I wanted to pay homage to the Fuji Gotemba Distillery by blending carefully selected 100% Japanese malts—all produced on-site using the pure, snowmelt-fed waters of Mt. Fuji,” said Fuji Whisky Master Blender Jota Tanaka, only the second in the distillery’s history. “By combining traditional techniques with new innovations, we created a single malt that’s delicately fruity with a hint of honey and a rich, evolving finish.”

Located just 7.5 miles from Mt. Fuji’s peak, the Fuji Gotemba Distillery, the world’s only distillery to craft malt and three styles of grain whiskies, has been a beacon of Japanese whisky craftsmanship since its founding in 1973. Surrounded by forest, mist, and mineral-rich volcanic soil, the site offers ideal conditions for aging whisky and developing complexity with grace.

The debut of this single malt marks a new chapter in Fuji Whisky’s growing U.S. portfolio, the Fuji Single Malt Whisky is available for $99.99.

The post Fuji Whisky Debuts Its Single Malt In US appeared first on The Whiskey Lifestyle.

A tribute to the artistry and innovation that define the whisky maker, this expression celebrates Mizunara Japanese Oak and the spirit of Yamazaki.

Bottled at 96 proof, Yamazaki 25 Years Old Mizunara is a single malt aged exclusively in Mizunara oak casks. While previous expressions, such as Yamazaki 55 Years Old, featured partial Mizunara maturation, this release marks the oldest expression to be aged 100% in Mizunara casks from Yamazaki.

To honor the rarity of this wood, the bottle is encased in a handcrafted box, assembled using a traditional Japanese nail-free “locking” method.

Yamazaki 25 Years Old Mizunara is available for $7,500.

The post Yamazaki Releases Its Oldest Mizunara Whisky appeared first on The Whiskey Lifestyle.

Founded with a mission to bring Japan’s whisky heritage to the world, dekantā has spent the past ten years forging partnerships with distilleries, artisans, and independent producers across Japan. From its early days to today, it has aimed to stay true to its founding values of authenticity, craftsmanship and discovery.

One of the hallmarks of dekantā’s approach has been its creative collaborations with Japanese artisans — from traditional lacquerware masters to contemporary designers — resulting in limited-edition bottlings that blend cultural artistry with its whisky.

In 2019, dekantā launched its own independent bottling range. From rare single malts to exclusive blends, these releases aim to showcase its commitment to quality, innovation, and storytelling

dekantā is also known for its Cask Ownership Program. By allowing whisky fans to own their own casks of Japanese whisky, the program offers transparency, secure storage, and expert guidance from one of dekanta’s distillery partners – Karuizawa Whisky Distillery, The Ontake Distillery and Kiyokawa’s Iiyama Mountain Farm Distillery.

“As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we reflect with gratitude on the journey we’ve taken and the community that has supported us,” said Makiyo Masa, Founder & Director of dekantā. “From our valued customers and talented partners to the incredible distilleries and artists we work with, this milestone belongs to all of you. We look forward to continuing our mission of bringing the best whiskies from Japan to the rest of the world.”

To mark the occasion, dekantā is unveiling a celebratory single cask release, crafted at Wakatsuru Saburomaru Distillery. It is aged for over six years in a first-fill bourbon barrel.

dekantā’s Wakatsuru 10th Anniversary is available now for $219.99.

The post dekantā Celebrates Its First Decade appeared first on The Whiskey Lifestyle.

These sipping whiskies are all conceived, distilled, matured and bottled in Kagoshima Prefecture on Japan’s southernmost island, Kyushu. Kanosuke is part of Komasa Jyozo, which has been crafting shochu since 1883 and where 2nd generation family member Kanosuke Komasa pioneered oak barrel-aged shochu in 1957.

The distillery’s use of shochu-making techniques honed over 140 years, including vacuum distillation, the steaming of barley and the use of re-charred shochu casks. They provide a unique flavor and place it at the cutting edge of Japan’s craft whisky movement.

“We are very proud to share Kanosuke Distillery’s core range with American whisky connoisseurs,” says Yoshitsugu Komasa, 4th generation family member, Founder, CEO and Master Blender, Kanosuke Distillery. “I founded the Kanosuke Distillery to honor the vision of my grandfather, Kanosuke Komasa, who created the world’s first oak cask-aged shochu, Mellowed Kozuru, to spotlight this noble spirit using the universal language of whisky. We are excited to bring our whiskies to the U.S. and raise the visibility and prestige of Japanese spirits overall.”

The distillery is located on a 2.2-acre tract of land along Fukiagehama, a beach on the west coast of Kagoshima Prefecture. While the tropical latitude affords warm and humid temperatures in summer, in the winter the East China Sea whips up strong frigid gusts and even snow flurries. This dramatic temperature differential accelerates the liquid exchange in the barrel thereby accelerating the whisky maturation process.

The two-story distillery house features three unique pot stills. Each of the three pot stills has a different neck shape and lyne arm angle which yield uniquely rich and flavorful distillates to create the Kanosuke profile.

Kanosuke Japanese Single Malt Whisky is made using all three of the distillery’s (Miyake) copper pot stills and incorporates Ex-Mellowed Kozuru Casks in its aging regimen. Kanosuke Hioki Japanese Pot Still Grain Whisky is a unique Japanese whisky inspired by Irish pot still whiskey that leverages shochu making techniques. Kanosuke Double Distillery Japanese Blended Whisky is a marriage of the best elements from Kanosuke Single Malt Whisky and Hioki Pot Still Single Grain Whisky by the grandsons of Kanosuke Komasa who now lead the Kanosuke and Hioki sister distilleries

Kanosuke Japanese Single Malt Whisky is the flagship of Kanosuke, this single malt is made using all three of the distillery’s Miyake copper pot stills. It is aged in ex-mellowed Kozuru Shochu xasks, ex-sherry butts and ex-bourbon barrels. The result is a 96 proof spirit.

Kanosuke Hioki Japanese Pot Still Grain Whisky is a unique Japanese whisky inspired by Irish pot still whiskey. Produced at sister distillery, Hioki Distillery, its mash bill includes both malted and unmalted barley. Instead of traditional copper pot stills, it employs a stainless steel pot still and vacuum distillation used for shochu production. It was aged in new American Oak puncheons and ex-bourbon barrels for three-plus years. The result is a 102 proof whisky.

Kanosuke Double Distillery Japanese Blended Whisky is a blend of the two previous expressions by the grandsons of Kanosuke Komasa who now lead two sister distilleries, Kanosuke and Hioki. It is aged for three to five years in new American White Oak puncheons, ex-bourbon Barrels, ex-recharred Shochu casks and Sherry Butts. The result is a 106 proof spirit.

Kanosuke Japanese Single Malt Whisky, Kanosuke Hioki Japanese Pot Still Grain Whisky and Kanosuke Double Distillery Japanese Blended Whisky are available now for $99.99, $109.99 and $119.99, respectively.

The post Kanosuke Distillery Brings Core To The States appeared first on The Whiskey Lifestyle.

Via barrels handed down from one blender to the next, Hibiki 40 Year Old has been made possible thanks to decades of expertise and experience in the art of blending. The blenders carefully selected a variety of The House of Suntory’s ultra-high-aged whiskies produced by earlier generations.

Suntory’s Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo crafted Hibiki 40 Year Old. “I would like people to enjoy the pure aroma that has been sharpened over the years; the tranquility of old temples and storehouses and the nostalgic warm feeling that accompanies them,” said Fukuyo.

The expression demonstrates the next chapter for Hibiki, where its signature “creating harmony” not only resonates with the Mizunara Japanese oak and the Spanish oak, but is further elevated with the aged American oak.

To honor Japanese craftsmanship, The House of Suntory has partnered with the Japanese washi artist Eriko Horiki to hand craft the washi label on the Hibiki 40 Year Old box. The bottle is fashioned from crystal glass, boasting 30 facets intricately crafted by a renowned glassware maker known as a trusted purveyor to the Japanese imperial family. It is decorated with traditional Japanese maki-e, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gold lacquer to pay homage to our heritage and tradition.

The wooden box (see above) is made of 12 kinds of Japanese wood such as pine and zelkova, and has 12 faces, representing the 12 months of the year. Around the box, flowers and grasses of the four seasons of Japan are depicted in maki-e lacquer, representing the changing seasons and linking the past and future through Hibiki.

Only 400 bottles of Hibiki 40 Year Old will be released, with each bottle retailing for $35,000.

The post Suntory Releases It Oldest Blend To Date appeared first on The Whiskey Lifestyle.

Established in 2020, the World Whiskey Society scours the globe in search of unique distilleries, aiming to be a leader in the rare-whiskey category in the U.S. This year, WWS partnered with Tate, Master Distiller for Innovation at Foley Family Wines, to create a Japanese Single Malt that embodies his whisky sensibility.

“Having the opportunity to work with the World Whiskey Society and this unique Japanese Single Malt was an incredible opportunity,” says Chip Tate, Master Distiller for Innovation at Foley Family Wines. “We worked hand-in-hand, and by combining my expertise with their finishing techniques, we have created a delicious liquid we’re looking forward to getting in our fan’s hands. It’s limited so hopefully they get it while it’s hot!”

Distilled in Japan and composed of 100% Australian Malt, this expression is a double oak age made with Bourbon and Ruby Port barrels, completed with WWS’s finishing methods to create a one-of-a-kind Japanese Single Malt. The result is a 102-proof expression.

“It was an absolute honor and privilege to be able to work with the legendary Chip Tate to craft a one-of-a-kind Japanese Single Malt,” says Alex Kogan, CEO, World Whiskey Society. “We are beyond thrilled the day has come to release this unique, and super limited liquid as part of our Classic Collection.”

Only 200 cases of this World Whiskey Society release are available for $120 on its online shop.

The post World Whiskey Society Drops Japanese Single Malt With American Twist appeared first on The Whiskey Lifestyle.

Suntory’s 5th Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo has pushed the boundaries of whisky making with this series, whose name translated means artisanship through a diversity of making, by using ingredients like wood, and processes that expand the previous Tsukuriwake (pronounced soo-koo-ree-wah-keh) range to showcase the diversity of whisky making.

“Tsukuriwake translates to ‘artisanship through a diversity of making’, which is truly what the 2024 Series represents with each of the four liquids included,” said Shinji Fukuyo, Chief Blender of Suntory. “While past releases from the collection focused mainly on the details of the casks, The 2024 Tsukuriwake Series emphasizes the elements of whisky making, such as ingredient selection, peat, and cask. This series is the ultimate showcase of the incredible diversity of choices that goes into the making of Yamazaki and Hakushu whiskies.”

In previous years, the series has mainly focused on the casks matured in the lands of Yamazaki. The 2024 Series reveals that the Tsukuriwake approach goes beyond diversifying the whiskies in multiple casks to incorporate elements of whisky-making, such as ingredient selection, peat and cask.

Yamazaki Golden Promise is made from golden promise barley, a standout grain cultivated in Scotland in the 1960s. Distilled in Japan since 2009 and aged in American Oak casks, it delivers a maltier, richer Yamazaki profile. It is perfect for more mature whiskies and has been added to Yamazaki 12 Year Old.

Islay Peat is often recognized as a distinctive character amongst scotch, with a softer and sweeter mouthfeel than Scotland’s mainland peat. The water and maturation process used to create Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt yields a balanced sweetness that complements the smoke.

Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara (2024 Tsukuriwake Edition) introduces a limited-edition label for Suntory’s flagship Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara. A long maturation period reveals its signature spiciness and incense-like sandalwood and aloe wood flavors that comprise this 100% Mizunara whisky.

Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt (2024 Tsukuriwake Edition) introduces a limited-edition label for Suntory’s celebrated Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt. To honor the blending at the Hakushu distillery, it enables The House of Suntory to produce more than 100 different malt whiskies. A lengthy maturation process in Hakushu’s  water reveals a distinct smokiness with spicy, peppery notes.

The Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara and Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt were launched last year for the House of Suntory’s 100th anniversary and were continued due to their popularity among consumers.

The House of Suntory’s 2024 Tsukuriwake Series’ Yamazaki Golden Promise and Yamazaki Islay Peated Malt retail for $465, while Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara and Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt retail for $1,500 and $1,200, respectively.

The post Tsukuriwake Series Celebrates The Art Of Japanese Whisky appeared first on The Whiskey Lifestyle.

The new limited-edition expression showcases aging and finishing techniques of Kimio Yonezawa, 4th generation Master Distiller & Blender.

Produced at the Kaikyō Distillery, the Hatozaki Omakase collection was born of Yonezawa’s vision to create elegant and genuine whiskies that reflect the character of his family distillery’s unique terroir and maritime influences. Honoring the age-old Japanese concept of Omakase, known as “chef’s choice” in Japanese dining, the Omakase collection mirrors the idea of trusting the maker’s intuition – allowing for delightful experimentation of flavors and new exploration.

“I am honored to introduce the newest blend in our Omakase Collection to the US market,” said Hatozaki Whisky Master Distiller & Blender Kimio Yonezawa. “I was excited to experiment with the flavors of rye, a popular category with American whisky drinkers, and see how they would respond to native Japanese oak influence. We are thrilled with the final blend and confident it will be a surprising and rewarding choice for the seeker of exciting new whiskies to try.”

In that spirit, Yonezawa presents a new blend consisting of rye whisky, that is aged in new charred oak and then finished in Japanese Mizunara casks, sourced from the Hokkaido and Tohoku forests. This expression will be limited to less than 3,000 bottles, each numbered and sold exclusively in the US market.

Hatozaki Omakase Rye Third Edition Mizunara Cask Finish is a testament to the seasoned artistry of the Yonezawa family aging tradition, crafted in small batches of no more than 10 casks. The blend, consisting of at least 51% rye, is aged in new charred oak and then finished in traditional Mizunara casks. This dual maturation allows the Mizunara to impart its distinctive character, resulting in notes of sandalwood, coconut, and Japanese incense – a refined encounter with Japanese elegance.

Hatozaki Omakase Rye Third Edition Mizunara Cask Finish retails for $95.

The post Hatozaki Unveils New Omakase Expression appeared first on The Whiskey Lifestyle.