The House of Suntory has always championed the artistry within whisky. And thanks to its latest must-have release, that philosophy becomes both literal and tangible.
Hibiki has now unveiled a rare collaboration with celebrated Japanese painter Hiroshi Senju: a collector’s edition presentation for its extremely coveted 21 and 30-year-old expressions, bound for Kent Street Cellars.
Senju’s work, renowned for its meditative depictions of waterfalls, has been reimagined for Hibiki’s most prized blends. His new piece, Waterfall on Colours ‘Hibiki’, draws on ten shades of purple – inspired by the Kokimurasaki gradient long associated with Hibiki.
Purple, of course, being a colour that signals rarity and refinement, channelled here into a flowing landscape that speaks to patience, time, and mastery (all essential to Hibiki’s beloved drops).
The result is more than packaging – the Hibiki 21 Years Old arrives encased in Senju’s imagery, its balance of sandalwood, dried apricot, and Mizunara oak mirrored by the cascading motif.
The Hibiki 30 Years Old, on the other hand, takes the collaboration even further – arriving in a byōbu-style display, with multi-panel screens, etched emblems, and a reflective base that frames the crystal bottle like a gallery piece.
Both editions are bottled at 43% ABV and available in Australia via Kent Street Cellars from October 23rd in limited quantities. The 21-year-old will retail at $1,800, while the 30-year-old is priced at $14,000.
But for the Aussie aficionados, the good news just keeps coming.
To mark the launch, Hibiki is staging a very special affair to spotlight Japanese craftsmanship right here in Sydney with the help of Neil Perry’s Double Bay institution, Margaret.
On Thursday, November 20th, guests will be guided through Hibiki’s philosophy of balance and blending by Shinji Fukuyo – fifth-generation Chief Blender at the House of Suntory – while Perry and his award-winning team plate up a four-course menu that marries seasonal Australian produce with that famous Japanese refinement.
The evening will also feature four bespoke Hibiki cocktails from House of Suntory ambassador Natalie Ng, each tailored to both the food and the whiskies on hand. Everyone in attendance will even leave with a bottle of Hibiki Japanese Harmony as a keepsake – a reminder of a night unlikely to be repeated.
With seats limited to an intimate guest list, this $1,200 experience offers rare access to two masters at the very height of their craft. If you’re considering it, move quickly – the opportunity will likely disappear quicker than you can say, “Hibiki.” As for those of you interested in collecting a bottle of the Senju collab for yourself, keep an eye out on the shelves of Kent Street Cellars.
