Perfect harmony: Inside the House of Suntory and world of Hibiki whisky
An insight into artistry, devotion and sacred ways
OVER THE course of my career, I have experienced numerous press trips, but none as exciting, thoughtful or culturally immersive as this one.
Hosted by Suntory, our journey through Japan became far more than a whisky experience. It was an exploration into the country’s extraordinary reverence for craftsmanship, artistry and the preservation of tradition – values that sit at the core of Hibiki whisky itself.
What struck me most was the passion and dedication that Suntory has towards maintaining yet evolving Japan’s artisan culture. Every encounter, every meal, every conversation and every carefully considered detail reflected a deep respect for artistry, refinement and harmony – principles that have shaped both Japanese culture and the philosophy behind Hibiki.
Our journey began in Kyoto, where we were welcomed at the extraordinary Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a luxury property designed by a team of celebrated architects and artists, including Hong Kong interior designer André Fu. Fu was responsible for the renowned Hong Kong five-star boutique hotel Upper House, which cemented his position as a leader of contemporary design.
The Mitsui hotel immediately set the tone for the experience – quietly luxurious, deeply refined and unmistakably Japanese in its restraint and attention to detail. From there, we began our discovery of Japanese sensory culture with an incredibly rare kōdō incense ceremony held within an historic teahouse. The tradition of kōdō – often described as “the way of incense” – is becoming increasingly rare in modern Japan, making the experience feel deeply intimate and profoundly special. The ceremony invited us to slow down, encouraging stillness, mindfulness and presence through scent and the ritual of listening to the incense. In many ways, it became the perfect introduction to the philosophy behind Hibiki itself.
Following the ceremony, we enjoyed our first traditional lunch in Kyoto at one of the city’s oldest tempura restaurants, Gion Tempura Endo Yasaka. The meal began with a Hibiki Highball, a surprisingly refreshing and elegant way to experience whisky. Smooth, crisp and incredibly approachable, it completely shifted my perception of whisky. Rather than heavy or overpowering, the drink felt delicate, balanced and vibrant – the perfect accompaniment to an exceptional traditional meal.
The afternoon led us to one of Kyoto’s most historic cultural institutions. Founded in Kyoto in 1555, Chiso is one of Japan’s oldest family-run kimono houses and remains one of the country’s most important expressions of Japanese artistry. For nearly 470 years, the maison has produced extraordinary, handcrafted kimonos guided by the philosophy of bi hitosuji – a singular devotion to beauty, precision and restraint. What made the experience even more remarkable was learning that Chiso still operates from the original site on which the business first began centuries ago.
Internationally renowned for its mastery of Kyo-Yuzen, a traditional dyeing technique in which rice paste is applied to silk to create intricate hand-dyed patterns, Chiso’s process is painstakingly meticulous. Each kimono requires the coordination of hundreds of specialised artisans, with some commissioned works taking over a year to complete.
Particularly remarkable was Chiso’s collaboration with Hibiki to create a monumental, handcrafted kimono installation and custom couture piece worn by actor and global Hibiki ambassador Anna Sawai. The piece embodied a shared reverence for nature, artistry and the passage of time, bringing together two extraordinary Japanese legacies through a contemporary cultural lens.
Watching the layers of artistry, precision and human touch that went into creating the garment was deeply moving. So many hands contributed to the final work that it transcended fashion entirely and instead became a living piece of art.
That evening, we experienced the world of Hibiki more intimately during an extraordinary chef’s table dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto. Different expressions and vintages of Hibiki whisky were paired with an exceptional menu prepared by the hotel’s head chef, each course revealing new dimensions within the whisky.
What became increasingly apparent throughout the evening was the extraordinary complexity behind Hibiki’s blending philosophy. Rather than creating whisky through intensity alone, the House of Suntory approaches blending almost like an orchestration of harmony and nuance, balancing whiskies from the Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries to create something layered, elegant and deeply refined.
The following day, we travelled beyond Kyoto to the legendary Yamazaki Distillery, the birthplace of Japanese whisky. This was where the true magic revealed itself. What immediately struck me was the extraordinary beauty of the distillery grounds. Rather than feeling industrial, the estate feels entirely immersed within nature. Soft light filtered through the surrounding forest, water gently moved throughout the property and there was an overwhelming sense of calm and stillness that felt almost spiritual.
The distillery was established in Yamazaki because of the district’s exceptional natural water source, which remains one of the most essential components in whisky production. Suntory founder Shinjirõ Torii recognised the purity and quality of the water here over a century ago, ultimately establishing what would become Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in 1923. Today, the estate has evolved into something far greater than a distillery. It feels almost like a village entirely dedicated to craftsmanship.
During our tasting and blending experience, one explanation particularly stayed with me. Hibiki’s blending process was likened to conducting an orchestra – a process of selecting different notes from different sections to create one perfectly harmonious composition. It was a beautiful metaphor and one that completely transformed my understanding of the artistry behind Japanese whisky.
Hibiki itself reflects this philosophy of harmony in every detail. From its nuanced flavour profile matured across American white oak, Spanish oak and rare Mizunara oak casks, to the iconic 24-faceted bottle representing the Japanese lunar calendar and the passage of time, every aspect of the brand feels deeply intentional and culturally rooted.
Following the distillery experience, we enjoyed another unforgettable lunch within the historic Yamazaki region before spending the afternoon simply enjoying the company of fellow guests, reflecting on the extraordinary experiences we had shared.
Yet perhaps the most moving experience of the entire journey came the following day, when we met renowned washi paper artist Eriko Horiki. Kyoto-based Horiki has completely redefined the possibilities of washi paper, one of Japan’s most revered traditional crafts. Originally trained in banking before dedicating herself entirely to washi-making, she challenged many of the traditional rules surrounding the medium, introducing dyed fibres, unconventional materials and experimental techniques that transformed washi beyond paper into something architectural, sculptural and deeply contemporary. Her work now spans monumental installations, interior design and bespoke surfaces exhibited globally, yet remains profoundly connected to Japanese tradition.
Since 1989, Horiki has maintained a close creative relationship with the House of Suntory, designing the handcrafted washi labels used across some of the brand’s most iconic spirits, including Hibiki. No two labels are identical, reinforcing the idea that every bottle is a singular object shaped by hand, artistry and time.
Meeting Horiki-san was nothing less than one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. There was something deeply poignant about hearing her speak about creativity, experimentation and respecting tradition while still allowing the art form to evolve. Her work possesses a quiet power – delicate yet monumental, restrained yet radical. Even more inspiring was learning that she still personally oversees much of the creative and physical process alongside her team of artisans.
It became increasingly clear throughout the journey that this experience was never simply about whisky. It was about understanding Japan’s extraordinary commitment to craftsmanship, artistry and cultural preservation. Through incense ceremonies, kimono making, washi artistry and whisky blending, Suntory revealed Hibiki not simply as a spirit but as a living expression of Japanese artistry itself.
Thoughtful. Precise. Harmonious.
And profoundly unforgettable.
Related:
Anna Sawai named Hibiki’s first-ever Global Brand Ambassador
