Hibiki 30 Year Old is the pinnacle of Suntory's celebrated Hibiki blended whisky, a harmony of malt and grain whiskies that have each matured for at least three decades. First released in 1997 and produced in only a few thousand hand-bottled units each year, it is one of the most coveted bottles in Japanese whisky.
Hibiki, meaning resonance, is the House of Suntory's flagship blend. Its 24-faceted bottle reflects the 24 seasons of the traditional Japanese calendar, a theme that runs through the whole range. The 30 Year Old reached the United States for the first time in 2022, in very limited quantities, and it remains an annual release that collectors wait for.
At its heart is a select blend of Yamazaki malt whiskies aged 30 years and older, combined with mild grain whiskies that have also matured for at least 30 years. The broader Hibiki family draws on Suntory's Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries, and the long-aged components give the 30 Year Old remarkable depth: rich dried fruit and sweet spice carried to a finish marked by Mizunara, the rare Japanese oak prized for its incense-like character. It is bottled at 43% ABV.
Tasting Notes
-
Nose: Leather, raisin, prune and sweet chestnut.
-
Palate: Brown sugar, dried fig, apricot jam, cedar and gingerbread.
-
Finish: Very rich, with cinnamon and Mizunara oak.
Specifications
-
Producer: Suntory
-
Style: Japanese Blended Whisky
-
Age: 30 years
-
Proof / ABV: 86 proof (43% ABV)
-
Region: Japan
-
Size: 700ml
How to Enjoy It
Hibiki 30 is best enjoyed neat, in a small nosing glass, so its layers of dried fruit and oak can unfold slowly. A single large, clear ice cube is a traditional Japanese way to serve it if you prefer it slightly cooler. It makes an extraordinary gift for a 30th anniversary or birthday, and a cornerstone bottle for any Japanese whisky collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hibiki 30 made from?
A blend of Yamazaki malt whiskies aged 30 years and older with grain whiskies matured for at least 30 years.
When was Hibiki 30 first released?
Hibiki 30 was first released in 1997 and arrived in the United States for the first time in 2022.
What proof is Hibiki 30 Year Old?
It is bottled at 43% ABV, which is 86 proof.
Explore more in our Japanese & World Whisky collection.
