Since cherry wood is more porous than oak wood, which is typically used in whisk(e)y-aging casks, it’s more prone to leaking, rapid oxidation, and, unfortunately, producing a larger angels’ share. The Sakura cask has a strong character, which can easily become overpowering, therefore it is said a close eye must be kept on the spirit during the aging process. Hibiki Blossom Harmony Blended Whisky is aged in white oak barrels for more than 10 years before it goes through several more years of aging in sakura wood casks. The House of Suntory Whisky’s Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries provide the diverse matured malt and grains that go into Hibiki whiskies. The limited edition blend is just as beautiful on the palette as you can imagine, with aromas of fresh cherry blossoms bursting through before revealing the whisky’s mellow flavours with. It is this special relationship – harmony – that inspired me to create this blend.” Called the Blossom Harmony, this Hibiki sees its premium blended whisky finished in cherry wood barrels, making it the first ever to be aged in sakura wood. “There have been many experiments with malt and grain whisky components, and we found that there was a special alchemy between the grain whiskies and the Sakura cask. “I have been mesmerized by the Sakura cask for the last five years now due to its symbolism, but also because of its distinctive, subtly floral and spicy aroma and flavor notes,” said fifth-generation chief blender Shinji Fukuyo in a prepared statement. The Sakura is Japan’s unofficial national flower and the Sakura blossom season in early Spring is a meaningful event for the Japanese people and has delighted those eager to see the delicate flowers welcome the coming of warmer weather for over 1000 years. Hibiki Blossom Harmony’s unique bottle design has 24 facets encircling the bottle, with each facet connecting to the next in a natural harmony. Hibiki, meaning “resonance” or “echo” in Japanese, is said to encapsulate the philosophy of The House of Suntory, which is ‘To Create Harmony with People and Nature.’ Torii was a pioneering whisky maker whose goal was to create authentic western-style spirits that would appeal to Japanese tastes. Since then The House of Suntory has created what’s considered to be some of the most highly-awarded blended whiskies on the international market as well as some of the most prestigious and honored whiskies in the world. The post Suntory shows off the limited edition Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 appeared first on Lifestyle Asia Singapore.The House of Suntory, which is the founding House of Japanese whisky, was founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii when he opened the first official malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki. Goho is located at 53A Duxton Rd, Entrance via RAPPU, Singapore 089517. For an additional $77++, diners can get two Hibiki pairings: a Hibiki Harmony highball served with seasonal appetisers, and Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 served neat and paired with wagyu short rib or pork jowl with seasonal vegetables, satsumaimo puree, warijoyu jus, and shaved roasted chestnuts. Goho Kaiseki & Bar is also offering the new whisky as an add-on to their omakase menus from now till 30 November 2022. This year’s release can be found in-store at 1855 The Bottle Shop, or online from iShopChangi, Wines ‘n’ Spirits, 1855 The Bottle Shop, Alcohol Delivery, Alcohaul, and Paneco. The 2021 edition costs more from some local online retailers that still stock it. The Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 sells for a bargain-basement price of S$1,200, but it is an investment. Kurayoshi Distillery, Mars Shinshu, and Nagahama Distillery also have similarly-styled whiskies. Under its Chita brand, Suntory has a grain whiskey matured in sakura casks for three years. This has encouraged distillers to play native wood like mizunara and sakura. While Scotland has strict laws dictating the type of oak used in their whisky, Japan’s rules are much looser. The palate is ripe with tropical fruits and warm toast over the sweet-salty tang of sakura mochi, finishing off with bittersweet spicy notes. “It is this special relationship – harmony – that inspired me to create this blend.”Ĭoming in at 43 percent ABV, the whisky opens with a delicate floral bouquet followed by lush honey, orange peel, jasmine, and rich chocolate. “We found that there was a special alchemy between the grain whiskies and the sakura cask,” he said. The wood is also porous, which can cause over-oxidation and leakage.Īfter some experiments, Fukuyo settled on maturing Hibiki’s grain component in sakura casks, which makes up around 20 percent of the overall blend. Sakura cask exerts a strong influence on the whisky, which can be overbearing when not managed properly. “I have been mesmerised by the sakura cask for the last five years now due to its symbolism, but also because of its distinctive, subtly floral and spicy aroma, and flavour notes,” he said.Īccording to Fukuyo, achieving the right balance and blend was challenging. For this expression, fifth generation chief blender Shinji Fukuyo wanted to focus on the wood.
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