The House of Suntory Unveils a Collector’s Edition Hibiki Whisky Collaboration with Renowned Japanese Painter Hiroshi Senju

The House of Suntory unveils a collaboration between its iconic blended Japanese whisky, Hibiki, and celebrated Japanese painter Hiroshi Senju. The partnership honours Hibiki’s pursuit of artistry, reimagining the relationship between whisky, art and nature, culminating in a limited-edition presentation box for two highly coveted and limited blends, Hibiki 21-Year-Old and 30-Year-Old. Senju’s distinctive work transforms each bottle’s casing into a keepsake, a tribute to Japanese mastery and the shared values of harmony and beauty, reflecting both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary expression.

Hibiki, known for its refined, subtle, and complex flavour profile, is an artful blend of whiskies from Suntory’s distinguished distilleries in Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita and embraces the balance between people and nature. Similarly, Hiroshi Senju draws inspiration from Japan’s landscapes, utilising natural materials to honour 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 symbolises Hibiki, reflecting noble origins and a deep 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 colours freely. 

For the Hibiki 21-Year-Old, Senju’s waterfall imagery graces both the label and the presentation box, visually mirroring the whisky’s balance. The Hibiki 30-Year-Old is presented as a true 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. Reflecting the Japanese ideal of refined elegance, or ‘Miyabi,’ the packaging of both expressions invites connoisseurs not only to enjoy the harmonious depth and roundness of Hibiki but to engage with the art that surrounds it.  

Senju, a prominent figure in the art world, has received numerous accolades, including the Honourable Mention Award at the Venice Biennale and the Foreign Minister’s Commendation for his contributions to art. His paintings are renowned for bridging Eastern and Western philosophies. They are displayed in prestigious institutions worldwide, including the V&A in London, Metropolitan Museum of Art and his dedicated museum in Karuizawa, Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Buddhist monument.

Hibiki 21-Year-Old presents a blooming, elegant roundness harmonised with the deep complexity of honeycomb, sandalwood, and dried apricot, all complemented by the subtle complexity of Mizunara oak. The finish is long and graceful, tenderly unfolding with a delicate, incense-like aroma. 

Hibiki 30-Year-Old offers a complete and resonating journey that unfolds with layers of brown sugar, dried fig, gingerbread and apricot jam. Exceptionally blended, the finish is rich with blossoming elegance, showcasing the depth of Mizunara oak complemented by a warm hint of cinnamon. 

Stockists: Available from 22^nd October at select UK retailers including Harrods, Berry Brothers & Rudd and The Whisky Shop.

RRPs: Hibiki 21 Years Old Artist Collaboration with Hiroshi Senju RRSP: £750 GBP

Hibiki 30 Years Old Artist Collaboration with Hiroshi Senju RRSP: £6,240 GBP