Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 Limited Release Blended Japanese Whisky 700ml

Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 is a limited edition release from The House of Suntory, the founding house of Japanese whisky, celebrating the beloved sakura (cherry blossom) season that marks the arrival of spring in Japan. Hibiki, meaning "resonance" in Japanese, is Suntory's prestigious blended whisky, first created in 1989 to commemorate the company's 90th anniversary. This special expression takes the harmonious Hibiki blend, a marriage of more than ten malt and grain whiskies from Suntory's Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries aged across five cask types, and finishes a rare selection in casks made from sakura (Japanese cherry blossom) wood. This sakura cask finishing is an innovation pioneered by fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo, who was captivated by the wood's symbolism and its distinctive, subtly floral and spicy character. Fukuyo found a special alchemy between the grain whiskies and the sakura cask, a harmony that inspired the blend. Bottled at 43% ABV and presented in a stunning decanter with an artful floral sakura motif box, the 2022 Blossom Harmony is part of an annual spring tradition that began in 2021 and has become one of the most sought after limited Hibiki releases among collectors worldwide.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Pale straw to light amber.

Nose: Enchantingly fragrant with bright citrus giving way to delicate floral notes, cinnamon, sweet pear, vanilla, and honey, with the subtly floral and spicy signature of the sakura cask.

Palate: Smooth, gentle, and delicate with the light fruits and creaminess of Hibiki merging seamlessly with the gentle floral tones and light spice imparted by the sakura wood. Honey and sweet pear carry through a refined, pure, and light body.

Finish: Long and warming, growing warmer on the palate as you savor it, with the floral and spice notes lingering elegantly.

FAQ

What makes Blossom Harmony special? It is a limited edition Hibiki finished in rare sakura (Japanese cherry blossom) wood casks, an innovation by Suntory's fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo. The sakura cask imparts a distinctive, subtly floral and spicy character that cannot be found in the standard Hibiki Japanese Harmony. The release celebrates the sakura blossom season, a cherished symbol of spring, renewal, and the appreciation of life in Japanese culture.

What is Hibiki? Hibiki, meaning "resonance," is The House of Suntory's prestigious blended Japanese whisky, first created in 1989 for Suntory's 90th anniversary. It blends malt whiskies from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries with grain whisky from the Chita distillery, drawing on more than ten component whiskies aged across multiple cask types. Hibiki is renowned worldwide for its smooth, harmonious, and refined character.

What are sakura casks? Sakura casks are made from the wood of Japanese cherry blossom trees, an unconventional and rare cask material in whisky production. Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo spent years studying the sakura cask, drawn to both its cultural symbolism and its unique flavor contribution of gentle floral and spice notes. Blossom Harmony was a first for Suntory in using this wood as a finishing cask.

Is this an annual release? Yes. Suntory began the Hibiki Blossom Harmony tradition in 2021, releasing a new edition each spring to celebrate the sakura season. This is the 2022 edition, marked "Bottled in 2022" on the bottle and box. Each annual release is limited and highly sought after.

How should I drink it? Given its delicate, floral character and collectible status, it is best enjoyed neat in a tulip glass to appreciate the sakura cask aromatics, or with a few drops of water. It also makes a sublime Japanese highball. Pairs beautifully with light spring dishes, sushi, and delicate desserts.

Where can I buy Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2022 online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.