House of Suntory has unveiled a collaboration between its blended Japanese Whisky brand, Hibiki, and celebrated Japanese painter Hiroshi Senju with Sydney’s Kent Street Cellars securing an exclusive allocation.
The whisky collaboration honours Hibiki’s pursuit of artistry, reimagining the relationship between whisky, art and nature – culminating in a limited-edition presentation box for Hibiki 21 Years Old and Hibiki 30 Years Old.
Both expressions are bottled at 43 per cent ABV and will be available from 23 October in limited quantities across the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Northern Europe, China, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and select global travel retailers.
Kent Street Cellars’ Procurement Manager Alex Lee shared the significance of the milestone to the store.
“This reaffirms our position as a destination for rare and remarkable bottles. Suntory and these new releases embody everything we and our clientele value in a premium liquor company – heritage, artistry and craftsmanship.
“Having exclusive access to a collaboration of this calibre highlights our commitment to curating the finest and most sought-after spirits for collectors and connoisseurs across Australia,” he said.
Securing this exclusive release Lee explains, is the result of trust, shared values and dedication between the retailer and Suntory.
“Our long-standing relationships within the global spirits community, combined with a proven record of managing high-demand, limited-edition allocations including Suntory’s own 100th Anniversary releases, positioned Kent Street Cellars as the natural choice for this release. We work closely with our partners to ensure these rare expressions reach discerning collectors who value authenticity and craftsmanship.”
The addition of the whisky to the store, elevates its extensive portfolio and reinforces the team’s commitment to offering depth and distinction.
“It complements the rare and collectible releases we are known for while inviting new collectors to experience the artistry and balance that define Hibiki. It is not just another bottle on the shelf. It is a statement piece that not only enhances our curated range but any whisky connoisseur’s entire collection,” said Lee.
Hibiki, is known for its refined, subtle, and complex flavour profile, and is a blend of whiskies from Suntory’s distinguished distilleries in Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita, embracing 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 Colours ‘Hibiki.’”
For Hibiki 21 Years Old, Senju’s waterfall imagery appears on both the label and the presentation box, mirroring the whisky’s balance.
The whisky is described as having elegant roundness harmonised with the deep complexity of honeycomb, sandalwood, and dried apricot, complemented by the subtle complexity of Mizunara oak.
Hibiki 30 Years Old is presented 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.
Offering a complete and resonating journey Hibiki 30 Years Old has layers of brown sugar, dried fig, gingerbread, and apricot jam.
Each bottle’s casing is a keepsake, a tribute to Japanese mastery and the shared values of harmony and beauty, reflecting both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary expression.
Kent Street Cellars’, Lee said is the perfect retail partner for the product as a result of its industry and consumer reputation for offering limited release, highly sought after bottles that speak to quality and provenance.
“Our clientele values discovery and detail. They do not just collect whisky; they appreciate the story behind it. Hibiki’s artistry and Hiroshi Senju’s expressive design align seamlessly with our philosophy of bringing together high-end craftsmanship, culture, and contemporary luxury. It is an honour to showcase these whiskies that capture harmony and beauty in both flavour and form.”