ESOTERIC CELEBRATIONS BY THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY

The House of Suntory, famed for its iconic Hibiki distilleries, marked a century of excellence with a grand celebration. I was honored to attend an exclusive event hosted by the House of Suntory at the opulent Modernist, Four Seasons, Mumbai. The event was a tribute to the Centennial Anniversary Hibiki Limited Edition, curated by LAIR, and showcased the harmonious blend of Japanese spirits and cuisine through meticulously paired experiences.

The evening began with an elegant “Cocktail Hour,” where guests mingled and sipped on expertly crafted Hibiki whisky, Roku gin and Haku vodka -based cocktails, setting the stage for a memorable night.The ambiance was electric, with everyone united in their admiration for the artistry and craftsmanship behind the limited-edition Hibiki whisky. I was a bit frugal, so just had one cocktail to enjoy the Hibikis later.

Had The Not A Berry cocktail, an innovative creation that stands out for its unique combination of flavors. Featuring Roku Japanese Craft Gin as its base, this cocktail artfully blends fresh strawberry notes, the depth of balsamic, and the bright tartness of rhubarb, resulting in a truly distinctive vivacious taste. Elevated by a splash of flat sparkling water, this libation offers a complex yet balanced experience that is sure to delight those seeking a sophisticated and refreshing drink.

The Not A Berry cocktail is a testament to the art of mixology, showcasing the power of creativity and the harmonious fusion of unique ingredients. This cocktail really refreshed me and made me ready for the Suntory evening, with some amazing sushis and other pass arounds served.

In 2023, Japanese whisky earned global acclaim as one of the world’s most celebrated spirits. A century ago, however, the concept of Japanese whisky was unheard of. This remarkable journey began in 1923 when Shinjiro Torii, Japan’s first master blender, boldly declared,

“I’m taking up the challenge of making whisky in Japan because no one else is even trying.”

Torii founded the Yamazaki distillery near Kyoto, and his company, Suntory, has since grown to become Japan’s largest whisky producer, with iconic brands such as Hakushu, Hibiki, and Toki under its umbrella.

To mark its 100th anniversary, Suntory released the Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend, a testament to a century of dedication, craftsmanship, and artistry. This limited-edition whisky is a meticulously crafted blend of the finest malt and grain whiskies, showcasing Suntory’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the world of whisky-making. The release of the Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend invites whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs to celebrate a century of Japanese whisky-making and experience the unparalleled quality and taste that Suntory has become renowned for.

As a true symphony of flavors, the Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend pays homage to the past while celebrating the future, inviting whisky enthusiasts to experience the harmony and elegance that has become synonymous with the Hibiki name by the House of Suntory.

As the sun set, we were invited to take our seats for a sumptuous paired dinner, featuring exquisite dishes carefully curated to complement the unique flavors and aromas of the limited-edition Hibiki whisky. Each course was a gastronomical delight, harmoniously blending the best of Asian/Japanese cuisine.Throughout the evening, guests raised their glasses to toast the centennial anniversary of House of Suntory with the exquisite Centennial Anniversary Hibiki Limited-Edition. Laughter filled the air as we all shared stories and created cherished memories with fellow enthusiasts. The warm amber hues of Hibiki glimmered under the lights, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the evening.

Opening Course with the Gomai Burrata, paired to the Toki Suntory Whisky, a harmonious blend of whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries, offering a unique and well-balanced flavor profile. With a refreshing citrus character and a round, sweet taste, it delights the palate, while the hints of basil, green apple, honey, and peppermint add complexity. The finish is a delightful combination of subtly sweet and spicy notes, with a touch of vanilla oak, white pepper, and ginger.

The Gomai Burrata created visual interest through the contrast of white burrata against green spinach and asparagus. This fusion dish harmoniously pairs Italian burrata with fresh spinach, asparagus, and a nutty sesame dressing, offering a delightful companion to the Toki whisky. The crisp vegetables and creamy burrata complement the round and sweet, yet refreshing citrus character of the Toki, while the sesame dressing echoes the whisky’s spicy finish and subtle hints of peppermint and thyme.

Next was served The Sake Carpaccio, showcased thinly sliced salmon and a light ponzu sauce, creating a delicate fish course that paired wonderfully with Toki whisky. The subtle, fresh flavors of the salmon are complemented by the citrus notes found in the whisky, while the light ponzu sauce mirrored the delicate balance of sweet and spicy found in Toki’s finish. The Sake Carpaccio creating an elegant visual appeal. This elegant dish is a celebration of simplicity and refinement, allowing the natural flavors of the fish and whisky to shine.

For the Main Course, Chicken Negima, a scrumptious skewered dish, showcased tender grilled chicken coated in a luscious teriyaki sauce. The savory umami flavors of the chicken expertly balanced by the sweet and tangy teriyaki glaze, making it a standout dish on its own. Each bite delivered a symphony of flavors, from the smoky, savory notes of the grilled chicken to the sweet and tangy teriyaki, resulting in an unforgettable culinary experience.

Paired with The Toki Highball, real refreshing and simple cocktail that showcased the smooth and round characteristics of Toki whisky. The key to a perfect Toki Highball is in the combination of chilled Toki whisky and ice-cold soda water, garnished with a slice of grapefruit or a lemon peel. The simplicity of this cocktail allowed the flavors of the Toki whisky to shine, while the effervescence of the soda water added a light, crisp touch that makes it a perfect choice for any occasion.

The Toki Highball and Chicken Negima made an ideal pairing, as the refreshing and crisp flavors of the highball perfectly complemented the savory, smoky notes of the grilled chicken. The citrus garnish in the Toki Highball, grapefruit, served as a palate cleanser between bites of the umami-rich Chicken Negima, enhancing the overall dining experience. Together, the Toki Highball and Chicken Negima create a delightful balance of flavors, offering a satisfying and harmonious culinary journey.

For the final course, The Katsu Don, a symphony of flavors and textures, a culinary masterpiece that dances on the palate. The crisp, golden exterior of the fried chicken gives way to succulent, tender meat within, while the sweet sauce adds a delightful depth of flavor. The silky, rich egg forms a luscious coating over the rice, providing a luxurious base for the dish. Each bite is an explosion of savory, sweet, and umami notes, with the fried chicken and egg harmonizing perfectly with the rice and sauce. Katsu Don is a testament to the art of Japanese cuisine, by LAIR Delhi, offering a sensory journey that will leave you craving more.

The pairing of Katsu Don with Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend offered an unparalleled experience that highlighted the best of Japanese cuisine and whisky craftsmanship. The rich, savory flavors of the Katsu Don, with its succulent fried chicken and sweet sauce served over rice, complemented the intricate notes found in the Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend. This exquisite whisky, meticulously crafted to celebrate Suntory’s century of dedication and artistry, featureed rare aged whiskies like the 30-year-old Yamazaki Mizunara and mature Chita Grain, providing a symphony of rich notes, smooth sweetness, and a long finish. Together, this pairing showcased the harmony of flavors and the mastery of Japanese culinary traditions, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

The finale, the dessert, The Matcha Fried Ice Cream, an imaginative dessert that harmoniously combined the distinct flavors of matcha green tea and creamy ice cream, all encased in a crispy panko coating. As you bite into the crunchy exterior, the luscious matcha ice cream begins to melt, releasing its rich and earthy flavors that mingle with the sweet and savory notes of the panko. This inventive dessert not only delighted the palate with its unique combination of textures and flavors but also offered a visually striking presentation that is sure to impress and entice.The Matcha Fried Ice Cream benefited from the whisky’s subtle sweetness and vanilla notes, creating a sophisticated dessert that balanced the bitter matcha notes with the whisky’s honey-like qualities.

The Hibiki Centennial Anniversary dinner demonstrated sophisticated whisky integration throughout the menu, curated by LAIR.The Hibiki Centennial Anniversary Dinner showcased LAIR’s expertise in Japanese cuisine, presented an elegant progression of each courses carefully paired with prestigious Suntory whiskies, highlighted the 100th anniversary celebration of the brand. The dishes represented a sophisticated blend of traditional Japanese cuisine with modern interpretations, featuring both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options throughout the courses.

The presentation delivered a captivating multi-sensory experience, making the Hibiki Centennial Anniversary dinner the most memorable celebration of Japanese culinary artistry and whisky culture.-Visually stunning, with a thoughtfully curated color composition that captivated the eyes-Enticing aromatic elements from the expertly paired whisky, delighting the sense of smell-Texturally diverse, featuring contrasting components within each dish that provided an exciting dining experience and heightened overall enjoyment.

Shinjiro Torii, the visionary behind Suntory, who made history in 1923 when he established the Yamazaki distillery, introducing Japan to its first-ever whisky sanctuary. This groundbreaking establishment, steeped in heritage and craftsmanship, paved the way for Japanese whisky to make its mark on the global spirits landscape.The celebration of the “Centennial Anniversary Hibiki Limited-Edition” marks a significant milestone in Suntory’s rich history. This limited-edition release, crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, embodies the brand’s enduring philosophy of living in harmony with nature and tradition.

By bringing together the finest malt and grain whiskies in perfect harmony, the Hibiki Harmony 100th Anniversary Limited Edition encapsulates the essence of Suntory’s renowned blending artistry. It is a symphony of flavors, meticulously orchestrated to pay tribute to the brand’s centennial celebration and its enduring pursuit of harmony.

The Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend is a culmination of exceptional components, each contributing its unique characteristics to create a harmonious and complex whisky. These components include:

Yamazaki Mizunara Barrel Malt Whisky: This 30-year-old whisky adds profound depth and richness to the blend, resulting in a multi-layered and sophisticated flavor profile.

Mature Chita Grain Whisky: Selected for its smoothness and delicate sweetness, this grain whisky enhances the overall balance and harmony of the blend.

Unique Unblended Whiskies: All components in this blend are aged for over 17 years, ensuring a level of maturity and complexity that sets the Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend apart.By carefully combining these exceptional whiskies, Suntory has created a blend that not only celebrates its centennial anniversary but also showcases the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Shinjiro achieved his dream to “create an original Japanese Whisky blessed with the riches of Japanese nature and ‘Monozukuri’ craftsmanship.”Comprised of rare and aged whiskies from Suntory’s acclaimed distilleries, this limited-edition blend embodies the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation. Each sip is a journey through the artistry and craftsmanship that has defined Hibiki for a century, showcasing the unparalleled depth and character that has made it one of the world’s most revered whiskies.

The Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend offers a captivating tasting experience, revealing new depths and nuances with each sip. Enjoying this exquisite whisky neat allows for a full appreciation of its rich and complex character when had neat:

Nose: The Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend offers a captivating aroma, with notes of honey, ripe fruits, and a subtle oakiness. There’s a delicate floral undertone, reminiscent of rose petals and jasmine, adding a touch of elegance.

Palate: The palate is smooth and velvety, with a delightful sweetness balanced by a gentle spiciness. Flavors of honey, apple, and a hint of citrus dance on the tongue, leading to a long and satisfying finish.

Finish: The finish is long and lingering, with a sweet aftertaste that echoes the honey and fruit notes experienced on the palate. A subtle oaky warmth lingers, providing a comforting and complex conclusion to the tasting experience.

Sipping the Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend neat allows you to fully experience the craftsmanship and attention to detail that have gone into creating this exceptional whisky. With each sip, the multi-layered tasting journey unfolds, providing an unforgettable experience that pays homage to Suntory’s century-long commitment to whisky excellence.

The whisky’s remarkable balance between traditional Japanese craftsmanship and innovative blending techniques creates a sophisticated and memorable drinking experience that honors Suntory’s century of whisky-making excellence.

As a lover of cigars, The Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend requires careful cigar selection becausemof its delicate balance of autumnal fruit and fudge notes needs a cigar that won’t mask these subtle flavors and the unique Mizunara oak influence, which creates spiced sandalwood notes that pair well with cigars featuring earthy undertones.

Heavy or full-bodied cigars should be avoided as they can overwhelm the whisky’s nuanced character and complex flavor profile. So a light to Medium-Bodied Cigar’s are suitable with the Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend. The lighter cigar is ideal as it won’t overpower the whisky’s subtle notes of honey, apple, and Mizunara spice.

Modernist at Four Seasons Mumbai is a remarkable venue that fosters contemporary thinking, encouraging innovation and progress. Situated on the 33rd floor of the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, this space offers awe-inspiring views of the city, setting the stage for intellectual exchange and collaboration.

The meticulously crafted interiors, designed by Atelier Pond, reflect a fusion of global influences and innovation, featuring custom-made furniture and fittings sourced from around the world. Modernist at Four Seasons Mumbai truly epitomizes the essence of modernist thinking, providing a sophisticated and inspiring environment for those who seek to shape the future.

As Suntory commemorated its 100th anniversary, the Hibiki Harmony 100th Anniversary Limited Edition stands as a testament to the company’s legacy and unwavering commitment to blending excellence. This exclusive edition has been meticulously designed to honor the occasion, offering a unique and unforgettable whisky experience for connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. It embodies the spirit of harmony and craftsmanship that has become synonymous with the Hibiki name, showcasing the skills and expertise developed by Suntory over the past 100 years.

As the night drew to a close, we all left with a newfound appreciation for the House of Suntory’s dedication to excellence and an unforgettable experience that celebrated the magic of Hibiki and the enduring legacy of the brand.

The Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend is a stunning tribute to Suntory’s century-long legacy of crafting exceptional whiskies. This limited-edition masterpiece is a harmonious symphony of the finest malt and grain whiskies, meticulously blended to create a truly remarkable spirit.

Each sip of this exquisite whisky is a journey through time, celebrating Suntory’s unwavering commitment to innovation and quality. As a connoisseur, it’s an honor to experience the rich history and unparalleled craftsmanship that defines this legendary brand. The Hibiki 100th Anniversary Blend is a testament to Suntory’s dedication to creating whiskies that are both complex and harmonious, a true masterpiece for the ages.