Hibiki 17 Year Old Chrysanthemum & Crane

Description

Suntory Hibiki 17 Year Old “Chrysanthemum & Crane” Blended Japanese Whisky

Volume: 700mL | Age: 17 Years | Proof: 86 (43% ABV) | Style: Blended Japanese Whisky | Packaging: Limited Edition Presentation Box

A Symphony of Traditional Artistry and Fine Whisky

First released as a highly limited duty-free exclusive, the Hibiki 17 Year Old “Chrysanthemum & Crane” (Kiku to Kan) is one of the most stunning and culturally significant collector’s bottles ever produced by the House of Suntory. It marries the globally celebrated, now-discontinued Hibiki 17-year-old blend with beautiful, classical Japanese painted glass motifs. This bottle does away with the traditional paper label, allowing the golden, copper-hued liquid to serve as the backdrop for the painted art.

The Symbolism of Kiku and Tsuru

In Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum (Kiku) is the official seal of the Imperial family, representing royalty, autumn, and rejuvenation. The white crane (Tsuru) is a sacred mythical creature believed to live for a thousand years, symbolizing fidelity, deep wisdom, and long life. Hand-painted onto the 24 facets of the decanter, these elegant illustrations make this bottle an absolute triumph of packaging design and a highly coveted prize for any top-tier home backbar.

The Legendary 17-Year Liquid

Beyond its breathtaking exterior lies the historic Hibiki 17-year-old liquid. Meticulously blended from highly aged malt and grain whiskies sourced from Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita, this expression is celebrated for its unmatched, silky-smooth integration. The blend relies heavily on malts aged in American white oak and rich sherry casks, finished with a structural touch of rare Japanese Mizunara oak.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright, glistening amber-gold.

• Nose: Exceptionally sweet, floral, and complex. It opens with ripe peach, yellow plum, and sweet melon, closely followed by rose petals, rich vanilla bean, and a sweet honeyed cereal note.

• Palate: Creamy, velvet-smooth, and perfectly balanced. Flavors of sweet butterscotch, cooked cherry, and citrus peel coat the tongue, punctuated beautifully by toasted cacao, light hazelnut, and the signature, temple-incense spiciness of Mizunara oak.

• Finish: Long, sweet, and incredibly clean. It leaves a lingering, elegant warmth of sweet oak wood, light fruit syrup, and a trace of baking spice.

A True Holy Grail for Collectors

With aged Japanese whisky stocks at historic lows and the standard Hibiki 17 remaining discontinued, this artistic limited edition has ascended into the upper echelon of liquid assets. Perfect as an investment piece, a landmark addition to a collection, or an extraordinary milestone gift, it stands as a perfect monument to a century of Suntory’s aesthetic and distilling philosophy. Best enjoyed neat.