You’re Invited To Be Among the First in the World To Try Hibiki 40 Year Old From the House of Suntory

Experience an intimate dinner at Oncore by Clare Smyth, celebrating the launch of the brand’s oldest blended whisky to date.

Article by T Australia

Hibiki 40 Year Old.Hibiki 40 Year Old. Photograph courtesy of The House of Suntory.

Last year marked a significant milestone for Suntory Whisky as it celebrated its 100th anniversary. In honour of this momentous occasion, the esteemed Japanese whisky maker released several groundbreaking limited-edition whiskies. Now, one year later, it’s offering another exclusive release: Hibiki 40 Year Old, the oldest blended whisky in the House of Suntory’s history.

With only 400 bottles available, this ultra-luxurious whisky features a remarkable blend of five key types of component whisky —Yamazaki, Hakushu Malt, and Chita Grain—sourced from Suntory’s acclaimed distilleries. Each whisky has matured for over 40 years, meticulously combined to create a symphony of flavours and aromas.

To celebrate this release, The House of Suntory invites you to be among the first to experience Hibiki 40 Year Old. On October 24, the brand will host an intimate event on the 26th floor of Crown Sydney at Oncore by Clare Smyth, the sibling restaurant to the acclaimed British chef’s three-Michelin-star restaurant, Core, in London.

Take in uninterrupted views of the sparkling Sydney harbour,  while the evening kicks off with a curated tasting of the entire whisky portfolio before the historic reveal of Hibiki 40 Year Old. The bottle itself is a work of art, featuring 30 intricately crafted facets and adorned with traditional makie, mother-of-pearl inlay, and gold lacquer. It’s presented in a box made from 12 different types of Japanese wood and marked with a label designed by renowned Japanese washi artist, Eriko Horiki — who also designed the label for the brand’s Hibiki back in 1989.

Following the reveal, attendees will be among the first to sample Hibiki 40 Year Old, which retails for an impressive $75,000 AUD per bottle. On the nose, you’ll encounter notes of Japanese loquat, dry lemon peel, and clove. The palate offers rich flavours of pure acacia honey and dry fig, leading to a beautifully aromatic finish.

Behind this exquisite blend is Suntory’s chief blender, Shinji Fukuyo, who says that for this make, the elegance of the Hibiki is met with a sense of comfort, much like an old temple, complemented by a hint of wasabi patina from the long ageing process.

To enhance this experience, a five-course degustation menu has been thoughtfully designed to complement the whisky’s flavours. Start with “Potato and Roe,” featuring kombu beurre blanc, kazunoko, and ikura, followed by Blackmore Wagyu short rib with oxtail, onion, and bone marrow. For dessert, indulge in the “Core Apple” dessert with Japanese Irish coffee milk chocolate, hazelnut, and Hibiki Whisky; before finishing with a warm chocolate lavender tart.

Oncore by Clare Smyth. Photograph courtesy of Oncore by Clare Smyth.

This event is more than just a tasting — it’s a celebration of Monozukuri, the art of exceptional craftsmanship evident in every detail. From the presentation of each dish to the thoughtfully curated flavours, every aspect is crafted to leave a lasting impression that lingers long after the evening ends—much like the whisky itself, which is destined to be remembered for decades to come.

The event will take place on October 24, starting at 6 PM. Tickets are priced at $1,800 per person. creatingharmonyhibiki40.