Hibiki 21 Year Old Ceramic Arita Decanter 2003 Release

This is Suntory's most popular blend, the Hibiki. Launched in 1989, it contains malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain from the Chita distillery. It was developed by fourth generation chief blender Shinji Fukuyo with production overseen by third generation master blender and great-grandson of the founder, Shingo Torii, and is typically presented in a bottle with 24 facets representing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar. Unprecedented demand for Japanese whiskies in the years since however have seen the discontinuation of most age-statements, and only the 21 year old and a premium 30 year old remain part of the Hibiki portfolio.

The Arita and Kutani ceramic decanters were an annual limited release from Suntory, bottled between 2001 and 2014. Each one contains their exceptional Hibiki 21 year old blend, which contains malt from their Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, and grain from the Chita distillery.

Arita and Kutani are the pre-eminent ceramic houses in Japan, both located on the island of Kyushu. Each year, both houses design a decanter each, and they are all hand-painted.

This is the Arita 2003 release, bottled "for the year 2004."