Unveiling Harmony: The Hibiki Production Journey

Hibiki - Making Harmony: A Japanese Cultural Quilt Woven by the House of Suntory

This extravaganza, dubbed 'Hibiki - Making Harmony', orchestrated by the illustrious House of Suntory, was more than a mere event - it was a tribute to the transcendent beauty of Japanese cultural artistry and harmony. Set against the backdrop of India's grand Leela Palace, it encapsulated the soul of Hibiki - the embodiment of Japanese luxury spirit and the beacon of Suntory's time-honored craftsmanship.

Rooted deeply in the heart of Kacho Fugetsu - the love for nature and the transient seasons, Hibiki - Making Harmony illuminated this duality of tradition and modernity. Evoking the sublime shade of Kokimurasaki, a once-royal purple hue reserved exclusively for Japan's nobility, the evening radiated the brand's unwavering dedication to refinement, intentionality, and artistry.

Guests were transported through a series of sensorial installations, each capturing the ephemeral grace of Japan's 24 seasons. The pièce de résistance was The Hibiki Serving Ritual - a meditative ceremony imbued with deep reverence for the cyclical nature of time. This ceremony invited participants to immerse themselves in the essence of Japanese harmony, pausing, reflecting, and deepening their connection to the spirit of Hibiki.

"We're not simply unveiling Hibiki here; we're enriching its role as a symbol of Japanese luxury and storytelling," affirmed Rishi Walli, Senior Director of Marketing at Suntory Global Spirits, adding, "Hibiki - Making Harmony resonates with the evolving tastes of premium consumers as the luxury Indian spirits market progressively transitions towards experiential consumption. Participation in such immersive experiences enables us to forge deeper bonds with our patrons, transcending the mere container - the bottle - and offering a voyages through refined moments that epitomize our commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and storytelling. Hibiki is the paragon of luxury spirit. We are elated to provide a sensory odyssey that resonates with discerning connoisseurs and contemporary tastemakers alike."

The celebration extended into an exclusive tasting lounge, where conoisseurs explored the labyrinthine layers of Hibiki's craftsmanship. Rohan Jelkie - Head of On-Trade & Brand Advocacy and Programme Manager, Suntory Global Spirits, and Ashish Dev Kapur regaled guests with tales from Hibiki's storied past - from the inception of this Japanese spirit to the genesis of the Yamazaki distillery and the evolution of the brand's harmony-driven ethos.

Every detail - from the washi paper-inspired decor to the meticulously curated pairings - was a testament to the brand's aesthetic of harmony. The event attracted luminaries from the industrial and social spheres, such as Manoj Adlakha, founder of RedBeryl, Parvin Dabas, Preeti Jhangiani, and other distinguished entrepreneurs, collectors, and spirits aficionados, making for a splendid evening of refined conversations steeped in shared appreciation for Japanese artistry.

At its essence, Hibiki embodies the pinnacle of Japanese luxury, blending tradition, nature, and artistry in every drop. As an icon within the House of Suntory, it defines the boundaries of spirits through cultural collaborations and immersive experiences, whilst adhering to the rigorous standards of the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA). In a quest to maintain authenticity, advance craftsmanship, and establish global benchmarks, JSLMA has introduced the "JW" certification logo for consumers to readily identify genuine Japanese spirits worldwide.

The House of Suntory remains steadfast in its pursuit of elevating the Indian luxury and spirits audience's connection with Hibiki. Through experiences like Hibiki - Making Harmony, the house transcends traditional boundaries, joining tradition and modernity on a single stage. It is through such intimate, culturally-root ed occasions that Hibiki transcends its category, offering an unparalleled bridge between tradition and the contemporary.

House of Suntory: A Pillar of Japanese Spirits Innovation

Since 1923, the House of Suntory has stood as the founding beacon of Japanese spirits. Pioneering spirit, Shinjiro Torii, established Japan's first malt distillery in Yamazaki, marking the birth of an epoch-defining legacy. His son and Suntory's second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, continued this tradition, with the subsequent generations of master blenders ever dedicated to blending heritage and innovation.

The House of Suntory remains steadfast in its commitment to heritage while cherishing the spirit of innovation. Today, all exported Suntory Japanese Spirit products are 100% distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan, ensuring compliance with the new production and labelling standards set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA). The House of Suntory was named Distiller of the Year four times at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014), with Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo being named Master Blender of the Year for the first time ever. The Yamazaki 12-Year-Old was also recognized as the Supreme Champion Spirit in 2024. The House of Suntory's portfolio encompasses Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory TokiTM and Ao. The portfolio also offers RokuTM and HakuTM, both crafted from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans of The House of Suntory and a tribute to the essence of Japan. In 2023, the House of Suntory celebrated the centennial anniversary of its spirit innovation - not only a milestone for its history but a seminal moment for Japanese spirits culture as a whole. To mark this milestone, The House of Suntory launched its centennial campaign across 2023.

The Hibiki - Making Harmony event, orchestrated by the House of Suntory, encompassed a blend of Japanese culture, innovation, and lifestyle, featuring sensorial installations, food-and-drink pairings, and engaging entertainment.
During the Hibiki - Making Harmony event, guests were invited to participate in immersive experiences that highlighted the brand's commitment to refinement, artistry, and the cyclical nature of time, resonating with discerning connoisseurs and contemporary tastemakers.
The House of Suntory remains a pillar of Japanese spirits innovation, blending tradition and modernity in its craftmanship, as demonstrated by the Hibiki brand, which embodies the pinnacle of Japanese luxury and has transcended its category through cultural collaborations and experiential consumptions.