Shinji Fukuyo, Chief Blender of Suntory, Visits India to Celebrate the Artistry of Hibiki

In an extraordinary and prestigious talk over with, Shinji Fukuyo, Chief Blender of Suntory and one of the crucial international’s Most worthy alcobev artisans, travelled to New Delhi to have a good time the legacy of Hibiki – Suntory’s iconic mix and the head of Japanese luxurious spirit. Fukuyo, the 5th Chief Blender in Suntory’s century-long historical past, carries ahead a legacy of mastery and innovation. His and his staff’s experience used to be just lately identified with the esteemed Master Blender of the Year award on the International Spirits Challenge 2024 – a testomony to the staff’s talent and determination to the artwork of mixing.

Mr. Shinji Fukuyo, Chief Blender of Suntory, all over an unique match in Delhi to have a good time the artistry of Hibiki

First offered in 1989 to commemorate Suntory’s 90th anniversary, Hibiki has remained an iconic expression of the Japanese spirit, embodying unity thru meticulous mixing.

 

At an unique match held in Delhi, Fukuyo led a curated masterclass that presented discerning drinkers, business leaders, and tastemakers an extraordinary likelihood to enjoy the philosophy of Wa (unity) thru Hibiki’s signature craftsmanship. Guests explored the layered artistry of Hibiki, crafted from malts from Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries and grain mix from Chita distillery, matured in American white oak, Spanish oak, and uncommon Mizunara casks.

Shinji Fukuyo, Chief Blender of Suntory, expressed his gratitude, announcing, “It is always an honor to bring the artistry of Hibiki to premium spirit lovers in India, a market that truly appreciates the depth and craftsmanship of Japanese spirits. This event was an opportunity to showcase not only Hibiki’s refined complexity but also the dedication and meticulous craftsmanship that define Suntory. Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding the reach of Suntory while staying true to the tradition, innovation, and excellence that have defined our legacy for over a century.”

Rohan Jelkie, Head of On-Trade & Brand Advocacy and Programme Manager, Suntory Global Spirits, stated, “The afternoon was more than a celebration of Hibiki’s legacy. It was an immersive journey into the harmony, craftsmanship, and artistry that define The House of Suntory. Guided by Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo’s vision, each pour reflected refined elegance and innovation, deepening our connection with India’s luxury spirits landscape.”

The match marked a vital second for the House of Suntory, underscoring its dedication to deepening cultural connections with India’s discerning alcobev target audience. Attendees skilled the symbolism at the back of Hibiki’s 24-facet bottle representing Japan’s seasons, its washi paper label, and its Kokimurasaki (deep crimson) hue, as soon as reserved for the Aristocracy – every part a tribute to the idea that of Kacho Fugetsu (attractiveness in nature and time).

At the development, visitors launched into an immersive adventure into the artistry of Hibiki, experiencing its intensity, unity, and subtle persona thru an intimate tasting consultation led through Fukuyo. The consultation unveiled the intricate layers that outline Hibiki’s unmistakable stability. During the Q&A, Fukuyo shared his insights into the evolving appreciation for luxurious spirits amongst Indian connoisseurs and the way Hibiki resonates with their palate, providing a harmonious mix of custom, craftsmanship, and innovation. He additionally elaborated at the importance of maturation tactics and the affect of Mizunara oak, a defining part of Hibiki’s signature intensity and magnificence.

The afternoon’s spotlight used to be an unique masterclass, the place visitors have been guided throughout the subtle equilibrium that embodies Hibiki. Following this, a thoughtfully curated tasting permitting attendees to find the nuanced complexity and beautiful end that makes Hibiki a real expression of Japanese unity.

Hibiki represents the head of Japanese luxurious, seamlessly mixing custom, nature, and artistry in each and every sip. As the icon of The House of Suntory, it continues to redefine spirit reports thru cultural collaborations, curated occasions, and immersive activations. Committed to unequalled craftsmanship, The House of Suntory leads the class in unique Japanese blends, adhering to the rigorous requirements set through the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) to make sure transparency and authenticity.

In line with this dedication, JSLMA just lately offered a brand new certification emblem to beef up its Standards for Labeling Japanese Spirits, established in 2021 and entirely applied in 2024. This emblem, that includes the letters “JW” inside of a cask design, will lend a hand shoppers simply distinguish authentic Japanese spirits in home and global markets. As JSLMA works towards securing Geographical Indication (GI) standing and organising prison labeling requirements, the House of Suntory stays devoted to protecting the integrity of Japanese spirits. By increasing manufacturing whilst keeping up its outstanding high quality, it honors custom whilst embracing new chances, proceeding to set world benchmarks for excellence, artistry, and pioneering spirit.

As The House of Suntory continues to increase its footprint in India, occasions like this be offering greater than only a style of the mix – they create a work of Japan’s soul to the glass.

About House of Suntory

Since 1923, Suntory has been famend because the founding space of the Japanese Spirit. Founder Shinjiro Torii constructed Japan’s first malt distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy persevered with Torii’s son and Suntory’s 2nd Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who persevered to determine distilleries, together with the Hakushu Distillery.

As the generations of Suntory’s grasp blenders lift on, Suntory stays dedicated to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory is proud to verify that every one exported Suntory Japanese Spirit merchandise are 100% distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan and compliant with the brand new manufacturing and labelling requirements set through the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA). The House of Suntory has been named Distiller of the Year 4 instances on 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 primary time ever and Yamazaki 12-Year-Old being identified because the Supreme Champion Spirit in 2024. Suntory Spirits are delicate, subtle, and complicated. The portfolio comprises Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Chita®, Kakubin®, Hibiki®, Suntory Toki™ and Ao®. The House of Suntory portfolio additionally gives Roku™ and Haku™. Created from Japanese elements through the grasp artisans at The House of Suntory, Roku™ and Haku™ constitute the character and spirit of Japan. In 2023, Suntory celebrated 100 years of spirit innovation-a main milestone no longer just for the emblem’s historical past, however for Japanese spirits tradition as an entire. To mark this anniversary, The House of Suntory rolled out its centennial marketing campaign all the way through 2023.