HIBIKI 12 RETURNS TO TRAVEL RETAIL IN INDIA

The House of Suntory has relaunched Hibiki 12 Years Old Travel Exclusive in India’s duty-free outlets after 11 years. Recrafted by Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo, the whisky blends Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita spirits matured in diverse casks. With refreshed packaging and refined flavours, it marks a significant return to travel retail shelves.

The House of Suntory has reintroduced Hibiki 12 Years Old Travel Exclusive Series to India’s global travel retail channel, marking the return of the celebrated expression to duty-free shelves after an absence of more than a decade.  

For the first time in 11 years, travellers passing through Delhi Duty Free and Ospree Duty Free Mumbai can once again discover Hibiki 12, a whisky that has been reimagined by fifth-generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo. His new interpretation combines malt whiskies from Yamazaki and Hakushu with grain whisky from Chita, matured in American oak, Spanish oak and Mizunara oak casks. The result is a refined Japanese blended whisky that balances tradition with innovation, offering a layered complexity designed to appeal to discerning palates.  

The relaunch also brings refreshed packaging inspired by Kacho-Fugetsu, the classical Japanese concept that celebrates the beauty of nature through flowers, birds, wind and moon. Hibiki’s iconic 24-faceted bottle, symbolising Japan’s 24 microseasons, remains at the heart of the design. The update introduces the Marumado circular window motif, a traditional element that evokes harmony and contemplation, further enhancing the bottle’s cultural resonance.  

On the nose, Hibiki 12 Travel Exclusive reveals aromas of persimmon, jasmine, cardamom, orange and sandalwood. The palate follows with spiced orange peel, toasted cinnamon and butterscotch, culminating in a long, spiced finish. The House of Suntory recommends serving the whisky over a traditional Marugori hand-carved ice ball, a ritual that underscores the artistry and precision of Japanese whisky culture.  

The return of Hibiki 12 to travel retail is significant not only for collectors and enthusiasts but also for the broader narrative of Japanese whisky’s global journey. Travel-exclusive expressions have long been prized for their rarity and distinctiveness, and Hibiki 12’s reappearance reinforces Suntory’s commitment to offering travellers unique experiences that embody craftsmanship and heritage.  

India’s inclusion in this relaunch highlights the growing importance of the country’s travel retail market, which has become a key gateway for international spirits brands. By positioning Hibiki 12 at major hubs such as Delhi and Mumbai, Suntory is tapping into a diverse audience of global travellers while reaffirming its dedication to innovation rooted in tradition.  

This revival of Hibiki 12 Years Old Travel Exclusive is more than a product launch; it is a statement of continuity and reinvention. It bridges the past and present, honouring the legacy of Hibiki while presenting a refreshed vision for the future. For whisky lovers, the return of this expression offers a rare opportunity to reconnect with a classic, now reimagined for a new generation of travellers.