This Japanese whisky is almost too beautiful to open

Sunday, 04 October 2026 at 09:43

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Whisky lovers with a nose for Japanese whisky have something new to look forward to. The House of Suntory has released a special edition of Hibiki Japanese Harmony—and the bottle alone is almost reason enough to bring it home.

For the Hibiki Japanese Harmony 2026 Limited Edition, The House of Suntory joined forces with Chiso. This isn’t just any Japanese fashion house. Based in Kyoto, the company has been crafting kimonos since 1555, carrying more than 470 years of Japanese tradition. The collaboration has produced a striking bottle that clearly stands apart from the regular release of Hibiki Japanese Harmony.

A distinctive makeover for Japanese whisky

The iconic Hibiki bottle features 24 facets, a nod to Japan’s 24 traditional micro-seasons. For this limited edition, Chiso has adorned the bottle with a colorful floral design inspired by the country’s shifting seasons.

The bottle showcases a variety of plants and flowers, each with its own meaning. Tachibana symbolizes enduring prosperity, while Kiri is associated with good fortune and prestige. And of course, the famed Japanese Sakura—cherry blossoms—are present as well.

The design also incorporates plum blossoms and camellias. With a palette of gold, crimson, emerald green, indigo, and pink, the result is wonderfully eye-catching. It turns the bottle into as much a display piece as a vessel for whisky.

It’s not the first time Hibiki has partnered with Japanese artists for a special release. The whisky brand has previously collaborated with Eriko Horiki and Hiroshi Senju, among others.

What’s inside this special Hibiki bottle?

While the exterior has been reimagined for this edition, the liquid inside remains Hibiki Japanese Harmony. This Japanese blended whisky is bottled at 43% ABV.

Nose: Honey-like sweetness, candied orange peel and white chocolate.
Palate: Rose, lychee, a hint of rosemary, mature wood notes and sandalwood.
Finish: Subtle, smooth and lingering, with delicate notes of Japanese Mizunara oak.

If you’re keen to add this special bottle to your collection, you won’t have to wait years. The Hibiki Japanese Harmony 2026 Limited Edition – Chiso Collaboration has been available at select retailers since October 1. The official suggested price is €129.

Whether you actually crack it open or keep it pristine on your shelf—that’s an entirely different question.

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FAQ

What makes the Hibiki Japanese Harmony 2026 Limited Edition special?
For this special release, The House of Suntory collaborated with the Japanese kimono house Chiso. The bottle features an exclusive design with flowers and plants that pay tribute to Japan’s seasons.
How much does the Hibiki Japanese Harmony 2026 Limited Edition cost?
The Hibiki Japanese Harmony 2026 Limited Edition has an official suggested price of €129 and is available at select retailers.
Which whisky is in the Hibiki 2026 Limited Edition?
The bottle contains Hibiki Japanese Harmony, a Japanese blended whisky at 43% ABV. The limited edition stands out primarily for its exclusive bottle design.