The House of Suntory Unveils Hibiki® Japanese Harmony Limited-Edition Designed in Collaboration with Legendary Kimono House Chiso

New collectible release celebrates more than 470 years of Japanese artistry through a design inspired by traditional kimono craftsmanship

NEW YORK, NY Oct, 2026 – The House of Suntory, the Founding House of Japanese Whisky, today unveils Hibiki® Japanese Harmony 2026 Limited-Edition, Chiso Collaboration, a collectible release created with Chiso, one of the oldest and most revered Kyoto kimono houses founded in 1555. Bringing together two icons of Japanese artistry, the collaboration unites Hibiki’s renowned art of blending with Chiso’s nearly 470-year legacy of the kimono through a bespoke floral design inspired by Japan’s changing seasons.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony | 2026 Limited-Edition, Chiso Collaboration

The collectible Hibiki Japanese Harmony 2026 Limited-Edition features Hibiki’s iconic 24-faceted bottle, representing Japan’s 24 traditional micro-seasons, reimagined by Chiso, which has preserved the art of yuzen silk dyeing while continually evolving the craft through contemporary design and techniques.

The limited-edition bottle is adorned with vibrant jewel-toned floral motifs featuring tachibana, (evergreen citrus) symbolizing enduring prosperity; kiri (paulownia), representing good fortune and nobility; sakura (cherry blossoms), celebrating the beauty of the seasons and renewal; and ume (plum blossoms) and tsubaki (camellias), emblems of longevity and timeless vitality. Rich gold, crimson, emerald, indigo and soft blush accents transform the bottle into a collectible work of art, celebrating the shared pursuit of Japanese craftsmanship that has defined both houses for generations.

Following acclaimed partnerships with Japanese artists Eriko Horiki and Hiroshi Senju, the Chiso release continues Hibiki Whisky’s longstanding tradition of celebrating Japanese artistry through creative collaboration. The partnership is brought to life through a behind-the-scenes film, as well as a Chiso kimono installation at New York’s JFK Airport Terminal 1 timed to its opening.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Blend & Tasting Notes

Hibiki Japanese Harmony is best enjoyed over a ‘Marugori’ hand-carved ice ball.

• Color: Amber

• Nose: Honey-like sweetness, candied orange peel, white chocolate

• Taste: Rose, lychee, hint of rosemary, mature woodiness, sandalwood

• Finish: Subtle, tender long finish, with hint of Mizunara (Japanese oak)

Availability and Pricing

Hibiki Japanese Harmony 2026 Limited-Edition, Chiso Collaboration is bottled at 43% ABV and will be available beginning October 1, 2026, across key global markets including the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Northern Europe, Australia, Singapore, China, Taiwan and South Korea, with a suggested retail price of $135–$150 USD, depending on market. For more information on Hibiki, please visit https://house.suntory.com/hibiki-whisky

About The House of Suntory  

Suntory is renowned as the founding house of Japanese Whisky, beginning with Shinjiro Torii’s creation of Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki in 1923 and carried forward by his son, Keizo Saji, founder of the Hakushu and Chita Distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation.

Today, The House of Suntory continues to craft award-winning spirits, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Chita®, Kakubin®, Hibiki®, and Suntory Whisky Toki™. All 100% distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan, in full compliance with the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA) standards. The House of Suntory also includes Roku™ Japanese Gin, Haku™ Japanese Vodka, and Kanáde Japanese Liqueur, reflecting the same dedication to craftsmanship, quality, and innovation that have defined Suntory for over a century.

In 2025, Yamazaki® made history at the International Spirits Challenge as the first brand to win Supreme Champion Spirit three years in a row, and in 2024, Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo was named Master Blender of the Year. Furthering this legacy of excellence, the Osaka Spirits & Liqueurs Craft Distillery, home to Roku Gin, Haku Vodka and Kanáde Japanese Liqueur was awarded the 2025 Liqueur Producer Trophy by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). The House of Suntory will open the Osaka Craft Distillery to the public for the first time in 2026.

About Suntory Global Spirits  

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium American whiskeys, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki® and Hibiki®; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as El Tesoro® and Hornitos® tequilas and Roku® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Bartender Created Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare  and Giving Back to Society, and aims to have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

About Chiso Kimono House

Founded in Kyoto in 1555, Chiso is one of Japan’s oldest family-run kimono houses and a leading example of Japanese artistry. Renowned for its mastery of Kyo-Yuzen, a hand-dyeing technique producing garments that resemble hand-painted works of art, Chiso creates meticulously crafted kimonos with precision and elegance.

While rooted in tradition, Chiso engages with contemporary culture through collaborations with artists, designers, and cultural institutions. Its Institute for Chiso Arts and Culture, flagship store, and creative subsidiary ensure the preservation and evolution of its craft.

In 2026, Chiso partners with the House of Suntory’s Hibiki whisky to create a monumental kimono installation and custom piece, uniting two legacies of Japanese artistry through a shared dedication to nature, time, and artistry.

Three Ridings Inaugural Release Collector’s Edition English Single Malt Whisky

Three Ridings Inaugural Release marks the first single malt English whisky from Ellers Farm Distillery in North Yorkshire. Created entirely in Yorkshire, the whisky brings together three specialist makers: Yorkshire-grown barley is malted by Thomas Fawcett & Sons in Castleford, brewed by T&R Theakston in Masham, then distilled, matured and blended at Ellers Farm Distillery near York.

Matured in carefully selected ex-bourbon American oak casks and bottled at a robust 57.9% ABV, the First Release showcases the rich, fruit-led character developed throughout its maturation. Just 1,000 individually numbered bottles have been produced, marking an important milestone for Ellers Farm and the beginning of the Three Ridings story. The name pays tribute to Yorkshire’s historic East, North and West Ridings, reflecting a whisky shaped by the county from grain to glass.

Islay Gold 10 Year Old

A Little Islay Gold at an Exceptional Price

£29.00

Great whisky doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag. Introducing Islay Gold 10 Year Old, a wonderfully smoky single malt Scotch whisky offering classic Islay character for just £29GBP; also exceptional value in other local currecnies at TWB*.​

Produced by Ian Macleod from an undisclosed Islay distillery (although whispers point towards a certain famous distillery overlooking the Sound of Islay), this 10 year old delivers peat smoke, coastal sea salt, gentle spice and a touch of honeyed sweetness.

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Recognised internationally at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), it’s a whisky with both quality and value firmly on its side.​

Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, a bottle to share around the table, something to add to your collection or simply a dependable smoky single malt for the whisky shelf, Islay Gold ticks all the boxes.

We think this is one of those bottles worth having a spare of!​

Age vs. Flavour

Under Scotch whisky regulations, only the age of the youngest whisky in a blend is allowed to be listed on the label. Yet the most interesting blends often contain whiskies of many different ages, each one bringing something distinct to the flavour. At Compass Box, we’ve always done things differently, more transparently. Since 2000, we’ve shared the full recipe of every whisky we make – because drinkers deserve to know exactly what’s in their glass. We don’t do age statements, unless we’re making a statement. This year marks ten years since we first campaigned for greater transparency in Scotch.

Something is coming

ralfy review 1151 – Nc’Nean Malted Teacake @48.5%vol: (Organic)

Belgian Owl whisky distillery assets to be auctioned:
historic stills, 20,000 bottles and 3,500+ casks

Antwerp,  Belgium (October 9, 2026)– Auctim is bringing the assets of The Owl Distillery, producer of Belgian Owl single malt whisky, to market through a series of online auctions. The offering includes the distillery’s professional production equipment, approximately 20,600 bottles of Belgian Owl whisky, and more than 3,500 whisky casks.

Historic Scottish stills at the heart of a Belgian whisky story

Founded in 2004, Belgian Owl built its identity around Belgian barley, the Hesbaye terroir and traditional single malt whisky production.

Among the most remarkable assets are two historic copper pot stills dating from 1898, originally from the former Caperdonich Distillery in Speyside, Scotland. The stills have capacities of approximately 11,000 and 8,000 litres, and the original Caperdonich spirit safe is also included in the sale.

Over the years, Belgian Owl gained international recognition, with several expressions receiving distinctions at the World Whiskies Awards.

The two historic stills now form part of a broader auction of the distillery’s production equipment.

Complete distilling, processing and bottling equipment

The equipment auction covers a wide range of machinery used throughout the whisky production process.

The catalogue includes malt storage silos, a roller mill, stainless-steel mash and storage tanks, whisky treatment and mixing equipment, cold stabilisation and filtration systems, a CIP cleaning installation, as well as technical utilities such as a steam boiler, compressors and industrial water-treatment equipment.

Another major asset is a complete automatic filling, labelling and packaging line from 2016, incorporating equipment from manufacturers including Tecna, Neri, Makro, Videojet and Enos.

The online equipment auction opens on 29 October 2026 and closes from 12 November 2026.

More than 20,000 bottles of Belgian Owl whisky

Alongside the production equipment, a separate online auction of almost 3,000 lots of Belgian Owl whisky, representing approximately 20,600 bottles, is already online and will open for bidding on 29 October 2026.

The offering spans a broad selection of releases, including 5 Years and 10 Years single malt, Pedro Ximénez finishes, Private Angels editions, single-cask bottlings, By Jove releases and Gold Diamond expressions.

The variety of lot sizes makes the sale relevant to private whisky enthusiasts and collectors as well as specialist retailers, importers and drinks wholesalers.

More than 3,500 whisky casks to be auctioned

A separate online auction of more than 3,500 whisky casks from The Owl Distillery is currently being prepared. Full details on the composition of the auction, timing and applicable collection and excise conditions will be announced separately.

From full acquisition to individual auctions

Earlier in 2026, The Owl Distillery was marketed as an opportunity to acquire the operational distillery and its assets as a whole.

As no buyer took over the entire operation, the assets are now being offered separately. This gives a broader range of buyers access to different parts of the distillery: from international distilleries and beverage producers interested in the production equipment to whisky retailers, importers, collectors and enthusiasts.

Equipment auction
View the equipment auction catalogue

Belgian Owl whisky auction
View the whisky auction catalogue

Our October 2026 Auction ENDS SOON!

Place your bids  until 7pm (GMT) Sunday 25^th October.

www.whiskyhammer.com

Every month, we present an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits to our members right across the globe. You will find everything here from limited edition releases and vintage bottles to whole casks of rare whisky. There is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest or enjoy!

Karuizawa – 33 Year Old Golden Geisha (Cask #3579)

Macallan – 20 Year Old (Carta Nautica)

Ladyburn – 20 Year Old (1966) Cadenhead’s (75cl)

Hibiki – 21 Year Old (Arita Decanter) 2005 Release (60cl)

Selling whisky? Why not arrange the pick-up of your bottles using our global courier service? If you’re based in Scotland, you might want to arrange the personal collection of your bottles. Wherever you’re based in the world, we will make getting your bottles into our monthly auction as simple as possible. Get in touch with the Whisky Hammer team now by dropping them a message at sales@whiskyhammer.com.

Big Peat French Wine Cask Finish

The 10 Year Old Winter Edition is here.

Big Peat 10 Year Old Winter Edition has spent its final 16 months in hand-selected French Red Wine Casks – the kind of finish that gives the Whisky the depth of aged wine and the richness of long oak influence, all without losing an ounce of Big Peat’s unmistakable Islay smoke.

 Tasting Notes

Nose 

Maritime peat smoke and sweet Malt are layered with dark forest fruits, spiced warmth and polished oak.

Palate

Expect warming notes of vanilla, butterscotch and salted caramel, unfolding into black cherry, ripe plum and dark chocolate.

Finish

The finish is long and luxurious, carrying home-baking spice and lingering dry peat smoke.

LEARN MORE

Big Peat is a marriage of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies only from the island of Islay. With Caol Ila spirit bringing sweetness, Bowmore the perfect balance, Ardbeg a medicinal, earthy quality and Port Ellen, a degree of elegance, Big Peat represents all that is Islay in a bottle. Part of the Remarkable Regional Malts range, the ultimate distillation of Scotland’s Malt Whisky Regions.

Congratulations to Serge, the most experienced whisky review in history (IMHO) 

whiskyfun.com