The House of Suntory’s Hibiki Whisky Debuts First Global Campaign: “The Masterpiece of Japanese Artistry”

The campaign features award–winning actress Anna Sawai and the historic Chiso kimono house to honor modern Japanese artistry across whisky, nature and kimono art

NEW YORK, NY, — The House of Suntory, the founding house of Japanese whisky, announces Hibiki Whisky’s first global campaign, “The Masterpiece of Japanese Artistry,” inviting consumers worldwide to experience key elements of Japanese culture through whisky, nature and contemporary artistry. Featuring internationally acclaimed and award–winning actress Anna Sawai in her debut as Hibiki’s first Global Ambassador, the campaign bridges tradition and modernity through a rare collaboration with one of Japan’s oldest-run kimono houses and pinnacle of luxury, Chiso kimono house.

At the heart of the campaign is a cinematic hero film that draws parallels between kimono-making and whisky blending, two crafts shaped by time and precision. Sawai appears as Hibiki’s Global Ambassador, wearing a kimono from the historic Chiso kimono house, crafted using traditional yuzen dyeing techniques and seasonal motifs inspired by Japan’s landscapes. Within the hero film, a butterfly rests on Anna’s hand, echoing the patterns of the Chiso kimono. Subtle yet symbolic, it becomes a thread throughout the campaign. The butterfly, a kokimurasaki (purple) motif, echoes Hibiki’s signature kokimurasaki hue, which is found on the neck of the bottle, and is one of Japan’s most noble colors.

Embodying both global influence and a deep appreciation for Japanese heritage, Sawai serves as a bridge between tradition and modernity, interpreting the quiet strength of Japanese culture for an international audience.

“Becoming Hibiki’s first Global Ambassador feels natural because we share the same reverence for Japanese artistry and the beauty found in patience, balance and detail,” says Sawai. “Hibiki represents a quiet kind of mastery, something refined over time with care and intention. As an actor, I’m drawn to that same philosophy of craft, where every choice is deliberate, and every moment matters. To represent a brand that embodies the harmony between nature, time and human artistry is incredibly meaningful to me.”

Complementing the hero film are two behind-the-scenes features exploring Sawai’s discovery of the beauty behind Hibiki and kimono-making, and how elements like water and time shape both.

The film follows Sawai to the Kyoto studio of renowned washi paper artist Eriko Horiki, who has handcrafted the washi labels adorning every Hibiki bottle since 1989. A hallmark of the brand’s visual identity, these labels give Hibiki its “face,” transforming water, fiber and time into something quietly beautiful and enduring. The other offers an intimate glimpse inside the historic Kyoto atelier of Chiso kimono house, where Sawai is shown an intricate kimono which she wears in the hero film and key campaign visuals.

Celebrated for its refined, complex flavor, Hibiki Whisky is a meticulous blend from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries, reflecting the Japanese concept of ‘wa’, balance and harmony, through careful blending.

The campaign will run throughout 2026 and includes a kimono installation at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York timed to the opening of the new terminal. Campaign content will launch across key markets including the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Northern Europe, China, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Spain, India, Canada, Brazil and Mexico.

For more information on the new campaign and to watch the hero film, please visit us online here.  

Instagram @suntorywhisky_hibiki | #TheMasterpieceOfJapaneseArtistry

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 whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196™ (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks™ Premium 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. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and 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 Anna Sawai

Anna Sawai is an internationally acclaimed Japanese actress, recognized for her work at the intersection of cultural heritage and global storytelling. In 2024, she became the first Japanese actress to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress for her performance in Shōgun, alongside a Golden Globe Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Her filmography and credits include Giri/Haji, Justin Lin’s blockbuster F9, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and Pachinko, with upcoming projects including her portrayal of Yoko Ono in The Beatles biopic series.

As Hibiki’s first-ever Global Brand Ambassador, Sawai brings contemporary resonance to a brand defined by time, balance, and Japanese artistry.

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.

AUGUST 2026 AUCTION NOW LIVE!

August has arrived, bringing with it an intriguing selection of rare and collectible whiskies. This month’s auction showcases bottles that capture noteworthy moments in whisky history, from legendary closed distilleries to sought-after limited editions, inlcluding this outstanding release from the long-silent Convalmore Distillery. Distilled in 1984 and matured exclusively in refill American oak hogsheads, this remarkable single malt spent an impressive 32 years developing its character before being bottled in 2017 at natural cask strength as part of Diageo’s acclaimed Special Releases. Produced by a distillery whose stills have long since fallen silent, this is an increasingly scarce opportunity to acquire a whisky that beautifully reflects the elegance and complexity for which Convalmore has become so highly regarded.

First released in 1983, the Macallan Anniversary Malt series was created to mark life’s special occasions, with early bottlings carrying vintage dates from 1957 onwards. This 25 Year Old, distilled in 1970, was produced during what many regard as one of Macallan’s finest periods. These releases have become enduring classics, celebrated for the exceptional quality and character that defined the distillery in the latter half of the 20th century.

Originally reserved for employees across what is now Diageo’s portfolio of distilleries, the annual Manager’s Dram series was bottled in limited numbers at natural cask strength. Each release was selected by the distillery manager from a small number of exceptional casks, making every bottling unique to its year and distillery. Distilled at Clynelish, a Highland distillery renowned for its elegant, waxy character, this expression was matured for 17 years before being bottled at natural cask strength in 1998.

While single malt often takes the spotlight, well-aged single grain whisky offers a character all of its own, with decades in oak bringing remarkable depth and elegance. Distilled at Invergordon in 1974, this exceptional single grain spent 47 years maturing in a single cask (Cask #14) before being bottled at natural cask strength by Cask 88 in 2021.

These featured lots are just a glimpse of what’s on offer in our August Auction. Visit clickwhiskyauctions.com to browse the full auction and discover many more remarkable bottles. Bidding closes from 8pm BST on Sunday, 16th August. Remember, you have to be in it to win it! Register today to bid on your favourite drams.

The Rebirth of Australian Whisky

Australian whisky has managed that rare trick of having both two centuries of whisky history and of being an exciting arrival in the global whisky scene. Blessed with excellent grain and long traditions of brewing and winemaking, whisky is a natural fit for Australia.

Learn More                               ​Shop Now

Ardnamurchan AD/Madeira Cask Release 2025 52% 70cl

£67.96

Celebrated Scotch distillery Ardnamurchan returns with its first single malt of 2025! And it’s just as delicious and sought-after as its previous bottlings. This expression was distilled in 2018 and initially aged in ex-bourbon casks. It was reracked into Madeira just over two years ago, with a total maturation period of just under seven years. Interestingly, the batch is made from roughly 60:40 unpeated to peated spirit, so there’s real complexity in with the sweetness. The 2025 version is the distillery’s second Madeira release, following the success of autumn 2022’s outing. There are around 19,000 bottles in the batch, so while it’s not as scarce as some Ardnamurchans, we still expect it to fly.

Official tasting notes:

Nose: Cocoa powder, stewed plums, sugared almonds, bread and butter pudding, nutmeg, sandalwood, bracken, fruit scone, red currants.

Palate: Cinnamon sweets, cedar bark, salted trail mix with chocolate chips, rosemary stalks, toffee apple, pine needles, strawberries with black pepper.

Finish: Medium weight, dusty, long and slightly drying finish.

The Good Dram Show – Episode 643 ‘New Releases’

Welcome to this week’s round up episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at a selection of new releases from Penderyn, Torabhaig and the as yet unreleased inaugural release from Jackton distillery. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 642 – For Once I’m Ahead of the Game…! Filmed in The Study Nottingham

Featuring

RAER Original Blended Scotch Whisky 40%

RAER Single Malt Whisky from Jackton Distillery 48.7%

https://raer.co.uk

Penderyn ‘Special Release’ 12 year old 46%

Penderyn Single Cask 21 year old 59.9%

https://www.penderyn.wales

Torabhaig ‘The Distillers Series: Iona’s First Edition’ 60.9%

Torabhaig ‘The Distillers Series: Niall’s First Edition’ 59.3%

https://torabhaig.com

The Macallan has unveiled its first UK domestic boutique at Harrods, a stand-out retail destination showcasing the whisky brand’s commitment to peerless craftsmanship and creative mastery in the heart of the capital.

Located in the former Baccarat Bar and next to the Harrods Fine Wines & Spirits Department, the new boutique is now home to one of the most extensive ranges of the world’s most valuable Single Malt Scotch Whisky available outside The Macallan Estate in Speyside. Products on offer include rare releases as well as limited edition expressions.

As a special Harrods‑exclusive release and to celebrate the opening of the new boutique, renowned Spanish painter and illustrator Javi Aznárez and long‑time collaborator of The Macallan, has created a distinctive packaging design for The Macallan Rare Cask 2026. Limited to just 100 bottles and available only at Harrods, this collectible edition will be released on opening day at the boutique on a first‑come, first‑served basis.

To complement the extensive product offering, a personalisation and gifting station allows guests to have their bottle purchase engraved with a name, date or inscription of choice and beautifully gift-wrapped. A multi-purpose space, the boutique also features a sampling bar and can transform into a fine dining space for private experiences, bringing the brand’s Speyside home to guests through seasonal flavours inspired by The Macallan Estate.

The boutique features artwork by acclaimed artist and designer David Carson and globally renowned pop artist Sir Peter Blake. Carson most recently created a striking new visual identity for The Macallan’s Timeless collection. His new artwork for the boutique draws on the collection’s visual language – red for European oak and white for American oak – with elements of wood and amber echoing the sherry seasoning and cask staves. Across four decades, Blake has woven The Macallan’s history into collage – each work a chapter, each character a storyteller. In this piece in the boutique, figures from previous works return, to form one final gathering on the lawn of Easter Elchies House – the spiritual home of The Macallan.

The boutique was designed in collaboration with internationally award‑winning architect Jamie Fobert – whose work includes Venice’s historic Fondaco dei Tedeschi and the National Portrait Gallery extension in London – and brings The Macallan’s retail concept, Nurtured by Nature, to life. Immersive installations throughout the space invite guests to discover the mastery of whisky making and the brand’s deep connection to nature, which has shaped The Macallan for over 200 years. Whilst botanical features and merchandising reimagine the brand’s 485‑acre Estate in Speyside.

The space offers a carefully considered experience through sight, scent, touch and taste, that reflect The Macallan’s Six Pillars – the foundations of The Macallan’s character and spirit – with design touches woven throughout to reflect these principles and The Macallan’s heritage.

The opening of The Macallan Boutique at Harrods underlines The Macallan’s continued dedication to delivering standout retail experiences for customers across the globe and follows the unveiling of a new boutique for The Macallan at Heathrow Terminal 5 in 2025.

Jaume Ferras, Creative Director, The Macallan commented: “Opening our new boutique at Harrods marks a major milestone for The Macallan, expanding our presence in London and building on our ambitions of delivering standout retail experiences for consumers across the globe. 

“In partnership with Harrods, we have been able to push boundaries and curate an incomparable retail experience, bringing craftmanship and creativity to the fore. We look forward to welcoming guests from across London and beyond, and immersing them into the world of The Macallan.”

The Macallan Boutique at Harrods represents a new chapter in the brand’s relationship with the Knightsbridge store. Previous activations within the renowned department store have included an interactive experience at Harrods to mark the release of a collection of whiskies created to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise.

Andre Lewis, Head of Buying – Food, Wine & Spirit at Harrods, commented: “We are thrilled to deepen our long‑standing relationship with The Macallan through the opening of this exceptional new boutique at Harrods. Our customers come to us in search of the world’s finest craftsmanship and most compelling luxury experiences, and The Macallan consistently delivers both. This boutique will offer an extraordinary opportunity to sample and purchase some of the rarest and most celebrated single malts, brought to life through a space that beautifully captures the spirit of the Speyside Estate. We look forward to welcoming whisky connoisseurs and curious visitors alike to discover this remarkable destination within our store.”

Tomatin 2013 13 Year Old, The Green Welly Stop Exclusive Cask #47411

Bottled exclusively for The Green Welly Stop, this Tomatin single malt was distilled on 12th April 2013 and matured for 13 years in a single first-fill Oloroso sherry hogshead. Drawn from cask #47411 and bottled on 15th June 2026, this limited release is presented at natural colour and without chill filtration, allowing the full character of the cask to shine.

£79.99

Outturn: 293 |Year Bottled: 2026 | Age: 13 | Distillery/Company Tomatin |Bottler: Tomatin | Region Highland |Volume 56% |Bottle Size 70cl |Vintage: 2013

TyndrumWhisky.com
The Green Welly Stop
Tyndrumwhisky, Tyndrum
Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8RY
United Kingdom

Although Maltstock is built around our Gathering where our guests share and enjoy whiskies, we know that many of you also love Maltstock for it’s Masterclasses and Drinks with… sessions!

One Masterclass is going to be a special one where we will see two of the world’s great drinks, whisky and beer, paired. One of our Drinks with… hosts is from a very special independent bottler from Germany. Both are not to be missed!

Want to know more about it? Read more below!

Annette, Bob, Klaas, Stan, Teun

Drinks with…

On our relaxed Saturday we will be featuring 20 minutes sessions, starting every 20 minutes, throughout the afternoon, in 3 different locations.

Our aim is to have small groups of you, our guests, in a more or less intimate, interactive and relaxed setting with the producers and/ or ambassadors to try their products, highlight tidbits, answer questions etc.

These sessions are called “Drinks with…” …and of course these sessions are included in your ticket. No need to reserve or buy a an extra ticket, just turn up at the door well in time and enjoy the sessions!

Scotch Single Malt Circle @ Maltstock

This relaxed whisky club and independent bottler from Germany has been at Maltstock for a number of years now and we always hear great positive feedback on their whiskies and relaxed Drinks with… sessions! So all the more reason to have them host sessions again!

The Circle is a community that is passionate about spreading the word about Scotland’s elite whisky. Its members discern, select carefully, and thus demonstrate their refined taste. They appreciate the value of the highest quality and are willing to pay a premium for the very best. Take your chance at Maltstock to join one of their three sessions and taste what makes their whiskies relaxed and special!

Masterclasses

This year Malstock will feature FOUR exiting and relaxed Masterclasses on Friday. Everyone with a Maltstock ticket will receive an e-mail so they can let us know their preferences. We will allocate all available seats as relaxedly as possible. You will receive your masterclass itinerary a couple of days before Maltstock starts.

Tickets for Maltstock 2026 

Get relaxed now and get your Maltstock tickets here:

https://www.maltstock.com/shop  

Mannochmore 16 Year Old Chorlton 54.7% 70cl

£105.00

A gorgeously aged, sherry cask expression from Speyside distillery Mannochmore. Drawn from a first-fill Oloroso butt, this traditional expression offers an array of dried fruit, cola, liquorice and syrup notes, with even a touch of leather starting to develop. Just 424 bottles have been released.

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 612: Boann Single Pot Still Madeira Cask

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries a new Irish whiskey. The Boann distillery was founded in 2015 by the Cooney family in Drogheda, about 40km north of Dublin. The distillery was built in 2017, but distilling could only begin in 2019. We mainly know them from the whiskey brand The Whistler, for which they brought sourced whiskey to the market while waiting for their own distillate, but in 2024 the moment finally arrived: Boann whiskey had reached the legal age to be bottled. In the glass is their Single Pot Still, which matured in a Madeira cask.

https://youtu.be/_FZmNEw4j28