Last Updated on October 6, 2024 by Karen
This Japanese Old Fashioned features Suntory Hibiki Whiskey as its star ingredient, complemented by sugar, yuzu bitters for a zesty twist, and a garnish of orange peel.
When you think of an Old Fashioned, the classic combination of whiskey, sugar, and bitters usually comes to mind. But what if you could elevate this timeless cocktail with the rich heritage of Japanese whisky? Enter the Japanese Old Fashioned, featuring Suntory Hibiki—a paragon of the art of Japanese whisky.
What is Suntory Hibiki?
Suntory Hibiki is a renowned Japanese blended whisky produced by the House of Suntory, one of Japan’s oldest distilleries. Launched in 1989, Hibiki is celebrated for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship, embodying the principles of harmony and balance in Japanese whisky-making. This luminous amber-colored whisky is a meticulous blend of the finest select whiskies, showcasing the unrivaled art of blending.
Key Features of Suntory Hibiki
- Blending Expertise: Hibiki is a harmonious blend sourced from various Suntory distilleries, including Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries. Each component contributes to the overall harmony of this blend, offering a full orchestra of flavors.
- Cask Selection: The whisky is aged in different types of casks, such as American white oak and sherry cask malt whiskies, as well as the rare Japanese oak (mizunara). This careful selection enhances the flavor, adding mature woodiness and honey-like sweetness.
- Flavor Profile: Known for its rich and complex flavors, Hibiki often reveals notes of honey, floral aromas of rose, and subtle accents that hint at further complexity. Each sip reflects the personality of the malt whiskies and the delicate blend of mellow grain whiskies.
- Presentation: The whisky is beautifully packaged in a bottle that symbolizes harmony, featuring 24 facets to represent the 24 seasons in the traditional Japanese calendar. This presentation exemplifies the foundation of the Hibiki range.
- Awards and Recognition: Suntory Hibiki has received numerous honors and accolades, solidifying its reputation as one of the finest Japanese whiskies available, including limited edition releases that are highly sought after.
Overall, Hibiki is not just a drink; it’s an ultimate Japanese whisky experience that reflects the art form of Japanese whisky craftsmanship and the rich heritage of the House of Suntory.
What ingredients are needed to make a Japanese Old Fashioned?
Suntory Hibiki Whiskey: This blended Japanese whisky is the star of the drink, known for its harmonious flavors, including honey-like sweetness and subtle floral notes. Its complex profile adds depth to the cocktail.
Sugar: A sugar cube or simple syrup serves as the sweet foundation, balancing the whisky’s rich flavors.
Yuzu Bitters: These unique bitters introduce a zesty twist, adding complexity and a hint of citrus that brightens the drink. If you can’t find yuzu bitters, you can also use traditional Angostura bitters
Orange Peel or Orange Slice: Used as a garnish, the orange peel enhances the cocktail’s aroma and adds a refreshing citrus note.
Ice: A large ice cube or sphere is preferred, as it chills the drink without diluting it too quickly, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
Cinnamon Stick: For a Fall twist, add a cinnamon stick for garnish.
Together, these ingredients create a sophisticated and flavorful cocktail that highlights the artistry of Japanese whisky.
How to Make a Japanese Old Fashioned
Prepare Your Glass: Start with a solid base by placing your sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass. If using simple syrup, pour it directly into the glass.
Add Bitters: Add the yuzu bitters on top of the sugar. This combination introduces delightful complexity, with the yuzu contributing a zesty twist.
Muddle: Gently muddle the sugar and bitters together until the sugar is dissolved. This forms the foundation of your drink, allowing the sweetness to blend seamlessly with the bitters.
Pour the Whiskey: Next, pour in 2 ounces of Suntory Hibiki. This harmonious blend serves as the perfect introduction to the complexities of Japanese whisky, enhanced by the flavors of Suntory’s legacy.
Stir and Chill: Add a large ice cube to the glass and stir gently for about 20-30 seconds. This chilling process integrates the flavors, revealing the delicate sip finishes that Hibiki is known for.
Garnish: Finish your cocktail with a slice of orange or orange peel. This garnish enhances the aromatic experience, adding bright citrus notes that beautifully complement the whiskey.
What does Japanese Old Fashioned taste like?
When you take a sip, you’ll be greeted by a harmonious balance of flavors—sweetness coded by honey, enriched by the lingering hint of mizunara and a touch of mild spices. Each sip reflects the fine craftsmanship and careful selection of key malts that define Hibiki Harmony Japanese Whisky.
This drink is more than just a cocktail; it’s a journey through Japan’s nature, celebrating the full range of flavors that represent the Suntory whisky experience. With notes reminiscent of white chocolate and delicate dessert wines, this cocktail becomes a delightful part of your dining experience.
Japanese Old Fashioned (with Suntory Hibiki Whiskey)
Ingredients
- 2 oz Suntory Hibiki Whiskey
- 1 sugar cube or 1/2 teaspoon simple syrup
- 2 dashes of yuzu bitters
- Orange slice or slice of orange peel for garnish
- Ice preferably a single large ice cube or sphere
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass. If using simple syrup, pour it directly into the glass.
- Add 2 dashes of yuzu bitters on top of the sugar.
- Gently muddle the sugar and bitters together until the sugar is dissolved, creating a smooth base for your cocktail.
- Add 2 ounces of Suntory Hibiki Whiskey to the glass, combining it with the muddled mixture.
- Add a large ice cube or sphere to the glass and stir gently for about 20-30 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients.
- Finish your cocktail with a twist of orange peel or a slice of orange for added aroma and flavor.
- Sip and savor the harmonious blend of flavors in your Japanese Old Fashioned!
Crafting a Japanese Old Fashioned with Suntory Hibiki allows you to appreciate the art form that is Japanese whisky. It’s a drink that offers a tender long finish and a lingering sense of luxury. With every sip, you’re indulging in a moment of reflection, embodying the rich heritage of Japan and the legacy of the third-generation master blender, Shinji Fukuyo.
As you enjoy your cocktail, savor the subtleties and complexities that reflect the true essence of Japanese whiskey—a fine blend that captures the spirit of Suntory’s art and the very product of Japanese nature. Cheers!
