Hibiki Whisky Collabs with Chiso for 2026 Limited Edition

400-Year-Old Kyoto Kimono House Designs Bottle Honoring 24 Solar Terms via Hand-Painted Yuzen Craft

The House of Suntory has announced a new packaging release for Japanese whisky, Hibiki Japanese Harmony 2026 Limited Edition: Chiso Collaboration. Designed by Kyoto kimono house Chiso—founded in 1555—this limited-edition bottle will launch in the UK market on October 1. Having crafted garments for temples, aristocrats, and the Japanese Imperial Court for centuries, Chiso is celebrated today for its hand-painted Yuzen kimonos.

Bottle Aesthetics Symbolizing Solar Terms and the Blended Liquid

This Hibiki release maintains the brand's signature 24-faceted bottle, where each facet symbolizes one of the traditional 24 solar terms of Japan. Across the glass surface, Chiso presents jewel-toned floral motifs: mandarin oranges symbolizing prosperity, paulownia representing good fortune and nobility, cherry blossoms heralding renewal, alongside plum and camellia blooms signifying longevity—all harmonized with shades of gold, crimson, emerald, indigo, and soft pink. Inside lies the classic Hibiki Japanese Harmony blend, marrying malt and grain whiskies from the Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries, bottled at 43% ABV.

Official tasting notes describe aromas of honeyed sweetness, candied orange peel, and white chocolate; the palate offers rose, lychee, a hint of rosemary, mature wood, and sandalwood; leading to a subtle, tender, and lingering finish with a touch of Japanese Mizunara oak. The brand recommends serving it neat or poured over a hand-carved ice sphere.

Global Campaign and Legacy of Cross-Disciplinary Art Collaborations

This limited edition marks a centerpiece of Hibiki's 2026 global campaign, "The Masterpiece of Japanese Artistry." Anna Sawai, who became the first Japanese woman to win a Primetime Emmy Award for her lead role in the series Shōgun, was appointed the brand's first global ambassador. Alongside the launch, an official behind-the-scenes film detailing Chiso's craftsmanship was released, and a large-scale kimono art installation by Chiso will be exhibited at New York JFK Airport's Terminal 1 later this year.

Prior to collaborating with Chiso, Hibiki partnered with Japanese artists Eriko Horiki and Hiroshi Senju; Horiki's handcrafted Washi paper label has adorned every bottle of Hibiki whisky since 1989. The House of Suntory was founded in 1899 and has crafted Hibiki whisky since 1989.

📅 Release Date: 2026-10-01

🔗 Source: The Whiskey Wash