The House of Suntory has reintroduced the Hibiki 12 Years Old Travel Exclusive Series to global travel retail for the first time in 11 years, with an initial launch at Dubai International Airport with Dubai Duty Free this month.
Priced at US$188 (RRP), the channel-exclusive (TREX) expression will roll out across selected international airports from 1 June, including Singapore Changi Airport and New York John F. Kennedy.
Further key travel hubs for the release include London, Incheon, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Delhi, Mumbai, Paris, Doha, Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Sydney, Melbourne, Taipei, Amsterdam, Bangkok, São Paulo, Bangalore, Panama City, San Francisco and Hainan.
Fifth-generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo has reinterpreted Hibiki 12 Years Old to reflect its original concept, combining Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita whiskies aged in American, Spanish and Mizunara oak casks.
Hibiki 12 Years Old Travel Exclusive Series introduces a refreshed bottle design inspired by Kacho-Fugetsu, a Japanese aesthetic philosophy rooted in flowers, birds, wind and moon, complemented by flowing water forms and seasonal motifs.
A key design highlight is the 24-faceted bottle, symbolising Japan’s 24 microseasons.
The packaging also features the Marumado motif, a circular window in traditional Japanese architecture that frames nature as a living painting.
The House of Suntory President Masaki Morimoto said, “Hibiki 12 Years Old has always held a special place within The House of Suntory portfolio, and we’ve seen continued appreciation for this expression from whisky enthusiasts around the world.
“Reintroducing Hibiki 12 as a newly reimagined blend exclusively in travel retail allows us to bring it back in a way that is both intentional and globally accessible, while honouring the craftsmanship and harmony that define the brand.”
Hibiki 12 Years Old Blend and Tasting Notes
- Color: Golden amber
- Nose: Persimmon, jasmine, cardamom, hint of orange and sandalwood
- Taste: Spiced orange peel, toasted cinnamon, butterscotch
- Finish: Rich, long finish with spiced soothing aftertaste
The whisky is best served over a hand-carved ‘Marugori’ ice ball. ✈
Announcing The TREX Factor The Moodie Davitt Report has launched a breakthrough crossover B2B to B2C video series focused entirely on travel retail-exclusive (TREX) products. {Click on the YouTube Icon to view TREX Travels to the Duty-Free World, the introductory video to The TREX Factor} Filmed by our acclaimed Shenzhen-based Moodie Davitt STUDIO division, the series is being shown in multi-lingual form (led by, but not limited to, Chinese and English) on the Moodie Davitt STUDIO YouTube platform and our website with tailored versions on Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book/Red Note), Douyin (抖音), Instagram, LinkedIn and our dual WeChat platforms. In our worldwide premiere, resident ‘TREX Master’ Martin Moodie – the world’s leading duty-free shopping commentator and Founder of world-renowned The Moodie Davitt Report, introduces Johnnie Walker Blue Label Xordinaire, aged in former French XO Cognac casks, designed to add an element of smoothness and sweetness. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Xordinaire brings these elements together for an extraordinary finish. And, most importantly, it is a definitive TREX, available only in duty-free and travel retail stores.Click on the YouTube icon to view. Brands or retailers wishing to participate should contact Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com |
