Suntory’s founder Shinjiro Torii established Japan’s first whisky distillery on the outskirts of Kyoto in 1923. The district was Yamazaki, now known as the birthplace of Suntory whisky, an area also known for its excellent water since ancient times by the name Minaseno.

Another distillery was built in 1973 in Hakushu at the foot of Mt. Kaikomagatake in Japan’s Southern Alps. Suntory refined its techniques at these two ideal distillery sites to develop a variety of first-rate unblended whiskies and bring to market such products as the single malt whiskies Yamazaki and Hakushu, as well as Hibiki blended whisky.

Keizo Saji, second-generation master blender and president of Suntory Ltd created Hibiki, the ultimate Suntory blended Whisk from Mizunara cask malt and this key malt has been essential in crafting Suntory`s premium whiskies ever since.