Why Japanese Whisky Collectors All the time Look For The Hibiki 17 12 months Previous Kacho Fugetsu

Japanese whisky-loving hearts broke in 2018 when it was introduced that Hibiki can be discontinuing its beloved 17 12 months Previous expression. Suntory cited a scarcity of aged shares, forcing manufacturing of the age-statement expression to cease. Not solely did the usual 17 12 months Previous stop manufacturing, however the sought-after limited-edition Hibiki 17 12 months Olds had been additionally discontinued. This contains the fabled Hibiki 17 12 months Previous Kacho Fugetsu. 

Since its discontinuation, the urge for food (and costs) for the Hibiki 17 12 months Previous Kacho Fugetsu has solely elevated. So, why is it that this blended Japanese whisky is so prized? And the place can you purchase it now that it’s not in manufacturing? 

All About The Hibiki 17 12 months Previous Kacho Fugetsu  

A 17 12 months Previous blended Japanese whisky was the primary expression in Hibiki’s core vary upon its launch in 1989, and remained the preferred expression even following the introduction of a 21 12 months Previous (additionally in 1989) and a 30 12 months Previous in 1997. 

Over the course of its lifetime, the 17 12 months Previous has seen quite a few limited-edition expressions together with the Phoenix, Egret, and Shiki Kacho. 

The Hibiki 17 12 months Previous Kacho Fugetsu was launched in 2015 within the iconic 24-sided bottle that has develop into synonymous with the model, representing the 24 noticed lunar seasons in Japan. The bottle is fantastically adorned with screen-printed chrysanthemums and cranes, exuding the essence of Japan. The Japanese Kanji phrase ‘Kacho Fugetsu’ interprets to ‘Flowers, Chicken, Wind, Moon’. Nevertheless, its much less literal which means refers back to the act of discovering oneself in nature. As such, the bottle is designed to emulate the tranquility and great thing about Japanese nature. 

The truth is, all Hibiki bottles inherently make reference to the fantastic thing about nature, with the phrase ‘Hibiki’ which means ‘resonance’ or ‘echo’, referring to the harmonious mix of pure grain whiskies contained in the bottle. 

How Uncommon Is The Whisky? 

I’ve come throughout references on-line to the Kacho Fugetsu being restricted to only 1,000 bottles. This has by no means been confirmed by Suntory. Nevertheless, the bottle does appear to be very uncommon on the secondary market. 

In accordance with my analysis, solely 252 Hibiki 17 12 months Previous Kacho Fugetsus have ever come to public sale. The present public sale report for a bottle stands at around $2,900, achieved in Australia in November 2021. 

What Makes The Hibiki 17 12 months Previous Kacho Fugetsu So Sought After By Whisky Collectors? 

There are just a few elements that make the Hibiki 17 12 months Previous Kacho Fugetsu so interesting to whisky collectors. Firstly, we’ve the whisky itself. 

As talked about above, the 17 12 months Previous was one of many inaugural Hibiki expressions and rapidly turned very talked-about upon launch in 1989. When Suntory introduced its discontinuation in 2018 after nearly 30 years in the marketplace, Hibiki followers had been extraordinarily saddened. The whisky remained on some cabinets till 2020 however is now unavailable via most spirit retailers. As such, the secondary market represents the one probability for Hibiki followers to get their arms on the discontinued liquid gold. 

In fact, all the above goes for the Hibiki 17 12 months Previous Kacho Fugetsu as effectively. In any case, it accommodates the identical spirit. So, what further elements add to the worth of the Kacho Fugetsu? 

The design and packaging of the whisky is one other issue that makes this whisky so sought-after. Fantastically designed to emulate the Japanese outdoor, this bottle makes a really spectacular centerpiece and dialog starter. As well as, the bottles had been restricted version, which means there’s a small and finite quantity on the market for individuals to bid on. It’s no shock, then, that the Hibiki 17 12 months Previous Kacho Fugetsu causes a stir when it seems at public sale. 

The Disappearance of Japanese Whisky Age Statements 

Lastly, we should speak concerning the elusive nature of age-statement Japanese whisky. In recent times, we’ve seen a gradual decline within the variety of age-statement expressions popping out of Japan. The Hibiki 12 and 17 12 months Olds have been discontinued, and the Hibiki Japanese Concord has no age assertion to talk of. The Yoichi 15 12 months Previous is gone, and the Hakushu 12 12 months Previous was briefly discontinued. 

To place it merely, age assertion Japanese whisky is operating out, and it has been for some time. 

As such, we will count on the costs of age assertion whiskies such because the Hibiki 17 12 months Previous Kacho Fugetsus to rise because of elevated demand and a scarcity of inventory. 

The Japanese whisky business will nearly definitely get better from this. In any case, the rationale that it’s taking place within the first place is due to the overwhelming increase in reputation that Japanese whisky has lately skilled. On the time, the business merely wasn’t ready to fulfill such excessive demand. Now, at the least, they know what to anticipate. 

Within the meantime, although, whiskies such because the Hibiki 17 12 months Previous Kacho Fugetsu will solely develop into tougher to accumulate. 

Purchase The Hibiki 17 12 months Previous Kacho Fugetsu 

Fortunately for you, we’ve a Hibiki 17 12 months Previous Kacho Fugestsu accessible on The Whiskey Wash Store for simply $2,229. We additionally provide free worldwide transport on all orders and might ship to over 40 US states.