(Drinks) Where the glistening cool waters of the Uji, Kizu and Katsura rivers fuse as one, in the southwest of Kyoto, Shinjiro Torii opened Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in 1923. A century later the family-owned business Suntory has not only accustomed Japanese palates to the taste of this aromatic liquor but is now known for its subtle, refined and complex flavors worldwide.

The family’s history is one of trial and error, but never one of giving up. In just three generations of Master Blenders, the Torii family has pioneered Japanese whisky, nurtured and perfected its craft, and elevated it to a global stage.

Brought to life practicing monozukuri, the pursuit of perfection through true craftsmanship, the Hibiki Whisky was first launched in 1989, commemorating Suntory’s 90th anniversary.

Hibiki, meaning “resonance,” is a true testament to the beauty and richness of the natural environment of its ingredients. This is also rooted in its impeccable bottle design, featuring the 24 seasons of Japan as jewel-like facets with an Echizen Washi Paper Label crafted by Eriko Horiki and calligraphy by Tansetsu Ogino. Having sampled whiskies from one million casks at Suntory, this special blend is a harmonious composition of thirty distinctive malt and mellow grain whiskies.

As a chemist, the son of the founder and second-generation Master Blender Kenzo Saji established two more distilleries, bringing diversity and innovation to the brand. It was also under his direction that the Hibiki whisky was introduced. Furthermore, he understood the importance of fostering experiences rooted in the rich cultural background, whether it was pairing Japanese whisky with the local cuisine or as a patron of the arts.

In the sixties he helped launch the Suntory Museum of Art, which today displays the best of Japanese art through around 3,000 pieces, and established the Suntory Foundation for the Arts, supporting up-and-coming Japanese artists. Tokyo’s first concert hall, the prestigious Suntory Hall, has hosted world-class classical musicians and is considered one of the finest in the world for its acoustics.

His acts of philanthropy stem from the founder’s value of giving back to society and are deeply ingrained in the company’s values to this day. These principles have led to their success, which has expanded into areas such as beer, non-alcoholic drinks, health and wellness products, and sustainability investments.

In its ambition to keep pushing boundaries globally, the company continues to build on this foundation: a respect for nature, a commitment to craft, and a love for people. As Shinjiro Torii once told his son: “Yatte Minhare,” meaning “Dream big, take challenges, and never give up.”