Hibiki Unveils Japanese Harmony Chiso Kimono Edition
Hibiki's famous 24-faceted bottle, one facet for each of Japan's 24 traditional micro-seasons, has been dressed by a Kyoto kimono house that has been working since 1555. The House of Suntory has unveiled Hibiki Japanese Harmony 2026 Limited-Edition, Chiso Collaboration, a collectible release that wraps the familiar blend in floral designs inspired by yuzen silk dyeing. It is available from October 1, 2026, in the US and other key markets, with a suggested retail price of $135 to $150 depending on market.
Did You Know?
Chiso was founded in Kyoto in 1555, which makes it more than 470 years old and one of Japan's oldest family-run kimono houses.
According to research notes, the tachibana citrus on the bottle is also Chiso's family crest.
Kyo-Yuzen, Chiso's specialty, involves applying rice paste to silk to create hand-dyed patterns, and a single kimono can call on hundreds of specialized artisans.
The Release
This one is all about the bottle. The whisky inside is the same Hibiki Japanese Harmony, with the change coming in the packaging. Chiso reimagined Hibiki's 24-faceted bottle with vibrant, jewel-toned floral motifs. Reports note that the pattern shifts from facet to facet, so the look changes as the bottle turns.
Each flower carries meaning, according to Suntory. Tachibana (evergreen citrus) stands for enduring prosperity. Kiri (paulownia) represents good fortune and nobility. Sakura (cherry blossoms) celebrate the beauty of the seasons and renewal. Ume (plum blossoms) and tsubaki (camellias) are emblems of longevity and timeless vitality. Accents of gold, crimson, emerald, indigo and soft blush complete the palette.
The liquid is bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof). Research notes describe it as a blend of malt whiskies from Suntory's Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries married with grain whisky from Chita, all distilled, matured and bottled in Japan. It carries no age statement.
According to Suntory, the whisky is amber in color. The nose offers honey-like sweetness, candied orange peel and white chocolate. The palate brings rose, lychee, a hint of rosemary, mature woodiness and sandalwood. The finish is subtle and tender with a hint of Mizunara (Japanese oak). Suntory suggests serving it over a hand-carved "Marugori" ice ball.
The launch also includes a behind-the-scenes film and a Chiso kimono installation at New York's JFK Airport Terminal 1, timed to the terminal's opening.
The Story of Hibiki
Hibiki, which means "resonance" or "echo" in Japanese, is a premium blended whisky from Suntory. It launched in 1989 with 17 and 21 year expressions, and the brand has long treated blending as an art form. A 30 year followed in 1997 and a 12 year in 2009. Hibiki also reached a wider audience through the 2003 film Lost in Translation, where Bill Murray's character shot ads for it.
Japanese Harmony arrived in 2015 as a no age statement expression. In 2014 the brand moved into the American-headquartered Beam Suntory, now Suntory Global Spirits.
Suntory itself dates to 1923, when Shinjiro Torii created Japan's first malt whisky distillery at Yamazaki. The House of Suntory also makes Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin and Toki.
Artist collaborations are part of the Hibiki tradition. The Chiso release follows earlier partnerships with Japanese artists Eriko Horiki and Hiroshi Senju.
Why It Stands Out
Many limited editions change the liquid. This one changes the object. The whisky is the familiar Japanese Harmony, so the appeal is the craftsmanship on the glass: a 470-year-old kimono house applying its visual language to a bottle already built around the seasons. For collectors who follow the Hibiki art series, it is a natural next piece. It also sells in a broad set of global markets, so it should be easier to find than many limited releases.
The Details
Style: Japanese blended whisky
Age: No age statement
ABV/Proof: 43% ABV (86 proof)
Blend: Malt whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu with Chita grain whisky, per research notes
Bottle: Hibiki's 24-faceted bottle with Chiso floral yuzen-inspired design
Size: 700ml outside the US
Price (SRP): $135 to $150 USD, depending on market
Availability: US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Northern Europe, Australia, Singapore, China, Taiwan and South Korea
US Availability: Yes, from October 1, 2026
Release Date: October 1, 2026
Quick Answers
How much does Hibiki Japanese Harmony Chiso Collaboration cost? The suggested retail price is $135 to $150 USD, depending on market.
Is the whisky different from regular Hibiki Japanese Harmony? No. The whisky inside is the same Japanese Harmony, and the change is the Chiso-designed bottle.
Is it available in the US? Yes. It is available in the US beginning October 1, 2026, along with other key global markets.
Tonights Poison Take
This is a bottle-first release, and a good-looking one. If you already love Japanese Harmony, the Chiso edition gives you the same easy, floral, honeyed profile in a piece worth displaying. It will likely appeal to gift buyers and Hibiki art series collectors alike.
Bar Talk: The tachibana citrus flower on this Hibiki bottle is also the family crest of the kimono house that designed it.
Send this to the friend who collects bottles as much as they drink them, and tell us in the comments if this one makes your shelf.
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About the author: Jas Sawhney (Tonights Poison) has spent 18 years in the beverage alcohol industry and shares new releases, tastings and spirits news as @tonightspoison on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
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