As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can understand the disappointment that many whiskey enthusiasts may feel upon hearing the news of Suntory discontinuing its Hibiki 17 blended whiskey. Hibiki has long been regarded as one of Japan's finest blended whiskeys, renowned for its smoothness, complexity, and balanced flavors. So, why did Hibiki get discontinued?
One of the main reasons for the discontinuation of Hibiki 17 is the supply shortage of aged whiskey in Japan. Whiskey production is a time-consuming process that requires years of aging to achieve the desired flavor profile. In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for Japanese whiskeys, both domestically and internationally, leading to a strain on the available supply of aged whiskey. This shortage has forced many distilleries to make tough decisions, such as discontinuing certain expressions to allocate their limited resources more effectively.
Furthermore, the popularity of Japanese whiskeys has skyrocketed in recent years, fueled in part by numerous accolades and awards received by distilleries like Suntory. This surge in demand has been particularly notable in overseas markets, where Japanese whiskeys have gained a cult following. As a result, the limited supply of Japanese whiskey has been stretched even further, making it difficult for distilleries to meet the growing demand.
It's worth noting that Suntory is not the only distillery facing supply shortages and discontinuations. Other renowned Japanese whiskey brands, such as Yamazaki and Nikka, have also had to make similar decisions due to the scarcity of aged whiskey. The increased demand for Japanese whiskey, coupled with its limited supply, has created a challenging situation for distilleries, forcing them to carefully manage their portfolios and prioritize certain expressions over others.
In my personal experience, I have witnessed the impact of supply shortages on the availability of certain whiskeys. As the popularity of Japanese whiskeys soared, I noticed that it became increasingly difficult to find certain expressions on the shelves of liquor stores and bars. This scarcity only added to the allure and mystique surrounding Japanese whiskeys, further driving up demand.
As a whiskey enthusiast, it is disheartening to see beloved expressions like Hibiki 17 being discontinued. However, it is important to remember that the scarcity of aged whiskey is a result of its time-consuming production process and the overwhelming demand for Japanese whiskeys. While this may be disappointing for fans of Hibiki 17, it is a necessary step for Suntory and other distilleries to manage their limited resources and continue producing exceptional whiskeys.
The discontinuation of Hibiki 17 is primarily a response to the supply shortage of aged whiskey in Japan and the overwhelming demand for Japanese whiskeys. Suntory and other distilleries are faced with the challenging task of managing their portfolios and allocating their limited resources effectively. While it may be disappointing for whiskey enthusiasts, it is a necessary step to ensure the continued production of high-quality Japanese whiskeys in the face of increasing demand.