News Release

Hibiki 21 Years Old takes World’s Best Blended Whisky prize at the World Whiskies Awards 2016

Honored as chosen “World’s Best” for the Fourth Time, the Most Ever in the Blended Whisky Category

Hibiki 21 Years Old from Suntory Spirits Limited received the World’s Best Blended Whisky award at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards 2016 held by Whisky Magazine. This marks the fourth time and the first time in three years in which Hibiki 21 Years Old has been bestowed with the World’s Best Blended Whisky award. In addition, Knob Creek Smoked Maple Whiskey from Beam Suntory Inc. is honored to have won World's Best Flavoured Whisky. The award ceremony was held on Thursday, March 17 in London.

Now in its tenth year, the World Whiskies Awards, held by Whisky Magazine, is a world-wide whisky contest. Representative whiskies are selected from each of the countries submitting entries, including the UK and Japan, before the final judgment. Final judging takes place in some categories, including Single Malt Whisky and Blended Whisky. Winners in each category are selected based on rigorous blind tasting.

● About Hibiki 21 Years Old
This whisky is a blend of rare and painstakingly selected mature malt and grain whiskies aged over 21 years. The key Yamazaki sherry casked malt is vatted with other carefully chosen mellow unblended grain whiskies over 21 years old. With aromas of sweet dried fruit and a spicy flavor, it is characterized by a solemn, refined richness and profound, lingering echoes.

● Major Awards Received by Hibiki 21 Years Old
- World Whiskies Awards
　“World’s Best Blended Whisky” 2010, 2011, 2013
- International Spirits Challenge
　Category's Top Award “Trophy” 2013, 2014, 2015
　“Gold medal” 2004, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

● Competition Summary
▼Name of Competition
World Whiskies Awards 2016

▼Sponsor
Whisky Magazine (Paragraph Publishing Limited)

▼Prize
World’s Best Blended Whisky

▼Winner
Hibiki 21 Years Old

▼Awards ceremony
Thursday, March 17, 2016 *GMT

▼For more information on whisky, visit our homepage
https://www.suntory.com/