Rare Japanese Whisky in First Class

Here’s an interesting incentive to fly First Class. For a limited time, All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines is selling an ultra rare whisky that is exclusive to First Class passengers. Purchases are restricted to a single bottle per ticket. Supplies must be running out because it was not available on Miki’s flight, but my brother was able to luckily snag one 🥃 the Hibiki 17+ y.o. 100th Anniversary

Hibiki 100th Anniversary

Not to be confused with its “Harmony”, this bottle is a special blend that mixes its 17-30 yrs whisky to celebrate Suntory’s centennial legacy. We went to Japan a couple times last year and did not find it anywhere to buy. Interestingly, the Ritz Carlton Kyoto had a bottle available for tasting during New Years Eve.

ANA First Class

Last year I got lucky and was able to fly “Kai” the emerald sea turtle for my birthday. There are three ANA A380 turtles that fly HNL-NRT and what’s awesome (and almost poetic) is that my brother got this special Hibiki bottle on “Lani” the blue sea turtle plane.

For ANA, you’re able to buy the bottle for ¥50,000 yen which is a steal considering secondary markets goes for double/triple that value.

Japan First Class

For Miki’s flight, it was sold out! To add to the mystery, the same bottle costs slightly more on JAL at ¥60,000 yen. Do Japan Airlines carry less whisky inventory? Or do Japan Airlines have more passengers that buys out these collectibles?

As a “consolation”, she had the 2013 Salon champagne bottle instead… 😘

Tasting Notes

In the travel world, it’s a big deal when an infant turns 2 years old. We had a tasting for fun to celebrate Serena’s birthday. On the nose, the aroma is sensually intoxicating. For non-whisky drinkers, you almost feel like you get buzzed just from the smell.

Sipping it, it is surprisingly balanced with the 17-30 yrs oaky age not too overpowering. Personally, I feel like this Hibiki hits the sweet spot of the intensity akin to the Hibiki 21 blended together with the floral younger notes of the discontinued Hibiki 17. Simply put, it tastes like First Class.

Overall, ANA and Japan Airlines is currently offering an attractive promotion where you can buy a rare Hibiki bottle for its 100th anniversary. It seems like the clock is ticking because some JAL planes don’t have it anymore. Good news is that All Nippon Airways seem to still have them available. If you’re flying First Class soon, the opportunity to buy this collectible to enjoy at home is a no brainer.