Hand-dipped. One at a time. Every time.
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THE ART OF GIFT-GIVING IN JAPAN
A GIFT GUIDE FOR JAPANESE CRAFT SPIRITS ENTHUSIASTS
This holiday season, why not look for fresh inspiration from Japan’s rich tradition of gift-giving? With practices that date back centuries, gifting in Japan is elevated to an artform. Drawing from these customs can turn the holidays into a memorable experience.
Gift-giving is at the heart of Japanese culture. Omiyage, the practice of bringing back local products from your travels, dates back hundreds of years. Two main gift-giving seasons are celebrated in Japan each year: ochugen in the summer is widely observed, while oseibo in the winter is more common in professional contexts. Christmas is increasingly popular, with gifts seen more as a private gesture between family and friends, rather than for colleagues or peers.
For all these occasions, spirits are an ideal gift. As an expression of celebration and connection, they are the perfect complement to Japanese traditions. A thoughtfully chosen bottle carries a personal touch that comes with its own set of customs and rituals as you present and share in the gift.
CHOOSING WITH INTENTION
The first step is choosing the right spirit. Here, there are two important things to consider: First, choose a spirit that suits the person you’re giving it to. Selecting a Japanese whisky as a gift adds a meaningful touch for whisky lovers, while others in your life may prefer our craft gin or vodka. The second step is to consider your relationship to the other person. A gift to a close friend will be different than a gift for a respected mentor. For added meaning, you could choose a whisky aged as long as you’ve been friends with the recipient.
Once you’ve chosen the gift, next comes the presentation. The ancient art of noshi, where gifts are decorated with paper wrap, turns any gift into a work of art. Noshi is commonly finished with a mizuhiki knot, a practice with a deeper significance. The complex knots of mizuhiki represent the bond between the giver and the recipient. There are several variations of knots and colors, all which hold a deeper meaning, with each fitting to the needs of the respective social occasion.
Finally, comes the traditional art of furoshiki, where gifts are carefully wrapped in cloth for presenting to the recipient. There are countless ways to tie furoshiki depending on the shape of the gift and the effect you want to create.
HONORING THE RECIPIENT
Japanese traditions turn gift-giving into a meaningful ritual that honors the recipient. The gift is often given and received using both hands and with a slight bow. This way, both parties show the respect and affection they have for each other.
While traditionally gifts in Japan are not opened in front of the giver, the allure of our crafted spirits may invite an exception. If the recipient encourages you to join in a toast, remember that serving others, but never yourself, is a gesture of respect and camaraderie. Pour with both hands, and graciously receive your drink in the same manner when someone else offers you a bottle or cocktail. Embracing these traditions adds depth to the act of giving and creates moments to be cherished.
Our guide below can help you select the ideal Suntory craft spirit to gift. Wrap your selection in noshi with a mizuhiki paper knot finish with an elegant furoshiki wrap for an elevated gift with a Japanese touch.
SELECTING THE PERFECT SUNTORY CRAFT SPIRIT
HIBIKI 21 - A LUXURY WHISKY ICON
Seductive, blossoming and subtle, our Hibiki Whisky range represents the paragon of Japanese Whisky. Hibiki 21 is a delicate, complex blend with an elegant profile, making it an ideal whisky to gift to a beloved mentor, friends who are seasoned whisky lovers, or those who want to experience the future of Japanese whisky.
YAMAZAKI 12 - THE SUPREME CHAMPION SPIRIT
A perfect gift for people who want to appreciate the pinnacle of Japanese Whisky, or those who haven’t yet explored what Japanese Whisky has to offer. Yamazaki 12 was named Supreme Champion Spirit at the International Spirits Challenge 2024.
TOKI—A VIVID BLENDED WHISKY
A vivid blend, Toki is both timeless and groundbreaking. For people who love the rhythm of city streets and those who are curious about Japanese whisky, Toki makes an exceptional highball, while the distinctive bottle shape offers a creative canvas for elegant furoshiki wrapping.
ROKU—A TASTE OF JAPAN'S FOUR SEASONS
Distilled from 6 botanicals picked during each of Japan’s four seasons, Roku Gin is a seasonal gift at any time of year. Crafted to celebrate freshness, Roku is for people who value seasonality and connection to nature.
HAKU—THE AWARD WINNING JAPANESE CRAFT VODKA
Haku Vodka is made from 100% Japanese white rice and filtered through bamboo charcoal, creating a soft, round and subtly sweet taste. Giving Haku vodka as a gift as a delightful surprise for somebody who’s more familiar with The House of Suntory’s whisky craft, or a person who’s ready for a reinvigorated understanding of what vodka can be.
