Hibiki Whisky Experience: First Class Flair
Recently, I had the chance to ride in the lap of luxury on Japan Airlines’ 777 first class across the Pacific, and I did something I almost never do—I made a duty-free purchase. Now I’m left pondering whether I snagged a rare opportunity or just got hoodwinked by some slick marketing. It’s a classic conundrum.
Japan Airlines Offering Hibiki 100th Anniversary Whisky
For those in the know, both Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways are offering passengers the chance to buy the elusive Hibiki 100th Anniversary Whisky during their flights. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill beverage; it’s so exclusive that only first-class guests have the honor, and even they are limited to one bottle each.
It’s not the kind of whisky you stumble upon willy-nilly in your local shop. The few retailers that carry it demand well over a grand per bottle, sometimes hitting the two-grand mark, depending on who’s selling. Whether this whisky is actually flying off the shelves at those prices or just sitting around like an old hat in an attic remains a mystery. Nonetheless, it seemed like a prime opportunity to buy low and sell high.
I Took the Plunge: A Duty-Free Whisky Purchase
Let’s set the scene. I had caught wind of this exclusive offer before boarding, but the thought of carrying a bottle around Japan didn’t thrill me. Fortunately, they serve this liquid gold in-flight, so I got a taste of the good life anyway.
Imagine my surprise when I spotted a little card in the first-class menu highlighting this rare chance to own such a prestigious bottle.
Just as the plane prepared for landing, the duty-free steward made her final calls for any last purchases, drawing specific attention to the whisky’s rarity and exclusive pricing. And like all great decisions made in haste, I decided I’d regret not giving in to temptation. So, of course, I went for it.
The price tag was a cool 60,000 JPY, roughly 400 USD. Not cheap, but also far less than the asking price elsewhere. The presentation was on point—packaged beautifully in a wooden box and a branded Hibiki bag, all topped off with a furoshiki to celebrate Japan Airlines’ milestone. How could I resist?
Now here I am, a bottle in hand, facing the post-purchase predicament. Do I bring it home for my whisky-loving friends? Attempt to re-sell it? Or do something entirely different with this unexpected treasure?
Buying the whisky seemed like a savvy move, a chance for easy profit. But then, I remembered: I have no idea how to sell alcohol. Did I just get blindsided, or is there a master plan in this madness?
The Bottom Line
The exclusive Hibiki 100th Anniversary Whisky is up for grabs for first-class passengers on Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways—if, and it’s a big if, you can snag it. Tempted by its rarity and potential value, I made the leap.
Now, I’m navigating the uncharted waters of owning a sought-after bottle. Will I turn it into a Whisky Gatsby-esque centerpiece for soirées, or will it collect dust as I wonder why I never took the plunge into a new side hustle? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain: it’s one heck of a cocktail story.
Also, speaking of exclusive adventures, if you’re planning a trip to France, don’t miss out on Val Seny ski resort. An entirely different kind of extravagance awaits you there.