Hinotori 5 Year is a Japanese blended whisky produced at the Hekinan Distillery in Aichi Prefecture. The distillery itself was founded in 1949, fell silent after natural disasters in the 1950s, and only came back to life in recent years. The name Hinotori means phoenix in Japanese, chosen as a symbol of rebirth and revival, perfectly capturing the distillery’s story of rising from the ashes.

The whisky is a blend of malt and grain spirits aged for five years in a combination of new American white oak and seasoned whisky casks. That choice of wood gives the spirit a rounded character with subtle vanilla, light oak spice, and a soft sweetness that plays well with gentle fruit notes. It isn’t made to be bold or heavy but instead aims for balance, smoothness, and an easy, refined drinking experience.

As a brand, Hinotori positions itself as part of the new wave of Japanese whisky—less about long-aged rarity and more about authenticity, heritage, and the idea of comeback. The 5-Year release is their flagship expression, designed to introduce drinkers to the house style while carrying the symbolic weight of the phoenix: rebirth, persistence, and hope.