Over the past few years, we’ve fallen hard for Japanese whisky. We’ve explored and sampled some of the best expressions from the storied houses of Suntory, Nikka and Chichibu, and we’re always on the lookout for more. So, good news: here’s a new one. It’s called Hibiki Japanese Harmony, and it’s a meticulous blend of select whiskies from the House of Suntory Whisky. It’s comprised of at least 10 malt and grain whiskies aged in five different types of casks from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. This is Hibiki’s first no age statement blend, but the brand notes that the approximate age is 20 years.
Hibiki Japanese Harmony is being billed as the foundation of the Hibiki range, using the same key malt and grain whiskies from the original Hibiki blend, as well as the Hibiki 17 Year and Hibiki 21 Year whiskies. American White Oak malt whiskies create a solid base, while the rare Mizunara (Japanese oak) and sherry cask malt whiskies impart subtle smoky notes for more depth and complexity. Rounding things out are the grain whiskies from Suntory’s Chita distillery.
Hibiki Japanese Harmony clocks in at 43% ABV and is rolling out nationwide with a suggested retail price of $64.99. You can be sure we’ll get our hands on a bottle soon, and we’ll report back with a full review. In the meantime, you can buy a bottle online here. And here are the official tasting notes.
TASTING NOTES
Color: Amber
Nose: Rose, lychee, hint of rosemary, mature woodiness, sandalwood
Palate: Honey-like sweetness, candied orange peel, white chocolate
Finish: Subtle, tender long finish, with hints of Japanese oak
