Hibiki Japanese Harmony encapsulates the harmony that exists between Japanese nature and its people. Packaged in a glass decanter bottle cut in 24 facets, which represent the 24 hours in a day and the 24 seasons of the traditional Japanese lunar calendar, Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a blend of select whiskies from the House of Suntory Whisky. It is a blend of at least 10 malt and grain whiskies, aged in five different types of casks, from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony is heralded as the foundation of the Hibiki range, leveraging the same key malt and grain whiskies from the original Hibiki blend, Hibiki 17 Years and Hibiki 21 Years. American White Oak malt whiskies create a base. The Mizunara (Japanese oak) and sherry cask malt whiskies are the dressing. The smoky malt whiskies enact as subtle accents to create depth and further complexity. Grain whiskies from Suntory’s Chita distillery act as the “dashi,” or broth, to complete the personality of the malt whiskies and enhance their overall harmony.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony (86 proof)
Visual: Mild, bright gold.
Nose: Slight haze of wood smoke, warmed maple plank, newly polished saddle leather, whole grain bread dough, tinge of buttercream.
Taste: Complex and intertwined with darker aspects of aged whiskies. A canvas of different wood flavors along with the sprightliness of the younger grain whiskies, along with a hint of sherry make this a whisky that unfolds itself over several minutes with each taste.
Finish: Medium short with a definite bent toward fresh cooked caramel.
Overall: Much like Japanese cuisine, the appeal of this whisky lies in its subtleties and nuances. In other words, savor each sip as you might meditate on a haiku.
GSN Rating: A

For more information go to: Whisky Suntory

Filed under: Spirits & Liqueurs