Hibiki whiskies range in age from 17-30 years. Each expression boasts an exquisite balance of flavors that echo nature. Their elegant design encapsulates this relationship; its 24 facets symbolizing each season of the Japanese lunar calendar perfectly complement their label made of traditional washi paper. Look into the Best info about hibiki whiskey.
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Origins
Hibiki whisky first made its debut by Suntory in 1989. The name, which translates to resonance or echo in Japanese, perfectly represents Suntory’s philosophy of Harmony between people and nature. Enjoy it neat, over ice, or mixed into cocktails; Hibiki never disappoints its users with distinct flavors of dried fruit, nougat, and brown sugar combined with subtle touches of cinnamon and mizunara oak for a memorable experience!
Suntory’s blended whiskies are handcrafted using single malt whisky from their Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries and carefully combined with various herbs and spices worldwide. This innovative process preserves its integrity while developing an array of flavors. They then age their whiskies in sherry casks for depth of complexity, earning numerous awards.
Hibiki offers various expressions, from age-statement blends to single malt and grain whiskeys. Japanese Harmony was one of the first modern non-age statement (NAS) Hibiki blends created to demonstrate Harmony between whiskies from three Suntory distilleries. Meanwhile, Master’s Select offers even greater complexity by mixing ten malt and grain whiskies from these three distilleries into an unparalleled layered taste experience.
Hibiki offers another NAS whisky called 30 Year Old, released in 1997 and aged for an extended period. Smooth yet delicate with an inviting long finish, this blend can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into cocktails for maximum pleasure.
Hibiki fans often gravitate toward its 17 and 21-year-old whiskies, yet others prefer lighter blends that mix more readily into cocktails. Recently, chief blender Seiichi Koshimizu responded to these needs by creating Hibiki Japanese Harmony whisky – an optimized combination of crucial malt and grain whiskies found in Hibiki Original to create a pure yet complex balance.
Production process
Production of Hibiki whiskey requires blending and bottling to meet strict standards for taste and quality. Since it has been produced and bottled in Japan, an extra level of authenticity is added. Unfortunately, this process does not come without challenges; for example, its aging process takes several years. In addition, production can influence both price and flavor.
Hibiki in Japanese means resonance, an apt description for this whiskey’s delicate balance of flavors. With aromas and flavors from around the globe coming together in perfect Harmony, Hibiki has quickly become one of the top blended whiskies, becoming an international icon in its own right.
Dark amber whisky with zesty citrus peel and sultana fragrances, notes of candied citrus peel and almond-like nuts; usually aged in sherry casks for best results; smooth with touches of sweetness and light smoke aroma; long finish time. It is the perfect choice for those who appreciate fruity flavors without overshadowing other ingredients in this whisky blend.
Hibiki whiskey first debuted to mark Suntory’s 90th anniversary. A revolutionary blend, Hibiki displayed Suntory’s master blenders’ expertise while elevating blended whisky’s status in popular culture. Since its introduction, Hibiki has gained global renown as one of its flagship products for the company and won multiple awards over its 25-year run – becoming an award-winning whisky and winning multiple accolades along the way.
Hibiki whisky stands out in an ever-more homogenous world by offering unparalleled flavors and textures, exquisite craftsmanship, luxurious design, profound cultural heritage, and respect for tradition in its bottle labeling – it is essential for any whisky enthusiast!
Flavors
The Hibiki whiskey series is an intricate mix of high-quality whiskies demonstrating master blending craft. Recognized throughout the world for its quality, elegance, and sophistication. Best enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or mixed into cocktails, limited edition bottlings include Hibiki Harmony Master’s Select, featuring malt and grain whiskies from all three Suntory distilleries.
Suntory Resonance Whisky’s name in Japanese translates to “resonance,” signifying Harmony between humanity and nature. Suntory first released their first blend, created by master blender Keizo Saji in 1987 to showcase Suntory’s innovative blending techniques – comprising over 30 aged malt and grain whiskies produced at Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries at that time – as an experimental step that paid dividends later on.
Suntory created an exquisite blend of thirty unique malt and grain whiskies that perfectly embody their spirit of Harmony and resonance. Now available in various bottle sizes and styles, each bottle still captures the essence of Suntory’s original blend while maintaining its character.
Hibiki Japanese Harmony whisky stands out with its glowing amber hue and boasts aromas of rose and lychee with subtle notes of rosemary and mature woodiness. On the palate, its delicate sweetness offers candied orange peel flavors balanced by white chocolate. Finally, its long and subtle finish lingers with Mizunara oak notes for a memorable finish.
Hibiki is an exquisitely blended whisky, but some may find its sweetness too overwhelming. Hibiki makes an excellent pairing with Dalwhinnie, Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or, or Cragganmore 12-year-old and is equally satisfying when enjoyed as part of a Whisk(e)y Sour cocktail.
The Japanese Harmony Master’s Selection whisky is exquisite, with flavors of tropical fruits and vanilla. Its smooth, sweet taste pairs beautifully with cocktails made with Sherry or other sherried whiskies, but you will also love sipping on it straight or adding water for an enjoyable sip.
Packaging
Suntory’s Hibiki whiskey line is an exquisite collection of blended whiskies that pay homage to their distinctive blending philosophy. In Japanese, “Hibiki” translates to “resonance,” while its artistic spirit can be seen through beautiful bottles and packaging that reflect Japanese culture.
Hibiki began its story in 1987 when Master Blender Keizo Saji wanted to honor Suntory’s blending work by proposing that Chief Blender Koichi Inatomi create a blend in Saji’s honor – this was how it all started! Saji and Inatomi went through more than 1,000,000 aged malt whisky samples before coming up with what eventually became Hibiki today, currently comprising 30 whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries that have been carefully blended for Harmony!
With the revival of single malt whisky, Hibiki demand has skyrocketed, as has its popularity. Unfortunately, however, its rapid ascent has led to a shortage of mature casks; as a result, several distillers have discontinued classic entry-level expressions, particularly Japanese single malts, which have seen demand exceed supply and sell out immediately upon reaching Western stores.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Hibiki whiskies without incurring high prices. Beyond standard bottles, there are limited edition and special Hibiki bottles designed to reflect Japanese culture that comes packaged in ornate ceramic decanters that make a statement piece. Auction houses often sell these rare bottles for thousands of pounds.
Hibiki whisky is an increasingly popular choice among whisky enthusiasts, but adequately storing your bottle is essential to maintain its delicate flavors and the freshest experience possible. Make sure it remains upright and out of direct sunlight; also consider using specialist seals like Parafilm or cling film on its cap to avoid leaks; additionally, avoid shaking it before opening, as this could affect its flavor profile.
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