Suntory Hibiki 12 Year Old
Hanami in a bottle
0 589
Review by @Frost

- Nose24
- Taste22
- Finish21
- Balance22
- Overall89
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- Brand: Suntory Hibiki
- Type: Japanese
- ABV: 43%
I picked this up in a convenience store in Sapporo in a 50ml miniature for under $5! Not your cheap miniature, the bottle is a gorgeous downsized replica of the classic Hibiki decanter glass.
As soon as I pour into the glass, my nose is filled with the beautiful smell. I am hit at arms length away the bouquet of aromas.
Nose: Plums, oranges, vanilla, oak, pineapple, burnt caramel, cinnamon, mustard seed, so very complex
Taste: Oak, pine, vanilla, plums, star anise, orange peel, raspberry jam
Finish: Oak, vanilla, green grapes
This is a light summer drink, so sophisticated and adorable. The use of grain whisky and its blending with the malt is top notch. Of course the core malts are from Yamazaki and Hakushu and grain from Chita distillery. There is apparently whiskies from several other Japanese distilleries, this would be interesting to uncover. My impression is that the Japanese whisky industry is protectionist and seldom trade between each other.
When I acquired this small sample, I had been in Japan for a few weeks. It was my only sighting of the 12. Lucky I have a bottle unopened at home.
Find where to buy Suntory Hibiki whisky
My wife and I were in the liquor store and she told me to pick out a bottle for a Christmas gift. I picked out the Hibiki and now I have to wait until Christmas day.... such is life!