Review: Hibiki Japanese Harmony
Review: Hibiki Japanese Harmony
A little of this and a little of that, Hibiki’s latest is a blended whisky, something we don’t see often represented from Japan on American shores. If you can’t find something to like in this dram, well, you shouldn’t be drinking whisky at all.
Let’s back up a bit, though, with some Suntory time background:
Hibiki Japanese Harmony pays tribute to the original Hibiki first launched in 1989 to commemorate the Suntory philosophy to live in Harmony with Nature and People. Suntory Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo challenged himself to design a quintessential Hibiki blend by meticulously refining it to capture the core of a true Hibiki as a no age statement blend. Hibiki Japanese Harmony leverages the exact same key malt and grain whiskies used in the first Hibiki blend. Here at least 10 malt and grain whiskies, aged up to approximately 20 years, blend together to create a luminous harmony of flavors and aromas.
This is an entry-level expression — the new “foundation of the Hibiki range” — and the nose is relatively youthful. There’s lots of grain influence here, with evident oak, smoke, and fruit mingling on the nose. On the palate, that grain is tempered quite a bit, with notes that offer a complex melange of toasted wood, tea leaf, crushed berries, orange/sherry character, and a finish that evokes tart green apple and a little sweetened tea. The denouement is fresh and clean — an enjoyable break from the rush of flavors that arrive when it first hits the tongue.
86 proof.
B+ / $65 / whisky.suntory.com [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Hibiki Japanese Harmony Whisky
$65
B+? You have to be kidding me. Are you falling for the hibiki name? I’ve tasted the 12, 17, 21, & mellow harmony. They are all exceptional.
However, the Japanese Harmony is pure crap other than the bottle. Chivas 12 drinks better at 1/3 of the cost.
While I haven’t tried any of the pricier Harmonies, I can assure you this One is a Winner. I loved the Subtle Smoke and just plain mellow easy drinking product in this bottle. Everyone has a different taste, palate, and so forth but Hibiki Harmony is a great drink!
I’ve only had the Harmony Master’s Select, purchased duty free returning to the US for under $100. Excellent, smooth, a little sweetness without cloying, a little burn at the end, wonderful balance of fruit, and, I don’t know, leather? Can’t wait to buy it again.