Hibiki 17 Year
Blended
Suntory // Japan
-
Cost
Created in 1989 but only recently available in the United States, Hibiki is a blend of single malts from Suntory's two distilleries, Yamazaki and Hakushu, and grain whisky from their Chita distillery. The design of the bottle is meant to symbolize the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar. Note: Announced in 2018, this product will be discontinued in some markets at some point beginning in 2019 with limited availability in the next few years.
-
age17 Year
-
abv43.0
-
BlendedComprised of both single malt(s) and single grain(s) often from many different distilleries; if Scotch or Irish must be aged for at least three years in oak barrels; Irish may include single pot still whiskey in the blend.
-
Cask Typeex-bourbon American oak, ex-sherry European oak, Japanese mizunara
Tasting Notes
"On the nose: honey, brown sugar, caramel, juicy pear and flowers. The taste is surprising and complex. Somehow light and rich, very warm with herbal notes, cocoa, and hazelnut. There is also an earthy, salty character, like a blue cheese or a Highland single malt. A bit of water brings out some chocolate. Finish is exceptionally warm and soothing."
Reviewed by
Keith Allison