I really enjoyed the Hibiki 12, so it was with much trepidation that I approached this NAS replacement. I'm happy to report that this is an excellent dram, and certainly a much more successful example of the NAS whisky than, say, the anemic Glenlivet Founder's Reserve. Whereas the Hibiki 12 lived and died on those gorgeous and juicy plum notes, the Harmony dials down the effect and integrates the fruits into the sweet grain backbone. The finish is nice and complex as well. So it's not "better" or "worse" but a quality variation on the Hibiki style. I was skeptical about this release when it was first announced, but credit must be given where it's due... Harmony is a good blended Japanese whisky.