Had a vertical Hibiki tasting: Some lovely 1.5oz pours of Harmony ($10), 12 year ($22.50), and the 21 year ($75). Best value for money ends up going to the 12. I did not like Harmony (63/100), and the 21 (review upcoming) did not add much to justify being 3x the price. NOSE: Sherry, not sherry! There is such a distinct Asian plum on the nose because of some Asian trickery! This was partly matured in casks that once held plum liquer. Orange marmalade. Apple juice. Floral, so, because it’s Japanese, cherry blossoms. Of course, right? Terroir does exist. It’s not a property of the spirit, it’s a property of our minds. PALATE: So soft. It’s like eating a pillow. Comparing this to the Harmony highlights the difference between a whiskey that’s subtle (the 12), and a whiskey that’s absent (Harmony). Plums, oranges, apples, and flower petals are again on the forefront, but superbly balanced with oak, vanilla, and honey. Spiciness leans towards cinnamon, but is very slight. You can tell the grain components are properly aged, and add a good backbone. FINISH: Plums stay on board, but never does it get overpowering or become unwelcomed. Fruity sweetness gradually becomes a little sour and bitter; just a gentle nudge to take another sip. I don’t mind at all. VERDICT: Nothing really pops out of this dram. It’s a picturesque scene rather than a compelling story. The price for this before Yamazaki divided by 0 was $50-60. Double that? Fine, maybe still worth it. Quadruple that? No way. Bottles are now around $200, and I don’t do investing. I know for consumption purposes, this is not worth $200. MARK: 82/100.