PBMichiganWolverine
Hibiki 21 Year
Blended — Japan
Reviewed
November 19, 2017 (edited January 21, 2018)
I had bought this bottle years back, and finally opened it last night with some friends. First thing that strikes you is the appearance of the bottle itself. Twenty four sides to it, and a heavy weight and feel. The liquid itself is deep mahogany...not sure if coloring is added. Pop open the cork and you immediately smell sandlewood and cherry blossoms. Floral taste. Some incense like you smell in Asian temples. I think that might be effect of the mizunara? Overall, it's a really good dram, worthy of a special occasion. I'm sure I paid much less years ago, but prices now seem to be $500-600...not sure if I'd spend that much on it today, certainly not ' blow your mind' level that warrants anywhere close to that price tag. At $150, a no-brainer 5 stars. But at $500-600...not so sure. On a side note: Do not add water or ice. It kills the floral aromas and sandlewood taste...turns it bitter. Update 12/1: now that bottle is almost empty, oxidation has set in. I had a small taste last night, and got a pronounced sandlewood aroma. Never tasted that in a whisky before, and certainly never smelled it anywhere outside Indian or Buddhist temples
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This is definitely on the bucket list. Thanks so much Pranay!
@LeeEvolved : oh it's really good, don't get me wrong. I gave it 4 stars because I factored in the price of $500-600. At that price, I expect to be swept off my feet. Tasted blind and not knowing the price, honestly I'd give it 5. That sandlewood and cherry blossom is unique, won't find that in any Scottish, American, or Irish whisky.
Hmm, it’s interesting that you only gave it 4 stars. I have very high hopes for it because I’m starting to trend my purchases toward Asian malts and this one was on my radar. Thanks for popping it and throwing some my way, Pranay. I’m excited to give it a go.
Nowaday, really good Japanese whiskies ( Yamazaki 18, Hibiki 21, Yoichi 20) are $500+. The bad ones are starting $50. Just plain silly and ripe for implosion
Ah lucky you, I wished I had a bottle of this. As you pointed out, it's too expensive nowadays.