Rediscovering the Charm of Hibiki: A Whisky Revisited

After a lengthy hiatus, I recently reacquainted myself with a whisky that holds a special place in my heart: Hibiki. Reflecting back, Hibiki played a pivotal role in my whisky exploration journey, being one of the first three whiskies that ignited my passion over two decades ago. It was an accessible luxury then, leading me to explore boutique liquor stores. I remember vividly how Guy Boyen transformed my budding interest into a lifelong passion. While I don't anticipate the same groundbreaking experience as my initial encounter, I believe this long-overdue review is fitting.

In recent years, Hibiki has undergone significant changes, especially with Suntory ceasing production of its 12-year-old variant in 2015. This was replaced by Hibiki Japanese Harmony, an expression without an age statement. Although several Hibiki versions have made a comeback, they now come with a steeper price tag. Despite not being widely available, Hibiki has introduced limited editions such as Master’s Select and Blossom Harmony, much to the delight of whisky aficionados.

The Intricate Composition of Hibiki Japanese Harmony

Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a symphony of diverse and intricate flavors, a testament to the art of Japanese whisky blending. This exquisite blend incorporates malt and grain whiskies from three of Suntory's most esteemed distilleries, each contributing unique characteristics to the final product.

1. Yamazaki Distillery: Recognized as Japan's oldest malt whisky distillery, Yamazaki brings a rich heritage and depth to the blend. Whiskies from Yamazaki are known for their signature fruitiness and a certain elegance, providing a robust foundation to the Harmony blend.

2. Hakushu Distillery: Nestled amidst the deep forests of the Southern Japanese Alps, Hakushu is renowned for its fresh and verdant whiskies. The malt whisky from Hakushu adds a refreshing, green, and slightly smoky note to the blend, offering a counterpoint to Yamazaki's richness.

3. Chita Distillery: Specializing in grain whisky, Chita is the unsung hero in the blend. Chita's grain whiskies are typically lighter and smoother, providing a silky texture and a balancing sweetness to the overall profile of Hibiki Japanese Harmony.

The Art of Aging with Five Types of Casks

Hibiki Japanese Harmony's aging process is a masterful display of craftsmanship, utilizing five different types of casks, each imparting distinct flavors and characteristics:

1. American White Oak Bourbon Casks: These casks contribute classic notes of vanilla and caramel, adding a smooth and sweet undercurrent to the whisky.

2. Sherry Casks: The use of sherry casks introduces rich, dried fruit flavors and a deep complexity, lending a luxurious and rounded profile to the blend.

3. Japanese Mizunara Oak Casks: Perhaps the most distinctive element in the aging process, Mizunara oak is rare and highly prized. It imparts unique flavors of sandalwood and a subtle spiciness, along with a distinctive incense-like aroma that is quintessentially Japanese.

4. European Oak Casks: These casks add depth and richness, often bringing in subtle hints of chocolate and darker fruits to the whisky's flavor profile.

5. Wine Casks: The use of wine casks is less common but adds an innovative twist to the maturation process. These casks can introduce subtle berry notes and additional layers of complexity.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony (43%, OB +/- 2023)

Notes: A refreshing and lively blend of scents greets the senses. Zesty lemons, crisp green apples, and juicy nectarines, complemented by a subtle vanilla essence. Gentle notes of honey, candied orange peel, and distant sandalwood add complexity. Delicate jasmine fragrances enhance the whisky's Japanese character, while woody and grassy notes emerge over time, adding to its appeal.

Palate: The smoothness of Hibiki is immediately noticeable, striking a harmonious balance between woody and fruity elements. Vanilla, white pepper, and oak are prominent, alongside sweet notes of pear and orange. Mid-palate, there's a delightful mix of biscuity flavors, dried ginger, and a hint of coconut cream. The profile shifts slightly towards a more familiar grain whisky or bourbon character, with a dominant sweet woodiness.

Finish: The finish is moderately long, continuing the emphasis on woody flavors.

The nose of Hibiki Japanese Harmony is both elegant and inviting, likely to pique the interest of whisky newcomers. However, seasoned connoisseurs might find the palate somewhat commonplace, with a pronounced focus on younger woody notes. Overall, Hibiki presents itself as a refined and courteous whisky, an ideal entry-level choice for those who can find it at a reasonable price. It's more affordable in the UK compared to mainland Europe and is available at various retailers.