Distillery: Suntory Whiskey
Proof: 86
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Undisclosed
BACKGROUND: Hibiki was launched in 1989 to commemorate Suntory’s 90th anniversary. Hibiki Whisky is one of Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky nationally and internationally. Harmony is the name of the new NAS (no age statement) offering from Suntory for their premiere Hibiki line of blended whiskies. It is meant to replace the entry-level 12 yo expression, which is no longer available. Hibiki is adding a small proportion of new whisky aged in Japanese Mizunara oak casks and blending it with their aged whisky to produce this Harmony expression.
NOSE: Rich with sweet fruit and floral scents wafted up from the glass in the form of apples, citrus fruit, and some pear. There are also strong scents of vanilla and some like wood. (22/25)
PALATE: The whisky opens up with the iconic Hibiki oak flavor profile along with citrus rind, honey, toffee, malted grain flavors, and some tingle that reminds me of a high rye bourbon. Overall this is a softer Japanese whisky with a sweet flavor profile. (35/40)
FINISH: The finish is medium in length and is dominated by the citrus oaky notes. (21/25)
VALUE: With a $60 SRP this is a great deal for a tasty whisky. (8/10)
Overall: 86/100
FINAL THOUGHTS: Hibiki Harmony is a sweet Japanese whisky with tons of flavor and smoothness. The flavor profile is reminiscient of a low proofed bourbon with a high rye percentage in the mashbill. Overall, the whisky has some younger flavors but is still very enjoyable at a great price.
Similar & Slightly Better Whiskey: Hibiki 12 Years
Similar & Equal Whiskey: Tomatin 12 Year
Similar & Slightly Worse Whiskey: Nikka Days
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Scoring Legend:
96-100: The perfect dram, juice of the gods
90-95: Near perfect, truly incredible whiskey
85-89: Amazing whiskey, will always try to keep a backup bottle of this
80-84: Very good, some minor flaws here or there
75-79: Good, quite enjoyable to drink, Will try and keep a bottle on the shelf
70-74: Solid, wouldn’t go out of my way to get this
60-69: Decent, would offer this up to non whiskey drinkers
50-59: Not my cup of tea
Below 50: Give away