Balance: Not as "harmonious" (as the translation of Hibiki implies), I find that although certain elements in this whisky work well, they do not combine in such a way as to elevate the overall experience, such as a very good whisky can do. Hibiki 17 Year Old Japanese Whisky is crafted from a blend of over 30 unique whiskies produced at both Yamazaki Distillery and Hakushu Distillery, including some that have matured in previously-used Umeshu casks (Umeshu casks are specially coopered casks that are used in the maturation of plum liqueur). "This is all done by hand — the traditional way," says Osamu Abe, the manager of Yamazaki Distillery, referring to the cooperage taking place at the distillery. "This is called yagura — craftsmanship. You must watch and listen to how they're made. In Japan, we say "˜use all 5 senses.' Of course we learn from others, but our own senses are key."

A new expression called "Japanese Harmony", with no age statement, was introduced in 2015. The new blend was said to use the same malt and grain whiskies used in the first Hibiki blend, being a blend of at least 10 malt and grain whiskies from three distilleries, aged in five different cask types, with some elements aged up to approximately 20 years. [5] [8] Since then, the brand has gone from strength to strength, incorporating delicate Japanese charm and masterful blending into cask after cask. Nowadays, Hibiki’s symbolic of what ultra-premium Japanese whisky is really capable of. The latest (and possibly last) version of the legendary Hibiki 17 Year Old limited edition houses the same outstanding flavours inside a newly designed bottle and box. In 2018, Suntory announced that this multi-award-winning whisky would be discontinued at “some point in 2019”, and with only 4 months of the year remaining, it’s safe to presume that is will be the the last Hibiki 17 release we’ll see for a long time. Hibiki 17 Year earned the Gold Medal at the International Spirits Competition in 2012 and 2013. In addition, it was named the "Best Japanese Blended Whisky" at the World Whiskies Awards. Each and every Member must be of legal drinking age in its country of residence to be allowed to use the Service. If no such law exists in a Member’s country of residence, the Member has to be over 21 years old to use the Service. We have the right to ask you to provide proof of your age and/or to provide further identification to prevent underage usage and/or for any other legal or legitimate purpose. By using the Service, and by creating an account you represent, warrant and confirm that you are of legal age.systemdown, about the miniatures re: your @ Pudge72 response, I am one who has had some quality issues with samples from minis, but I have to say the tastes of the 'off' minis didn't seem like an oxidative effect, e.g."soapy" is most definitely not the product of oxidation, but a defect in production and quality control. Also, for my palate, increased oxidation usually benefits the whiskies in question, rather than harming them. 'Soapiness', for example, is usually gradually dispelled by increasing oxidation. For me, the most common pattern is that only very advanced oxidation causes deteriouration of the flavours. Now I've tried a few other Japanese whiskies before, specifically the Yamazaki 12 yr (over rated in my opinion) and the Hakushu 12 yr old (absolutely brilliant). With the addition of water, the nose becomes floral and fruity, with an added hint of peat smoke, improving its balance noticeably as the caramel recedes from the forefront. Sadly though, the plum recedes also and is barely noticeable - but given the new found balance in the nose, it's not a major loss. Before drinking Hibiki, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the brand’s multi-faceted approach, so you know exactly which flavors and aromas to pay attention to.

Although inspired by traditional Scottish distilleries, Torii envisioned a uniquely Japanese approach to whisky and chose a location for his distillery that offered a climate and terrain utterly different from those of Scotland. Nestled on the periphery of Kyoto, Yamazaki Distillery is situated at the confluence of three rivers — the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu — that provide the warm, damp environment ideal for the production and maturation of whisky. Hibiki was one of the first brands to put Japanese whisky on the map, taking it from a relatively unknown concept to something adored and obsessed over after the Hibiki 30 Year Old won the World’s Best Blended Whisky category at the World Whiskies Award in London. As the first age-stated Hibiki product, it’s pretty impressive that 17 is the base age (important side note: Japanese whisky laws are notoriously lax around importing and relabeling, but by-and-large the companies otherwise abide in spirit by Scottish laws, meaning a 17-year age statement = the youngest whisky in the blend is at least 17 years old). Suntory’s other main brands - Hakushu and Yamazaki - start at 12, but both are single malts rather than blends, and there are things you can blend out that you can’t hide in a single malt.The Service has been prepared by us solely for information purposes to Members and the Service is based on information we consider reliable and we obtain the contents of the Service from a number of different third party sources (including Contributions), but we do not endorse, support, represent, warrant or guarantee the completeness, truthfulness, accuracy, or reliability of the Services and any information therein. The subtle refinements made to the 2019 Edition bring an added touch of flair and elegance. It’s classy, visually stunning and has an air of quality before it has even passed your lips – it’s the perfect last goodbye. Hibiki 21 Wins World's Best Blended Whisky award". Whisky Magazine. Archived from the original on May 12, 2013 . Retrieved May 10, 2013.