I first wrote about this here last week. It won’t be available in the U.S. until October 1st.
Hibiki, 12 year old, 43%, $55
Well-rounded, solid malt backbone, and very drinkable. These are the characteristics of this impressive blend. Honeysuckle, vanilla-coated malt and fruit (pineapple upside down cake, lemon tart, plum, bramble) are the primary flavors. Ripe barley, marzipan, beeswax, and clove round out the palate. Gentle, soothing finish. Suntory can make a 12 year old blend this good with just two malt distilleries? Scotland, are you taking notice?
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 88
I tried this a couple of months back, excellent stuff, what was more bizarre was it was partially age in a Japanese Plum Liqueur cask.
MF, I tasted some whisky samples straight out of Japanese Plum Liqueur cask when I was at Suntory a couple years back. Very interesting stuff, and I think it comes through in this whisky.
Us poor chaps in Japan have yet to taste this. Oh, the irony!
Hope you don’t mind that I have put up a link to you review on Nonjatta.
Nonjatta, I would be honored if you put up the link. And if it makes you feel any better, we often are left behind in whisky releases because of our 75ml requirement and our crazy state laws here in the U.S.
[...] Not sure if this is bourbon or rye, but notice the “e” in whiskey. He also reviews an Hibiki 12 now available in the [...]
I wonder if this’ll trickle its way into Canada?
Aspiring Gent: I hope so. A really nice blend and great for everyday drinking.
When, oh when, will this get released in the US?
I see no sign of it anywhere. The waiting is difficult. With so very few Japanese whiskies in the American market this will be a welcome addition.
It’s coming Brian. They were pouring it at WhiskyFest San Francisco.