Big news on the Japanese whisky front. An article in the Wall Street Journal concerning whisky from the land of the rising sun had this little scoop for us…Nikka is coming to the U.S. in 2010! As our regular readers know, I’m completely infatuated with Japanese whisky and Matt’s taken quite a shine to it too. Current distribution includes Yamazaki 12, 18, and vintage 1984 along with the Hibiki 12 year old blend. All these come from Suntory. With Nikka coming in our fortunes continue to improve. No details yet on the timetable, lineup or pricing. Stay tuned for more!
Drink wisely my friends,
Richard
Any idea if the Hibiki 12 is sold in the Atlanta area? I just returned from Kyoto with a few bottles of the 17 (I’m a bourbon drinker but the 17 is my favorite blended whisky) and was hoping to find the 12 here but am not having any luck. Plenty of Yamazaki 12 in town but none of the Hibiki.
After months of build up, we just got Hibiki in New York at the end of last year. Unfortunately, Atlanta’s not nearly as large a market so it may take a while to filter down. Richard may be able to give you some leads. If none of those pan out, ask your local liquor store if they can order it. I’d love to try the 17yo Hibiki. The 12yo rocked me at WhiskyFest NY. My mouth waters at the prospect of more Japanese whiskies.
Have you tried the Hakushu 12 Year Old from Suntory? It’s reminiscent of Talisker 10. Quite delicious!
I haven’t had the opportunity to try Hakushu. Is that available in the US? I haven’t seen it anywhere or heard mention. I’ve never been to Japan and Europe is their other large market. Last time I was in Europe, I was in Budapest. Not a great haven for whisky drinkers. Although, there is nothing quite like palinka and Unicum to put the hair on your chest.
Tucker,
I’ve checked and the Hibiki hasn’t made it to Atlanta yet. I’ve got some people checking on distribution to see if I can get an ETA for you. I’ll let you know what I hear back.
Tucker, I finally heard back from my connections on the distribution front. Apparently we in Atlanta will not be getting any Hibiki or Yamazaki 1984 anytime in the near future. Atlanta is apparently not deemed a “enthusiast” market by Sky Imports which brings Suntory’s products stateside. You’ll have to pick it up elsewhere on your travels.
Richard, thanks for the (disappointing) update. I’ll be sure to stop by Binny’s while I’m in Chicago next month.