Other Whisk(e)ys

Hibiki Japanese Harmony

/ / Other Whisk(e)ys, Review /

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Suntory Whisky
43% ABV
$65
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
Hibiki was created to be the paragon of the Suntory blend. The name Hibiki literally means “resonance” in Japaneses, and reflects the Suntory Corporate philosophy to “live in harmony iwht people and nature.” Hibiki celebrates Japanese nature and the subtleties found in the 24 seasons of teh traditional calendar, reflected in the 24 facets of its bottle design. Hibiki is a harmonious blend of innumerous malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s distilleries, which are meticulously blended to create a full orchestra of flavors and aromas. The Hibiki Japanese Harmony is the epitome of the Hibiki blend. Subtle, noble and harmonious, Hibiki Japanese harmony is a perfect introduction to Japanese Whisky and the award winning House of Suntory Whisky.

Luminous. Delicate. A transparency that unveils complexity.

Color: amber
Nose: rose, lychee, hint of rosemary, mature woodiness, sandalwood
Palate: honeylike sweetness, candied orange peel, white chocolate
Finish: subtle, tender long finish, with hint of Mizunara (Japanese oak)

What Richard Says:
Nose: This one needs a lot of time for the nose to open up. Initially it smells great from across the table but not much when you nose it directly. Give it time and it shows rose oil and honey while walking in the woods right after it rains. Plum pudding and cloves.
Palate: Delicate, almost effervescent sweetness. Poached pears dusted in cocoa powder.
Finish: Drawn out with a light spiciness playing off the oak.
Comments: This is fine whiskey but it doesn’t really stand up to the 12 year old. The pricing on the two is very close and I think you would do yourself a favor to just go ahead and get the aged stated Hibiki.
Rating: Stands Out

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Taketsuru 12 Year

/ / Other Whisk(e)ys, Review /

Taketsuru Pure Malt 12 Year Old Nikka Whisky
40% ABV
$60 to $70
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
Malt whisky is distilled exclusively from barley malt, and is considered to be the forefather of all other types of whisky. In general, it is divided into single malt whisky (several malt whiskies from a single distillery vatted together) and pure malt whisky (malt whisky from several distilleries vatted together).

What Richard Says:
Nose: Green, as in vegetal with green apple peel, not young.
Palate: Light, and drinkable but somewhat bland.
Finish: Sharp black pepper spiciness with just a hint of the time spent in wood.
Comments: The first Nikka release to hit the U.S. a couple of years ago did not blow my socks off like the whiskies Suntory entered the market with. I find this Taketsuru to be bland and uninspiring. It’s not off putting but seem to be made more for mizuwari than straight enjoyment. For upwards of $70 for this blended malt I would recommend beating down your curiosity and spending less money on a better blended malt from Compass Box.
Rating: Average

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Nikka Coffey Grain

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Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky
45% ABV
$60 to $65
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
This Grain Whisky is distilled in a “Coffey still”, which is a very traditional and rare patent still Nikka imported from Scotland in 1963. The Coffey still produces a complex whisky with a mellow and sweet taste originating from the grain itself. Please enjoy the uniqueness of this whisky which Nikka offers to the connoisseurs.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Creamy and floral with a sharpness that reminds me most of young bourbon all with an herbal back note.
Palate: Deliciously creamy like a lovely vanilla custard enhanced by a light caramel sweetness.
Finish: This finishes a little hotter and spicier than you would expect going through the nose and palate.
Comments: I’ve called other whiskeys “ridiculously drinkable” in the past but this sets a whole new standard. This delicious little beauty from the land of the rising sun goes down like water. A whiskey for fans of scotch, Japanese whisky, and bourbon.
Rating: Must Try

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Hakushu 12 Year

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The Hakushu Single Malt Whisky Aged 12 Years
43% ABV
$65
Website
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What the Distillery Says:
HAKUSHU: THE VARDANT JAPANESE WHISKY

From Suntory’s mountain forest distillery, nestled deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, Hakushu is the fresh and gently smoky single malt whisky with herbal notes that is the revelation of Japanese single malts.

Straight from the untouched forests, mountains and pure waters of the Southern Japanese Alps, it is no wonder that Hakushu is a “green and fresh” whisky, praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy.Its crisp and vibrant feel, unique in a single malt, enlivens and liberates your senses.

Green with herbal notes.

Color: champagne gold
Nose: basil, pine needle, green apple
Palate: sweet pear, mint, kiwi
Finish:green tea, subtle smoke

What Richard Says:
Nose: “Green” comes to mind. Green grass, green herbs, green fruits, green conifers. At the very back is just the smallest bit of peat poking around. As it opens I get orange blossom honey.
Palate: Lovely fruity sweetness with again that wisp of smoke. Sweetened lime juice, honeysuckle, and herbal tea.
Finish: Long and warm with a nutty spice.
Comments: Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever had my opinion change so much on a whiskey before. When I first had this a couple of years ago I really didn’t like it. I tried it a few times and it never took. Revisiting it recently from like stock and this one is really hitting my sweet spot. It’s a fresh and vibrate whisky with an approachable sweetness that carries just a hint of smoke. Damn, I’ve overlooked this one too long.
Rating: Stands Out

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Hibiki 17

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Hibiki Suntory Whisky 17 Years Old
43% ABV
$125
Website
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What the Blender Says:
HIBIKI: THE HARMONY OF JAPANESE NATURE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

Embodying the soul of Japanese craftsmanship, this harmonious blend resounds with calm complexity and “Wa”, oneness.

“Kanzen”or complete, Hibiki is a harmonious blend of innumerous malt and grain whiskies which are meticulosly blended to create a full orchestra of flavors and aromas.

Seductive, blossoming and enigmatic, Hibiki celebrates an unrivaled art of blending, fine craftsmanship and a sense of luxury from the House of Suntory. From its launch, Hibiki has been embraced as the paragon of The Art of Japanese Whisky, the very product of Japanese nature and her people.

Hibiki is not only Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky, but among the most prestigious and honoured whiskies in the world.

Elegant. Poised. Slowly revealing a clear yet complex equilibrium.

Color: amber
Nose: peach, apricot, melon, rose, lily, lemon leaf
Palate: toffee, black cherry, vanilla, and Mizunara (Japanese oak)
Finish: sweet, fruity, with lychee aftertaste

What Richard Says:
Nose: Creamy and floral with stone fruit sweetness. Pralines, dried tea leaves, and a bit of cocoa powder.
Palate: Light, rich, and exceptionally balanced. Vanilla cream, citrus zest, banana custard, and cherry turnovers.
Finish: As light and delicate on the finish as the palate. This doesn’t finish like an aged whiskey at all. It goes down ridiculously smooth.
Comments: This is probably one of the top ten most drinkable whiskeys I’ve ever had. It’s not especially complex but the balance and drinkablity are stunning. This is one of those whiskeys you need to be careful with because you could blink and be halfway through the bottle.
Rating: Must Try

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