Hibiki Japanese Harmony

Received this bottle as a present from some fantastic friends. I must say, the presentation is superb. Arguably, one of the most visually appealing bottles in the world of whisky. The spirit itself exhibits a lovely golden/amber hue. Nose - instantly greeted with abundant orchard fruits. I detect apples, pears, mango skin. Subtle floral notes like jasmine, rose, lavender are also present. There's also some ethanol, suggesting it might be young? Unsure. Will discover once I taste. I also perceive a mild amount of lemon, orange, and some salt in the aroma. A very, very fresh and vibrant smelling nose. It also possesses a perfumed quality. Tongue - the first sensation is a cooling effect on the tongue. Then, I am immediately met with significant sweetness! Wow, is this sweet or what?! In a positive way. It doesn't coat the mouth extensively, but that's expected for a spirit with lower alcohol content. I taste sugar syrup, tart apples, pineapples, banana. I do experience many floral notes. While it doesn't taste like parsley, it reminds me of that kind of herbaceousness. Especially in the aftertaste. This is quite interesting. The finish is brief. In the mouth, it feels like a younger whisky that has been diluted, yet it remains sufficiently rich. The cooling sensation persists. Overall, a very pleasant, easy-drinking spirit! Ideal for spring and summer.

Aroma: The smell is welcomingly sweet and fruity, featuring prominent notes of apples, raisins, and orange peel. A lovely touch of white chocolate adds a creamy layer to the scent. Taste: This whisky is a fruit-lover's dream on the palate. The flavor is dominated by juicy plums, much like fresh plum juice, along with dried fruits like raisins, dates, and figs. The smooth texture is enhanced by a subtle hint of cinnamon spice, making every sip well-balanced and enjoyable. Finish: The finish is rather short to medium in length, leaving a sweet aftertaste with hints of honey and white chocolate. It's a pleasant way to conclude a well-rounded tasting experience. Overall: Hibiki Harmony is an enjoyable whisky that presents a balanced mix of sweet and fruity flavors. While it might be a bit overhyped, it's still a good choice for a one-time purchase. The bottle itself is a piece of art, adding elegance to any collection. I still like Nikka from the barrel more than this.

I've spent 6-7 years trying to find a bottle of this, and the price went up from $80 to $100. But I finally got one. Tasting it neat. It looks light golden straw in the glass and leaves substantial legs. The aroma is of floral grain, grape, honey, and oak. In the mouth, oak and honey appear first, followed by grain and a bit of grassy rye. The flavor is subtle and floral, but some smoky fruit notes emerge. The mouthfeel is thick and tingly. The finish has honey, oak, and spice, is dry and fairly long, then turns a little dry and sour at the very end. It's a classic Japanese whisky blend, in color, floral grain, and sherry finish. It has a soft, complex, surprisingly tactile mouthfeel. I tried it in a classic Whisky Highball (which was excellent, but an expensive mixer) and with ice (which was just okay). It's pricey, so I will savor this bottle carefully.

Aroma: A bit past its prime compared to memory, I suspect this bottle might be starting to decline. I detect vanilla, cinnamon spice, oak, some earthy sherry but it's not overly dominant, there's a woody spicy element here that's almost herbaceous, light lemon peel. Honeyed fruit notes emerge as you continue to drink. Taste: Initial notes of grain whisky. As your palate adjusts, the malt flavors become more apparent. Sherry, baking spice, a slight citrus brightness. An earthy/musty malt/sherry note is also present. Honey. Overall very smooth; the first sip had a burn, but the rest of the glass is easy to enjoy. Aftertaste: dusty malt, warming oak spice, and hints of sherry earthiness. A faint touch of salinity?

A well-rounded Japanese blended whiskey from the Hibiki collection, incorporating malt spirits from Yamazaki and Hakushu, along with grain spirit from Chita. The blend utilizes five distinct cask types, including American white oak, sherry, and Mizunara oak. The composition was developed by Suntory's blending team, headed by Master Blender Shingo Torii. It begins with an aromatic profile of hibiscus, honey, and wood; develops into a rich experience with custard, more honey, and autumnal fruits; and concludes with a balanced, medium-length finish of sweet chocolate and orange zest. October 2017 / June 2018 / July 2022

Aroma: light, floral, grain whisky, with hints of citrus/lemon zest and green apple, mild honey, Sherry. Some oak Taste: abundant Sherry presence, with a strong fruitiness that isn't sticky or overwhelming. Sweet vanilla cream, a mild grain sharpness/bite. Honey and subtle malt elements (nutty, malty sweetness). A moderate warm oakiness appears as it moves to the finish. Definitely detecting some spiciness here too, I suspect that's the mizunara contributing. Aftertaste: mildly drying oak tannin, hints of earthy sherry, warming.