Whisky Advocate Blog » Hibiki

Review: Suntory Hibiki 12 yr. old

John Hansell — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:29:16 +0000

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

Suntory launching Hibiki 12 y/o in U.S.

John Hansell — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 11:44:33 +0000

This Japanese blended whisky was introduced to select European markets this past May. I was informed yesterday by their PR company that the whisky will be launched in the U.S. on October 1st.

I am very excited about this. Suntory has many great whiskies in addition to their Yamazaki single malts. Hibiki is one. Hakushu, their other single malt distillery, is another. Maybe this means we might see Hakushu coming to the US in the near future? Let’s hope so.

Here’s some details on Hibiki from Suntory’s website.

I’m getting a review sample shorty and will report back with my thoughts.