The Hibiki is a blended malt and grain whisky, oddly enough, as blends frequently do not come with age statements. It is obvious then that Suntory have intended to produce a high quality whisky.
My previous experience with Suntory is with the Yamazaki 12 and 18 year olds. I found the 12 to be a solid whisky, if nothing too interesting, and the 18 to be very enjoyable. I had high hopes for the Hibiki 17 year old and was certainly intrigued to discover what could be pulled off with a high quality blend. What Suntory have ended up producing here is a superbly blended whisky, and one that suggests blend should not be a dirty word in the world of whisky.
The only thing it suffers from is the “over balancing” that also plagues the Yamazaki 12. It is extremely smooth and sweet, which may not be to everyone’s tastes. I find it ideal as an appertif.
Hibiki 17 Tasting Notes
Nose: ripe fruit, with a prominence of plum. There are also some light spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as a mild nutty note – almonds, I think. Overall a sweet, light and pleasant nose.
Palate: the taste is not as richly fruity as one would expect from the overall fruitiness of the nose, but it does retain a citrus zest along with sultana. The grain starts to present itself later in to the tasting with a very full sweetness which comes after the inital spiciness. There is a little oak bitterness but not enough to be of any concern. Like the Yamazaki range it is very smooth. Its body is about medium.
Finish: sweet cinnamon and honey juxtaposed with bitter oak, morphing to light fruit towards the end. Very long.
Hibiki 17 Year Old Information
- Type: 17 year old malt and grain blend
- Region: Japan
- ABV: 43%
- Price guide: 75 British Pounds, 115 USD