Single malt Scotch must be bottled in Scotland. The 18-year-old is a sweet non-peated malt that has been matured primarily in American Oak vatted with a smaller portion of malt aged in European aged oak. The distillery formerly known as Clynelish (yes, youre reading correctly) is making a comeback, along with the one listed directly below, so whisky fans can rejoice! According to Suntory's PR team, an extra $80 million will be invested this year to expand the Hakushu aging facilities. Its unavailable in U.S. stores, though you could buy this online from a number of sites, but prices are far exaggerated from Kakubins status as a convenience store whisky in its home country. Suntory pulled the plug on the 12 years aged Hibiki in 2015 and released Japanese Harmony in its place. In 2018, Beam Suntory recently discontinued its most famous expressions, namely, Hibiki 17-year-old and Hakusha 12-year-old. Just a few weeks prior, I wrote on the. You can shop around and have the bottle delivered. The suggested retail price of Hibiki 21 (700ml) in Japan is 32,000 yen. Hibiki Harmony makes a fine highball. Some of the liquid that ends up being bottled as Japanese whisky originates in Scotland. Suntory. I've got a problem. Its hard not to like. The mizunara influence is heavy, and it used to be an amazing value. This expression is the exact same base spirit as 12, just six years older. *As an affiliate advertiser for Etsy, I earn commissions on qualifying purchases. The liquid itself exhibits an immediate woody note on the nose, with the brighter, more acidic notes relegated to a supporting role. But it doesnt end there: The man works with several whisky companies and hosts educational tastings for the likes for Google and Facebook in Californiain addition to Vice in New York City. Curiously, its still on Suntorys website. About Suntory Group Suntory is home to award-winning Japanese whiskies Yamazaki, Hibiki and Hakushu as well as iconic American spirits Jim Beam and Maker's Mark. Below are some recommended online retailers that offer delivery. Nikka From the Barrel is the Lex Luthor to Harmonys Super Man. Suntory replaced Hibiki 12 with the younger Hibiki Japanese Harmony. This first bottling was mainly first-fill sherry casks and weighs in at 43% ABV, whereas the current bottling is fully bourbon barrel matured, and weighs in at a an impressive 53.5% ABV! Master Select has a lot more fruity Yamazaki malt and Sherry cask influence. It easily outperformed gold and many other investment classes. Japanese grocery chains are another reliable option. In October of 2015, the price averaged $500-$600. So it makes the 21-year look affordable. Please drink responsibly. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. The flavor profiles are somewhat similar. If you are going to spend $95 for a Hibiki Harmony, try Fuji single grain, it is very good. This page explores every angle of this Japanese whisky. Suntory Is Discontinuing Hakushu 12 and Hibiki 17 Due to - Thrillist The color print, which was limited to 3,690 bottles worldwide, has a vatting of multiple casks together, and starts at more than $2,800. According to Dave Broom, in 2017, there were: 27 Japanese firms importing bulk Scotch. Large retail stores (in major cities) like Costco, Binnys, BevMo!, and Total Wine will sometimes have a bottle in stock. Hibiki whisky is one of the most popular premium blended ranges to come out of Japan. There are some companies exploiting the lack of legislation around Japanese whisky, and greater transparency is needed, but it would be wrong to infer that all the Japanese whisky which is exported is in some way 'tainted'. SRP: $65Street Price: $65-$100Year Introduced: 2015Production: Ongoing. Forwarning: you will (likely) never drink this expression. If you want to try this whisky before taking the plunge on a whole bottle, restaurants and bars are the way to go. So its way more affordable than Hibiki 21. Dalwhinnie doesnt have any Japanese mizunara oak, however. Rest assured we are busy stocking up. And a few more whiskies are included that are worth considering. And because cash flow is important at these stores, they usually dont price gouge. The demand for it is out pacing the supply, which is contributing to it's availability. It has more caramel and dark fruit notes. I have never had a bad dram of Hakushu, and the meticulous Japanese way of creating anything would suggest that I probably never will. He is a Master of the Quaich and was inducted into the Whisky Hall of Fame in 2017. Suntory released Hibiki 21 and Hibiki 17 Year (semi-discontinued) in 1989. Hibiki Harmony is delicious and very smooth. If your favorite Japanese whisky tastes a bit like Scotch, that may be because there is Scotch in the blend. Miyagikyo You can tell Nikka is busy when they discontinue their entire lineup. Id try Glendronach 18-year-old Allardice' sherry matured, rich fruity depth touch of sweetness. What is Suntory famous for? - Toccochicago.com Available in nearly any decent liquor store, its perhaps the only Japanese party whisky. Wholesale prices across the US are not the same. This bottle is what got me into Japanese whisky. Hibiki 17 is most known for the flavors exhibited by the whisky aged in ultra-rare Mizunara oak barrels, a maturation process developed in Japan said to imbue the booze with coconut and sandalwood flavors. Yamazaki 18 is more powerfully fruity and has a velvety texture. But its not rich or powerful either. And you should expect to pay a premium. In this drink, Hibiki Harmony makes the base whisky. Suntory to discontinue Hibiki 17 and Hakushu 12 Would you mix it with Coke?#hibikiwhisky #japanesewhisky #bartenderlife #barhumor #japanesewhiskey. Those are included in this guide, as they remain available in limited quantities in and outside of Japan. Hibiki 21-year is a highly collectible whisky. Just a few weeks prior, I wrote on the addition of the premium blend on the Japan Airlines in-flight menu, but as usual, things change quicker than expected in an industry based around time and aging. Hibiki is most notable for its comprehensive use of Suntorys whisky-making tools. The rise of shochu and the steep drop of whisky consumption in Japan during the 80s saw many producers reduce production output, a move that is costing the whisky world today. It has since been replaced by the 12 Year Old. The quality of Japanese whisky remained high. The finish is medium length, with notes of vanilla, eucalyptus, and a little pepperiness. Whereas, the Yamazaki is a malt whisky. But all the hype has come with a price. By volume, Chita grain whisky is the largest component of the blend. In the glass, Hibiki 21 is dark, fruity, and a bit oily. The third of the three Suntory distilleries. Moreover, the rules of what constitutes Japanese whisky are quite flexible. Thats not to say Harmony is a bad whisky. So much so that Suntory doesnt bother with an MSRP (in the US). (1110176) The Dream of a Butterfly, https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/hibiki+twenty+one+old+blend+whisky+japan/0/usa, Oh, no! Reply Josh PetersOctober 26, 2015 Toki is primarily made up of Hakushu malted whiskies and a heavy helping of Chita grain whisky (Chita can be purchased as its own expression in Japan), giving it a springy, velvety nose and mouthfeel with enough spice to cut through soda and ice dilution. Finally, the most reliable way to shop for Hibiki Harmony is online. Bottles are bought up no matter how high the retail markup. They are used for malt whisky and add color and dried fruit notes. But prices range from reasonable to mega-gouge. Hibiki - Master of Malt He is a Keeper of the Quaich, a Kentucky Colonel, Lifetime International Ambassador of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Founder of International Whisky Day, Honorary Ambassador of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Patron of the Whisky Festival North Netherlands. And the bubbles from the soda will take care of the mixing. Check out some of the eye-popping stats on Viticult. So thats something to look forward to. The peat comes through most on the nose and finish, where it amounts to a background profile flavor. Think Highland Park. Its the only of the companys whiskies that contains parts from every distillery, every wood type and every barrel in its repertoire. Its light, punchy and floral, the baseline for all Japanese whiskies to come. SRP: Not Available in the USYear Introduced: 1937Production: Ongoing. The Glendullan distillery has been a work horse for the DIAGEO blended scotches such as Johnnie Walker, until the release of the 12YO back in 2007 (I actually helped launch it in Chicago). Since 2013, Suntory has invested over $182 million into ramping up production. (Other whiskies created in this era from Bowmore include the famed Black and the Final 50 Year Old). People often ask if Yamazaki 12 is discontinued. Thats a big range. Very few ceramic bottles obtain legendary status (case in point: Hibiki 30). The heavy sherry notes and incredible color speak volumes to what The Macallan is able to produce, and its a wonder how this never made it to North America on a commercial level, as it is truly outstanding. Demand is so high that bottles are scarce and prices start around $1400 US. The Yamazaki 12 YO is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and new oak casks, 80%, and the balance in a mix of sherry butts and Mizunara casks. This post breaks down why this Suntory whisky is special. In October of 2014, a 750 ml cost just $300*. Its a smooth blended Scotch with a pronounced kick of Japanese oak flavors. Then theres the monochromatic version, which is a single cask limited to 241 bottlesand at a much higher price of around $15,000to$20,000. This is a popular comparison, but its like apples to oranges. Stills have been added to both the Yamazaki and Hakushu sites and the companys Ohmi Aging Cellar has undergone a large expansion. However, after only being able to produce 2,000 liters per batch, it was deemed that it could not meet the global demand,Ganapathi explains. Everything about Yamazaki 25 is excessive (the color is literally darker than the barrels its aged in). But 21 isnt what one would call overoaked Hibikis trademark floral acidity cuts through the richness. The famed closed distillery was only open between 1955-2001. Learn more about Suntory whisky with this full-length guide. And while no rye has ever commanded $2,500 to $3,500 like this one, I can see this discontinued jewel continuing its meteoric rise., While I am a tremendous fan of the now-famed Suntory Yamazaki whiskies, its safe to say that I am an even bigger fan of its other distillery, Hakushu,Ganapathi says. Your email address will not be published. That sort of forced me to turn this into my full-time job because of all the love and support I was getting from so many people around the world. As mentioned earlier, Japanese whisky has gone from boom to bust before. Still, of all the worlds whiskies, Japanese producers are the ones that adhere the closest to Scotch whiskys template. Mizuwari is a popular method for drinking whisky in Japan. Be sure to shop around! Unlike any other 12 year old bottle on the market, it acts so much older than it is. Many desserts pair beautifully with Hibiki. Dave resides on the south coast of England. 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Im officially 34 now and I would say the obsession started at 29, so Im definitely a late bloomer compared to how early others are starting out these days. And the average retail price starts at around $100 pre-tax. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. The maturation features a larger proportion of Spanish and Japanese oak. In this case, its a significant portion of time spent aging in ex-plum liqueur barrels, a practice other Hibiki bottles dont include. Get it from my Etsy store for only $23 plus shipping. One of the few Japanese whiskies that could fairly be described as oak-aggressive, the 25-year-old bottling packs a payload unlike its younger counterparts heavy wood tannin astringency, deep sweetness as all stages of tasting and a consistent sherry bite that cuts through all of it. And if you find it for anything less, its a steal!, One to be reckoned with. And I dont blame them. He is based in San Francisco, California. Over the last decade demand for Japanese whisky around the world has exploded. Suntory refers to these as Heavy Type, Medium Type, and Light Type. It's unclear whether the whisky in the 2019 edition is any different than the standard Hibiki 17, but it does come with updated, more premium packaging. Sadly, this expression was discontinued by Suntory back in More info. And it's easily among the world's most famous blended whiskies. Other notes include orange oil, white raisin, genmaicha, and lavender. Only 522 of these bottles were sold, with the proceeds going to seven different Islay-based charities, to give thanks to the people of the smoky and peaty isle,Ganapathi says This whisky was so oversubscribed to for the chance to purchase a bottle, that Diageo had to ballot off the bottles to random winners. These all share some of the aroma and flavor components of Yoichi, which make it extremely attractive. Top-end whiskies like Yamazaki 25, Hibiki 30, and Hakushu 25 are available for around $30 (per 0.5 oz. More on that below. The Council of Whiskey Masters is home to the leading whisky education and certification programs, opening a systematic career pathway for aspiring and established whisky professionals around the world. Consuming alcohol can be bad for your health. Hakushu. This boozy and old-school cocktail is simply sugar, bitters, and whisky. This portion is aged mostly in American white oak and Spanish oak. (1110176) - The Dream of a Butterfly. This blended whisky is best served either neat, with a splash of water, or with a few cubes. Finally, there is a price comparison section where you can shop around and buy Harmony at the best price. Would you mix it with Coke?#hibikiwhisky #japanesewhisky #bartenderlife #barhumor #japanesewhiskey. Two years ago it was $65 a bottle and limit 2 per customer. Very sad to see this one go. He is a Fortnum & Mason Drinks Writer ofThe Year, and has received awards from The Press Gazette, TheBeerwriters Guild and Gourmand. Hibiki 12 was discontinued in 2015, as were many aged Yoichis and Miyagikyos, among other releases. Chita grain whisky provides a smooth core, while Hakushu and Yamazaki add balance and layers. The grain whisky uses corn and is distilled in a light, medium or heavy style . Blue cheese is especially delicious. Instead of sherry on the back-end, its the first thing you taste. Do you think its a good deal? The same goes for local shops. The distillation run through the columns is rapid, which produces a heavier new make. Yamazaki. Its fresh herbal notes become dried herbal notes and the citrus is replaced with a big, ripe sweetness. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. The discontinuation of Hibiki 17 was perhaps the biggest Japanese whisky news of 2018, and for good reason. Dave Broom: You won't find a Scotch which exactly replicates Yamazaki 18 and before you ask, you won't find a Japanese one either! I recommend a splash of water or a single small cube of ice. The short answer is no, Hibiki 21 is not discontinued. Some of my favorite people in the industry are so young and so in tune to the world of whisky, Nate says. Im a huge fan of Hibiki whiskies, but have mixed feelings about the price of Hibiki Harmony. But it may sell out quickly. This is likely to be the youngest component of the blend. The whisky made there is defined by its intensely forested environment and, more pragmatically, peated malt. Pour it over ice for best results. American white oak-aged malt whisky is the backbone. Look to pay about 1.5 times the initial price of around $1,700 to $2,000. They got it wrong. This is expected to change now that Suntory has decided to stop producing the expression, amidst shortages of aged stock. A rare unopened bottle of Hibiki 21YR. Made famous by acclaimed whisky writer Michael Jackson, the 12 Year Old is by far the most sought after of the 26 bottles in the Flora and Fauna series. Hibiki 21 Year Old Blended Whisky | prices, stores, tasting notes In 2018, Suntory announced it was discontinuing its popular Hibiki 17-year-old bottling due to a lack of sufficiently aged spirit (although that discontinuation does not appear to have actually happened). Expect to pay north of $2,500 a bottle. On the nose, its floral and fruity, with aromas of rose petal, peach, dried apricot, melon and lemon zest. Effectively the second Japanese whisky ever made, its light body and slightly spicy profile were built to mix into a highball and cut through the carbonation just enough. If you want to try it, your best bet is to patron a well-stocked bar and order a pour. Well, Hibiki Harmony replaced Hibiki 12. Its floral, spicy, and smooth. Made almost entirely of whisky that was aged in the golden era of the distillery: the 1960s. And retailers are charging an arm and a leg for the Hibiki 21 thats available. Its somewhat aromatic with a nice mix of fruity and floral notes. For Westerners, this lends it a slightly more familiar flavor at least initially. Hibiki is a blend of single malt pot still whisky, both peated and unpeated, and column still produced grain whisky. But if you dont mind using a relatively hard-to-get whisky for your drink, its an awesome choice. Thats why the mizunara portions of Hibiki Harmony are supposedly the oldest constituents in the blend. The short answer is no, Hibiki 21 is not discontinued. Hibiki whisky was launched in 1989, in order to commemorate Suntory's 90th anniversary. And the grain whisky is made at Chita. But, beware: The Monochromatic Joker is one of the most heavily-faked bottles out there, so some due diligence is required!, Ah yes! So its nice to see this bottle appreciated for what it truly isa work of art. But maybe too pronounced. But it isnt powerful or rich. A 1.5-ounce pour for $150 is a good deal. Hibiki operates out of 3 distilleries in Japan: In Yamazaki, Hakaushu, and Chita, Japan. A golden dram. Hibiki Harmony, Nikka Coffey Grain, and Nikka Coffey Malt are not that similar. This is particularly unique because there are two versions of this bottle,Ganapathi says. Prices on this have gone through the roof. A lot of people are asking this question. Level-up your sushi bar game! Chita grain whisky components are mostly aged in Spanish oak and plum wine casks. Whiskies from 12-20 years are likely in small amounts. On the nose, there is a light smoke, accompanied by candied orange peel, vanilla and cinnamon. To this day, it remains one of the most well balanced Japanese whiskies ever created., This is a prime example of a very cool one-off,Ganapathi says. Now its close to the same price as Hibiki 21. However, Hibiki 12 is also significantly more expensive than Harmony. Suntory allocates a lot of its supply to restaurants and bars. Over the course of production, nine batches were created. But make sure to factor in the cost of shipping. Hibiki uses many types of casks. On the nose, it has the same dried fruit sweetness, along with more pronounced coffee and dark chocolate notes. This question deserves its own post. The first of Suntorys whisky to get the axe Hibiki 12 was discontinued in 2015, so despite its status as the youngest of the lines age-statement collection, its no easier to track down than its older siblings. Stir until the glass is cold and some of the ice has melted. Just because Hibiki Japanese Harmony replaced Hibiki 12-year doesnt mean theyre the same whisky. If youre after peat, a Port Charlotte 16-Year-Old would also be a good choice. Theres good and bad news: its available again for what is the last time in the foreseeable future, but its going to cost you. Hibiki 21 is known for its bouquet, impeccable balance, and smooth nature. A world renowned Japanese blend, Hibiki 17 Year Old is made with aged malt and grain whiskies from Suntory's distilleries . You see, Nate is a true believera real collector who has somehow managed to get his hands on incredibly hard-to-find bottlings, from limited-releases to expressions from lost distilleries such as Brora and Port Ellen, and then some. We are producing as much as possible without compromising the craft. Suntory - Hibiki Blender's Choice I reported the release of the Hibiki Blender's Choice by Suntory several months ago, before its launch in Japan on September 4 th. Good luck! Regardless of its value, theres no doubt it is one delicious Japanese whisky. My guess is Hibiki 21 will continue to be in high demand. Suntory designed Toki to do one thing extraordinarily well: mix in highballs. Current prices would suggest youd be paying no less than $4,500 for this beauty. Yamazaki 12 is primarily made up of whisky aged in American oak and ex-bourbon casks, with trace amounts of whisky coming from Olorosso or Mizunara casks. The Hibiki 17 and Hakushu 12 are just the latest aged whiskies to get the chop. In my opinion, nothing you can add to Hibiki 21 is going to make it taste better than it does already. So dig hard!, One of the best to ever come out of the island of Islay, this incredible distillery has been sorely missed! The use of Japanese oak, the blending of different distillates from a single distillery, plus different yeasts and the effects of the Japanese climate makes it impossible, so don't try. Both have their place and do different things. 550. Specific notes include rose, orange and lemon peels, green apple, lychee, sandalwood, eucalyptus, and mint. The last core product to discontinue was the Hibiki 12. But obviously, youre never going to find a 21-year Hibiki for that price. In the US, Japanese Harmony comes in a 750ml bottle. Hakushu 12 was discontinued May of 2018, but it can still be found with a little digging. This is good if youre having food with your whisky. As a blended whisky, Japanese Harmony uses a variety of base spirits. Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. That's a great deal! What are your thoughts on Hibiki 21-Year? A Suntory Penicillin isnt as peaty as the original. However, the Hibiki Harmony is not the same as the Hibiki 12. It almost moves us to tears. Hibiki 21 might be the most famous Japanese whisky. The bulk of Hibiki comes from the Chita Distillery () in Aichi. If you can find a bottle today, expect to pay more than $800. Youll notice a pattern with Suntorys most recent whisky releases: no age statements. But its also a crapshoot. The followup is a swell of barrel-derived flavor compounds picked up from six more years in casks: vanilla, coconut, butterscotch, toffee and so on. But if I was forced to make a cocktail with Hibiki 21, there are three drinks Id consider. I am drawn to a Highland Park 12-Year-Old,a Caol Ila 18-Year-Old or,for the adventurous, the Caol Ila Distillers Edition. What. Japanese whisky has been in high demand for about a decade. Japan. And the whisky market could also cool off. While the loss of the great blend isnt the best news, the future is bright for Japanese whisky. Creme brulee, chocolate cake, and apple pie are just a few worth trying. As with Hibiki 17 and up, the Mizunara cask impact is greater than on the 18 than the 12, with loads of sandalwood that stay with you from nosing to the finish. The vast bulk of it will be, as it has been since the 1960s, for low-end domestic blends. It has been instrumental in pushing the premium blended category across the world, educating drinkers, and changing the misconceived idea that blends are inferior to single malts. Here, Nate lists his top 20 picks. So I love forks in the road.