About the distillery : It was a sake producer, Mr. Taketsuru, who created the Nikka brand. He is considered the father of Japanese whisky. Trained as a chemist, he was sent to Scotland by his employer for an apprenticeship, where he discovered whisky and fell in love with it, along with a beautiful Scottish girl named Rita. In 1934, he established Yoichi, his first distillery, on the island of Hokkaido. In 1969, his second distillery opened in Miyagikyo. Today, Nikka whiskies are a huge success, far beyond Japan's borders. The Nikka group produces its entire range of whiskies from the single malts of its two distilleries.
Detailed tasting notes : Hibiki, meaning harmony in Japanese, brings together the four seasons of Japan, Japanese sensibility and the expertise of Suntory's craftsmen. This blend of Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita whiskies, famous for its finish in Umeshu liqueur casks, offers a delicate, soft and slightly sweet balance, comparable to an orchestra of flavors. The bottle, with its 24 facets, evokes the 24 hours of a day and the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar. On the nose, initial floral notes of rose mingle with the sweetness of honey, followed by accents of creamy vanilla and lightly toasted wood. A fruity touch of Japanese plum and the subtle freshness of barley follow, adding depth and dimension to the whole. On the palate, Hibiki continues to surprise with its smoothness and complexity. Honey and plum dominate the attack, offering a velvety, gourmand sensation. Juicy orange notes gradually emerge, balancing the initial sweetness with a touch of acidity. Finally, the tasting ends with vanilla that becomes creamy and persistent, enveloping the palate with a rich texture and lingering sweetness. The finish is moderately long, leaving a harmonious imprint of plum, floral nuances, vanilla and wood, testifying to the perfect balance of this whisky.
Data sheet
- Product Type
- Japanese whisky
- Category
- Single Malt
- Alcohol
- Alc. 43% Vol.
- Format
- 70cl bottle
- Producer
- Suntory
- Region
- Pref. of Osaka
- Tasting temp.
- Cold to room temp.