Hibiki is the flagship blend from Suntory, one of Japan's biggest drinks companies. Introduced in the 1970s following the construction of the company's second distillery, it has gone on to win a worldwide following and critical acclaim, culminating in the awarding of an International Spirits Competition Trophy four times in five years between 2004-2008.
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COLOR:
Dark gold.
NOSE:
Absolutely stunning. Very complex right at first nosing, starting on a very wide array of various aromas such as marzipan, orange marmalade, nutmeg (a lot, really), apricot jam, quinces (lots), chamomile, and many others... The oakiness is just perfect. Then gets quite spicy, with still a lot of nutmeg but also ginger, juniper berries, saffron... Also old Sauterne of the highest grade, vanilla crème, bergamot... Exceptional, certainly the most beautiful blend I have ever Nosed, although I must confess I haven’t tried many.
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TASTE:
A little less classic and surprisingly sweetish for a short while (marshmallows and bubblegum) but it’s soon to get back on track, with an excellent oak up front and a spicy cortege progressively joining in (some nutmeg albeit less than on the Nose... white pepper, very sweet curry, something like satay...) Also, some spearmint. Gets maybe just a tad drying at the ‘end of the middle.
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FACTS
- COUNTRY: Japan
- ABV: 43%
- BOTTLE SIZE: 700ml
- BRAND: Suntory
