Hibiki 12 Year Old

I've tasted a few Japanese drams so far and none were disappointing! This one was the best by far. This Hibiki 12 Year Old is a so-called premium blend, because it contains (besides grain whisky as packer) no less than 30 different single malts that are at least 12 years of age, topped off with a 30-year old! The dram has matured on Japanese oak first and finished in so-called Umeshu cask, previously used for the maturing of Japan's famous plum brandy. The whole went through a process of charcoal filtering - through bamboo wood no less - that gives the whole it's mellow, soft taste. It was launched in 2009 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Suntory Hibiki distillery. The influence of the Umeshu cask is clearly detectable on the nose. Apart from plum, raspberry and pineapple, one also gets hit by very sweet honey and a truckload of vanilla. On the palate, a duel is going on between the oak and the barley. What a body. Very good indeed. The finish is nicely spiced and long. The sweet oak prevents the dram from burning down your throat.Mmmm very moreish. The word 'Hibiki' has several meanings in Japanese, one of them being 'harmonious'. That's a good way to describe this premium blend. Available at other retailers for around £45.

This is an absolute peach of a dram. It is distinctly Japanese and has something really special about it. I'd thoroughly recommend it; a good one for blind tastings.

Now this is a whiskey, where every single drop counts. Very very smooth, sweet and fruity. The finish is just going and going and going...:D Japanese are obviously the masters and perfectionists in everything they touch. Go get your own bottle, this one is mine :D.

I have a bottle of this, awaiting my arrival home cannot wait to taste it I am getting a very big respect for japanese whiskey Yamazaki, 10yr, 12 yr,18 yr, are remarkable I could not stop smelling the dram Very moorish indeed.......Steve mcGiff, cornwall.........

Firstly the bottle i thought was very impressive. But what got me most was the nose, seriously i couldn't stop smelling it. The taste was very busy, but in a remarkable manner. Layer's of taste's Going back to the nose, i got bag's of rum and raison ice cream The vanilla was abundant. Smooth clean taste, distinctive to the japanese. I just loved it, smiled with every sniff and taste....... Stephen McGiff, Cornwall......

Sophisticated and exotic, Hibiki exudes the most wonderful collection of aromas and tastes. As a student, this one is very special and it will be a while before I can work my up through the range but if this is anything to go by, it will be worth the wait! Nose: Spring blossom and green freshness. Notes of plum and exotic spices (lotus, ginger?). Hint of raspberry, honey and sweet maltiness. Palate: Strong but subtle, extremely fragrant and sweet, balanced by spicy ginger and oak notes. Lively and velvet smooth with defined vanilla and honey notes. Cereal sweetness is held in check by more robust oak and rich exotic fruitiness, particularly raspberry and plum. Finish: Very long, sweet with an enduring spiciness - you are left in no doubt that you have had something very special.

Smell and taste: ume plum wine (umeshu), pineapple and honey, very sweet. If you don't like whiskey maybe you like this.