Hibiki Japanese Harmony

i love hibiki whiskey

5th August 2019

This is an update as I wrote the previous review four days ago.
I dare to day the Harmony has grown a bit ornery since opening.
I purchased an older bottle, the box features smaller Japanese print and a purple bottom as opposed to the newer purple top and mostly white box.
It has become a bit more aggressive on the burn front.
I want to say less enjoyable as to when i first opened it (as I could've drank half the bottle it was so smooth and inviting) but I tend to enjoy my whisky neat. Now, with a cube of ice, it has retained it's agreement with my taste at least.
The mix of some new air has altered the taste but I have found a way to enjoy it nonetheless

12th July 2019

Been on the Japanese whisky kick for the past few months. This blend lives up to its name; harmonious smells, flavors and finish.
Very drinkable and pleasing overall.
Doesn't topple Nikka Yoichi single malt as my favorite but there is no disappointment here.
Good stuff.

8th July 2019

Awesome smooth and flavour changes after a few sups! Fantastic would buy again.

5th July 2019

As a novice whisky drinker. I find this quiet tasteful and very smooth. Perfect straight.

6th April 2019

Having tried the whisky in a whisky highball I have to update the rating. The carbonation opens up the whisky a lot and brings out another level of tastes.

18th March 2019

I find it a bit plain and uninteresting. It is easy to drink. Could be used as an introduction to whisky for someone who doesn’t like whisky.

8th March 2019

An absolutely wonderful whiskey. A great partner for special moments.

11th February 2019

One word: outstanding! Although it´s not the cheapest whisky (but far from being expensive), this is the best overall whisky I´ve ever tried. No the sweetest, but the smoothest, the best quality, more elegant and balanced I´ve ever drink. You´ll find a perfect balance of fruit, oak, sweetness and spicy aroma/palate. This is quite linear, that is, what you get from the nose is quite what you get from the palate and finish. Worth every penny.

4th February 2019

Marmalade on hot buttered brown hot toast. In alcoholic liquid format.

30th November 2018

very pleasant blend, fruity, and sweet.

3rd October 2018

A decent whisky, but the American version seems commonplace, but stands out as a mediocre whisky. I probably expected more from a whisky that's out of stock in Japan. Worth it if you are collecting volumes of world whisky, but worth a skip if you're wanting something special.

1st October 2018

Totally agree with the review below, the grain is overpowering.
I have a bottle of the chita and I can only taste that, it's like a poured that into the hibiki bottle.
It is a good whisky but it's not unique, I was expecting a lot and turns out to be just nice.
Will have to try a single malt japanese because so far I can't see anything special.

11th September 2018

Even When i favor single malts, this blend stole my heart. Best blended whisky i have tasted. With a hint of honey and a well round nose, it is a must if you're looking for something different in the best sense.

21st August 2018

Our go to. Even better with a orange rind and soda water.

9th June 2018

Well-blended and interesting enough mixture of the Yamazaki and Hakushu flavour profiles (apricots, grass, something floral), but overly light and too marred by the grain. A higher abv and pure malt might go some way to correcting its failings. Not really worth getting over the rather superb individual malts, in fact a non-starter with the recent price inflation.

1st June 2018

No, it did not work for me. My mistake, as I prefer single malt, but I let myself be convinced by the guy a the duty free counter, and bought this as I wanted to try something from the Japanese market. I am sorry but nothing special. Lovely bottle, though, which I will keep. As I am re-reading the marketing blurb at the back of the box I can translate it in two ways: let's just mix everything together and sell it for a fortune, OR let sit down and produce something harmonious and lovely. Lovely indeed, but nothing special.

12th April 2018

With a Golden Color and sparkling bright, the Hibiki is a beautiful whisky. In the nose, it shows an awesome harmony, although it lacks intensity. In the mouth it has again a big harmony with a quite diverse range of flavors, but lacks on structure and personality, being just a very pleasent Blend. Would recommend for someone who is searching a Japanese Blend.

1st April 2018

I think prices are going up due to the hype. I picked one up for $69 after tasting a flight of japanese whiskies in a local whisky house. On the nose, the whisky is very floral with notes of sandal wood and sharp fruit, which is almost nail polish like, but in a pleasant way. On the tongue, the whisky is light with lingering sweetness. Subtle notes of malt and peat come through on the mid-palate. I appreciate subtle flavors in both foods and spirits and really like this whisky. Have this in your collection to appreciate the range of different styles whiskies can offer. Note that it's not going to be as powerful as your Islays or some bourbons.

28th March 2018

A tasty whiskey which has gone up from £50 to £65 in the last 18 months.
I won't buy it again at that price.
There are many other great whiskies out there at much lower prices.

1st February 2018

Nice but not a classic. Very young but easy going in the palet. Don't not add water it will kill this whiskey. Got as a present and glad I did . I read reports that the price was going up so I brought myself a second bottle for £48.
Not worth £65

23rd January 2018

At first I thought I tasted a hint of subtlety, but after making it further through my ounce it started to drink like a slightly more balanced Irish whisky (not a good thing).

At a much lower price-point it would be an acceptable whisky, but I'm afraid Suntory has dressed up a sub-par dram in a nice bottle and box and called it 'premium'. Avoid unless you're only buying an ounce.

30th December 2017

So nice. Big fan of this. Almost prefer to sniff it than drink it. Cuts calories and more affordable.

25th December 2017

If not for the 12 and 17 year old versions existing this hibiki is the best blend around at the moment. It has so much to offer to all, whether you have tried whisky for the first time recently or are a seasoned drinker. This NAS hibiki may have some younger malts than the 12 year old did, but I wouldn't be surprised if it had older too. Its well balanced, friendly and accessible but! never boring. May be a little pricey, but it is unique experience indeed.

Nose
Lots of dried fruit notes including plum, raisin, apricot and perhaps a hint of fruit conserve. Vanilla and floral notes. There is a pickled note in here, not unpleasantly so, but just a little acidity complemented by a marmalade note, cacao and a very faint hint of peat.

Palette
Sweet wood notes, vanilla, honey develops into a warm spice rich apple and orange note before finishing with some oak woodiness and spiciness, some over-brewed tea and a faint passing note of peat.

(Disclaimer, Tasting notes are subjective)

13th October 2017

I'm not a whisky buff or a toff, I have had some bunnahabhains and the Shackleton Journey and discovery whiskies

all god damn fine whisky's and all i can say is its distressing that this doesn't come in a 1 litre version, 50cl is just not enough, but happy to have it in my cabinet, its really nice n fresh to drink, i dont add coke! i dont add water, damn i dont even add ice, i drink my whisky how its poured straight into the glass and then my mouth

14th September 2017

With a blend of both yamasazki and hakistu. You can actully taste both at the exact same time. The problem is it is on where near a good as i was led to belive. if you already have yamaski and hakisu, there is really no need to to get this one.

3rd September 2017

A little bit pricey but one of the best blend's I've been drinking.
Alot of flavours, caramel, orange peel and alot of more flavours.. I have to try another whisky now so have to end the review right now..

23rd July 2017

Smooth. A good whisky. Very well balanced.

18th June 2017

Great whisky very easy drinking.
However the taste is almost identical to glenmorangie a mid winters night which is half the price.
Cool bottle though.

2nd May 2017

If smoky peaty briny single malts are winter, then the Hibiki Harmony is spring.
It is light, sweet, bright, fool of fruit.. that citrusy influence that is just...yummy!
There are very few whiskies even close in price point that I would rank with this one.

25th March 2017

By far one of the most elegant whiskies. I enjoy it straight with just a splash of cold water. I smell orange, a bit of chocolate and toffee. Very smooth taste with a sweet buttery end. It is complex but not too complex and medium strong.

11th February 2017

While this blend from Hibiki does remain smooth from start to finish, it also has a pleasing complexity that makes you want to taste it again. It has a nice finish that lingers softly, which I like, allowing you to easily continue to drink it.

I was never one to try and pinpoint every last flavor detail - I leave that to those with a more refined palate, than I. What I value is a whisky that tastes great and is a pleasure to drink in the overall experience. I find that Hibiki Japanese Harmony is exactly that.

15th January 2017

This is a beautiful whiskey. It is smooth, delicious, sweet and well worth the price.

10th January 2017

We opened the bottle and poured a few glassed it smelt really good , we drank it and it also tasted really good . then we had a glass of our local Scottish whisky , then I decided to taste the Japanese Whisky again .BUT WE WERE all very surprised and SHOCKED to find it was not pleasant to drink after having a SCOTTISH WHISKY .
Very Disappointed ???? FW

3rd January 2017

Such a lovely whiskey. Very easy to drink. Love it on ice.

20th December 2016

For the price, it is the best Japanese whiskey out there.

19th December 2016

Having a get together with the boys. I originally wrote a report on this that was not favourable and said I would let it breathe and report back again. Here it is from the group: Very fruity, cherries and bananas but rather flat overall. No life, no social redeeming value...lack of risk from the distiller. The question was "would you buy it?" and the overwhelming response was no.

11th December 2016

The bottle I got with The Japanese Advent calendar is hopefullt just off. Because this stuff hadn't a light smoky nose and the flavor of cat vomit. Every sip resulted in gagging. Had two friends over who are avid whiskey drinkers that tasted it with the same reaction. Group vote was to pour it out. I spent all evening trying to choke it down hoping it would get better. It didn't.

3rd December 2016

When I first opened the bottle all I could smell was rubbing alcohol. First glass was not a pleasant experience at all. Very young...sharp, soapy and lacking in flavour. Let it sit for a while and had another glass a few weeks later and although it settled down it still lacks character in my opinion. Having the boys over for a scotch night before Xmas and will report back with some more thoughts.

29th November 2016

On its own not much alcohol taste but very smooth. Please mix with yamazaki limited edition 2016 and it becomes fantastic. 2 spoonful of each and the formula is just right.

26th November 2016

Honestly this Hibiki is very disapointing. Flat and short.

18th November 2016

Young wet wood, very floral, decadent marmalade, spice, vanilla, sugar sweet but thin, short finish. Nice sweet & spicy taste with wood and flowers for aroma. I bit thin and the finish I'd short. Complexity seems to stop at the nose and the taste is a bit of a sweet mess. Reminds me of a brandy. My rating comes down to this. Am I excited to run to my kitchen and gave another dram of it? No. Would I buy it again? Nope.

17th October 2016

Probably one of the better blended I have tasted at this mid tier range. If smoky scotch isn't for you, this is the one to go for!!

27th September 2016

RECOMMENDED HIGHLY

21st September 2016

RECOMMENDED

21st September 2016

The initial nose is I think oak and orange together. Followed by more pronounced orange and peppery oak, which is in turn followed by notes of vanilla from the depths. There isn't even the barest hint of alcohol on the nose.

The palate is again oak and oranges, followed by orange candy, with some medicinal orange notes. There are only the barest hints of alcohol here, and barely any bite, until the finish.

The finish is dry with some hints of toffee showing up in an airing of oranges.

21st September 2016

Pricier than some great single malts (Laphroaig, Ardbeg, Arran), but this is a beautiful blend. Fruity, complex, smoky, and smooth with a pleasant, numbing bite at the finish. Think of a smokier, fruitier version of Arran 10.

28th August 2016

Dismissed by many due to its price point as a blend - don't overlook this incredibly light, smooth and floral whisky. Less sweet, more fruity (orange, spice, wood cone through) - don't let the snobs put you off with their wearisome complaints that it 'lacks in complexity' and is 'too sweet'. On the contrary, I'd say this is pure, understated complexity and elegance. Give it a chance - you won't be disappointed.

15th August 2016

Was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and tasty it was

28th July 2016

After trying the Hakushu 12yr as my first Japanese Whisky and being blown away, I was eager to try more offerings from Suntory's distilleries. The Hibiki Japanese harmony was the next bottle I grabbed.

The nose is promising, slightly floral, with more warmth and spice than the Hakushu. I got slightly woody smells in the nose, but none of the cirtrus or smoke of the Hakushu. Smells very inviting.

On the palate sweetness dominates everything. It tasted as if someone dropped a dollop of honey directly on my tongue before the whiskey comes through. With even the sweetest Bourbon, there is generally enough body and flavor to support the sweetness. After the honey there are some interesting and pleasant tasting notes in this whisky, especially those that you can get on the exhale after a good sip. But all the tasting notes here are demure and restrained and subtle, and simply do not stand up to the overwhelming sweetness.

At best Hibiki might make a great base for a minimalist cocktail or whisky and club soda. At worst it is simply medicinal in taste and lacking most of the virtues of the other fantastic Japanese Whiskys I've tasted.

11th July 2016

One of the best blended whisky's I've tasted.

20th June 2016

A truly delicious whiskey.Smooth and satisfying.
Even when the nectar has been enjoyed,the glass continues to have a delightful nose of oak and spicy sandalwood.

18th June 2016

Caramel...almond...toffee...sweet stuff...a little salty. Simple mid palate but really smooth and terrific for the price. I like it better than yamazaki 12 year and nikka pure malt. Great whisky for under $75.

18th June 2016

I had never tried Japanese whiskey before; Master of Malt led me to Japanese Harmony. Thank you!! It's, without doubt, one of the tastiest, most memorable whiskeys I've ever had the privilege to savour!

8th June 2016

...and a pale shadow of the Hibiki 17 :-(

The nose is promising but the palate and finish is a little unbalanced (dare I say unharmonious?)

Saddens me it's almost impossible to find a bottle of Hibiki 17 or even Hibiki 12 nowadays.

2nd June 2016

This is an awesome whiskey!

11th May 2016

Super smooth flavour

10th May 2016

A super smooth flavour very enjoyable light n lovely one of my favourites

12th March 2016

...not sure about this one. On the plus side, it has lovely fruit fragrance, with herby and woody notes. It has a pleasant mouth feel but the strongest impression is sweetness, and a little too much of this.

11th March 2016

Caramel nose. Lots of orange on first taste but less thereafter. Vanilla and floral. Oaky finish. Pleased

26th February 2016

Based on what I've heard this should be a satisfying whisky

17th February 2016

Nose is mostly plum...I also got white chocolate on the cork. Palate continues to be very fruity, flowery....I did not get orange, but more like apricot. A note I could not place till I read the review that said hibiscus...that's it! A touch of malt. Finish is a bit woody, burnt almost? I see that many have given kinda low ratings....the thing to remember is that this is a blend, not a malt. You rarely see this kind of complexity in a blend. So all good with me, you don't like the flavor profile, that's one thing...doesn't mean the whisky is bad, so long as it does what it sets out to do. However, this is my second Japanese whisky and I'll say this....this is definitely not as good as the Nikka from the barrel!

14th February 2016

Not usually a fan of blended whiskey, but this one set me on my ear!

5th February 2016

Super

2nd February 2016

Looking at those mediocre reviews I compared Hibiki 17 and Nikka WHISKEY FROM THE BARREL and Light Harmony all Japanese whiskys.
Light Harmony is an excellent light whiskey that can be served to all, even those who try Whiskey for the very first time and women are included.
No one will be turned off.
Many whiskey connoisseurs lost their taste to stinky taste of peat like LAPHROAIG or Smoky Lagavulin.
If you like to try light refreshing whisky without strong aftertaste look no further.

12th January 2016

A good balance between the 12 & the 21 year

9th January 2016

A whisky with an inviting nose, notes of honey, hibiscus, and subtle vanilla. Upon first taste all other senses are overwhelmed by the sweet taste that remains. Some 30 minutes after completing my dram it still feels like I have a lollipop in my mouth. Texture is thin. In all honesty, I expected more.

9th January 2016

Simply one of the best

21st December 2015

Unique. Floral. Certainly not smokey. Is smooth but could give a hangover unlike Scottish Scothches.

25th November 2015

So sweet. Kind of tastes like cough syrup, orange peel and a stale caramel. First sip...ok, this is different. Second sip...not sure if I like this. Third sip...yuck, give me something to rinse my palate and give me some real whiskey so that my taste buds don't sue me for abuse.

This is an embarrassing whiskey for Suntory. I hope that it gets pulled from the shelves soon because it is giving them a bad name.

17th November 2015

Color: Rich and deep in amber character, but clearly contains caramel due to the hue of the whisky: in conjunction with the flavor, which is curiously sweet and does not linger on the tongue, I'm convinced there is caramel coloring in the drink.

Aroma: Fruity with notes of pear and banana, very delicate notes of marshmallow and caramelized sugars; notes of toasted cinnamon and raisin bread, but very subdued. There is an aspect of charcoal but also very subdued and does not present alongside the phenolic notes of the malt, but rather with the more fruity flavor as would be found with a bourbon. Overall, the nose is lacking in pungency and has no truly distinctive notes over many other less expensive Japanese blends.

Taste and texture: Texture is thicker than Ardbeg and coats that glass in a pleasant way, but the taste is forgettable and doesn't linger in the mouth nearly long enough to be pleasurable. The flavors themselves immediately remind me of Nikka From The Barrel (51%) but without the distinction and pungency of Nikka's honey flavor.

Both of Suntory's malts, Hakushu and Yamazaki, present strongly in Japanese Harmony, but their effect is less pleasant than in the 12 Year Old Hibiki: the Hakushu blend, which is exceptionally sweet and has notes of pine and earthy flavors not found in other peated whiskys like Ardbeg or Laphraoig, is overwhelmed by the acidity and acridness of the Yamazaki malt, which tends to be more spicy and possesses the cinnamon characteristics that present in Japanese Harmony. The end result is a whiskey has the potential to be fantastic, but falls short in terms of the potency and longevity of the flavor in the mouth.

Would not recommend; would recommend in its place the Hibiki 12 which has more palatable honey notes, Nikka From The Barrel (51%) which has rounder fruity profiles as well as a more distinct and pleasant fruit notes, or Hakushu 12 which is surprisingly refreshing and has exceptionally balanced flavor profile between sweet and earthy.

24th August 2015

Quite smooth and not peaty. A bit on the floral / fruit side. A touch of burn that goes down with a sip. Absolutely enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it. Other than that it was a bit pricey, I would strongly suggest it to others.

9th August 2015