Hibiki 12 Year Old Japanese Whisky: A Harmonious Chapter, Now a Cherished Memory
Discover the exquisite balance and youthful vibrancy of Hibiki 12 Year Old Japanese Whisky, a beautiful blended expression from the esteemed House of Suntory. Once a foundational pillar of the Hibiki range, this highly cherished whisky has, like its 17-year-old sibling, achieved legendary status since its discontinuation. Each bottle now represents a precious piece of Japanese whisky history, reflecting Suntory's artistry in blending.
Hibiki, meaning "resonance" or "echo" in Japanese, embodies the philosophy of harmonious living and the pinnacle of Japanese craftsmanship. The 12 Year Old was meticulously crafted from a precise blend of carefully selected malt whiskies from Suntory's Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, and grain whisky from the Chita distillery, all aged for a minimum of 12 years. A unique touch for this expression was the inclusion of whiskies matured in ume (plum) liqueur casks, adding a distinctive fruity and slightly sweet dimension. The result is a vibrant, incredibly smooth, and beautifully balanced whisky, presented in its iconic 24-faceted bottle, symbolizing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar.
Why Hibiki 12 Year Old is a Beloved Collector's Item:
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Discontinued & Exceptionally Rare: Its discontinuation has made it a highly sought-after and increasingly scarce collector's item, representing a significant moment in Japanese whisky's evolution.
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Masterful Blending: A harmonious blend of meticulously aged malt and grain whiskies from Suntory's premier distilleries.
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Ume Liqueur Cask Influence: Features a unique component aged in plum liqueur casks, contributing a distinctive fruitiness and subtle sweetness to its profile.
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Significant Age Statement: 12 years of maturation imparts notable complexity, depth, and remarkable smoothness for a blended whisky.
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Iconic Presentation: The distinctive 24-faceted bottle is instantly recognizable and a symbol of Japanese artistry and the brand's philosophy.
Tasting Notes:
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Appearance: Bright, radiant amber gold.
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Aroma: A delicate yet inviting bouquet of pineapple, plum, raspberry, honey, and floral notes, with hints of vanilla and a subtle woody spice.
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Palate: Luxuriously smooth and velvety, coating the palate with layers of sweet honey, candied orange peel, white chocolate, and a medley of red berry fruits. The ume cask influence adds a unique, pleasant tartness and depth.
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Finish: Medium-long, warm, and remarkably elegant, with a lingering sweetness, a delicate fruitiness, and a pure, harmonious balance that gently fades.
Hibiki 12 Year Old Japanese Whisky is an essential acquisition for the serious whisky connoisseur and collector, offering a profound taste of a now-legendary expression of Japanese blended whisky. Best savored neat, allowing its intricate layers and harmonious character to fully unfold.
