Hibiki Suntory Whisky Bundle: A Study in Time and Harmony
This exceptional bundle showcases the evolution of Hibiki's artistry through three age statements: 12, 17, and 21 years. Each expression represents a unique symphony of flavors, crafted with meticulous attention to detail and reflecting Suntory's dedication to the art of blending.
Brief History (Applies to all Hibiki Expressions):
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Suntory's Legacy: As mentioned before, Suntory, founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1899, is a pioneer of Japanese whisky. The creation of Hibiki is a testament to Suntory's pursuit of excellence and innovation.
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The Hibiki Philosophy: The Hibiki blend reflects the Japanese concept of "harmony" (wa), both in its flavor profile and its presentation. It's a blend of carefully selected whiskies that come together to create a seamless and elegant experience.
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Key Distilleries:
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Yamazaki Distillery (1923): Japan's first and oldest malt whisky distillery, known for its diverse range of whiskies.
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Hakushu Distillery (1973): Nestled in the mountains, Hakushu produces peated and lightly peated whiskies with a distinctive fresh and vibrant character.
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Chita Distillery (1972): Suntory’s grain whisky distillery, producing delicate and refined grain whiskies.
Expressions in the Bundle:
1. Hibiki 12 Year Old
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Description: Introduced in 1989, the Hibiki 12 Year Old is a classic expression that showcases the delicate balance and complexity of Hibiki. It's a blend of carefully selected malt and grain whiskies, aged for a minimum of 12 years in a variety of casks, including American oak, sherry casks, and rare Mizunara oak.
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Tasting Notes:
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Aroma: Honey, apricot, orange blossom, and a hint of sandalwood from the Mizunara oak.
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Palate: Smooth and gentle, with notes of candied orange peel, white chocolate, and a subtle spiciness.
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Finish: Long and delicate, with a lingering sweetness and a touch of oak.
2. Hibiki 17 Year Old
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Description: The Hibiki 17 Year Old is a more mature and complex expression, showcasing the depth and elegance that comes with extended aging. It's a blend of whiskies aged for at least 17 years, including a higher proportion of rare Mizunara oak-matured whiskies.
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Tasting Notes:
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Aroma: Rich and fragrant, with notes of caramel, vanilla, sandalwood, and a hint of smoke.
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Palate: Full-bodied and complex, with flavors of dried fruit, honey, spice, and a distinct oakiness.
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Finish: Long and warming, with a lingering sweetness and a touch of spice.
3. Hibiki 21 Year Old
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Description: The Hibiki 21 Year Old is the pinnacle of the Hibiki range, representing the culmination of Suntory's blending expertise. It's a blend of meticulously selected whiskies, aged for a minimum of 21 years, including a high proportion of rare and exceptional casks.
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Tasting Notes:
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Aroma: Deep and complex, with notes of ripe fruit, honey, spice, and a pronounced Mizunara oak character.
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Palate: Rich and velvety, with layers of flavor, including dark chocolate, caramel, spice, and a long, lingering oakiness.
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Finish: Exceptionally long and satisfying, with a harmonious balance of sweetness and spice.
Overall Impression:
This Hibiki Whisky Bundle offers a truly exceptional tasting experience. Each expression showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of Suntory's blenders, highlighting the unique characteristics derived from different aging periods and cask types. It's a perfect gift for whisky connoisseurs and a great way to explore the depth and complexity of Japanese blended whisky.
