If you are going to spend $95 for a Hibiki Harmony, try Fuji single grain, it is very good. Nectarous mouthfeel . Hibiki 12: The Youngest Hibiki Is No Longe It is heartbreaking. How much? And you can also think of it as a baby Hibiki. On the nose and palate, 12 is bursting with Hakushus rich terroir pine, mint, grass, chamomile, rosemary and lemon. Suntory decided to get rid of Hibiki 12 and 17 instead. After speaking to a member of the Suntory Japan PR team over the weekend, its been confirmed that yet another bottle from the aged Hibiki range will be removed from the lineup. Then theres the monochromatic version, which is a single cask limited to 241 bottlesand at a much higher price of around $15,000to$20,000. Hibiki 21 is delicious on its own. Thats a big range. It will still be some time before theyre caught up. *As an affiliate advertiser for Etsy, I earn commissions on qualifying purchases. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The distillery, built in 1934, was located there because of the regions similarity to Scotland. Each individual distillery is unique. Demand kept building. In the glass, Hibiki 21 is dark, fruity, and a bit oily. More on that below. This single cask, bottled exclusively for the famed La Maison Du Whisky in Paris, is so very good and can still somehow be found for around $100if you look hard enough. The Hibiki 17-Year-Old, a famed Japanese whisky by Suntorythat was featured in the 2003 movie Lost In Translation, will be officially discontinued. Difference. An acute shortage of aged stocks, the result of the combination of rising demand and lower production from roughly 1985 to around 2008, has meant that many Japanese whisky stalwarts have either been discontinued or have become impossible to find. But the Hibiki 17 sees a lot more mizunara and sherry cask aging. The finish is long and complex, with flavors of dried fruit, spices and some lingering raspberry and blueberry notes. My guess is Hibiki 21 will continue to be in high demand. Compared to other categories of whisky, Japanese whiskies have shown the most price appreciation over the last decade. The use of Japanese oak, the blending of different distillates from a single distillery, plus different yeasts and the effects of the Japanese climate makes it impossible, so don't try. Use the table of contents below to jump to a specific section. Sherry influence is notable, as is mizunara. An extremely highly-revered bottle from Nikkas first (Ichi means no. Kai-Komagatake. But I have a couple of recommendations. A 750ml of Hibiki 30 costs about $9-$11K per bottle. And theyre both about the same degree of collectible. Its possible to find a cheaper bottle in Japan but not easy. Though aged stock is lessening, the major Japanesewhisky maker is optimistic about the categorys growth in the future, and will not make the mistake of running out of stock again. Hibiki Harmony is well-suited for making cocktails. Until then, Scotland has some outstanding whiskies that you can substitute. Many desserts pair beautifully with Hibiki. The followup is a swell of barrel-derived flavor compounds picked up from six more years in casks: vanilla, coconut, butterscotch, toffee and so on. In the UK, Hibiki Harmony 70cl bottles currently sell from 70-100. But theyre both smooth and luxurious brands. The fact that it is continuously reaching new highs in regards to price points, and that its quality has never ever wavered, people will be thrilled to be able to start collecting new bottlings from this formerly mothballed distillery once production starts again in 2020. Hibiki 30). Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. The Whisky Exchange and dekanta introduced ballots for a few Karuizawa bottlings in 2017, inviting interested parties to sign up for the chance to purchase a bottle. In my opinion, nothing you can add to Hibiki 21 is going to make it taste better than it does already. Its the whisky Bill Murray drank in Lost in Translation that got the retail crowd excited about Japanese whisky. Two Japanese Whiskies Are Being Discontinued Due to a Shortage. Its the only of the brands whiskies which include Yamazaki, Hakushu and Toki to feature a blend of spirits distilled and aged at each of its three whiskey producing outposts (Yamazaki Distillery, Hakushu Distillery, Chita Distillery). He is a Master of the Quaich and was inducted into the Whisky Hall of Fame in 2017. Avg Price (ex-tax) $ 1,333 / 750ml. SRP: $250Street Price: $850-$1,100Year Introduced: 1989Production: Ongoing. 1 in Japanese) distillery, this bottle delivers beyond the incredibly lofty expectations of typical Japanese whisky. Its the only of the companys whiskies that contains parts from every distillery, every wood type and every barrel in its repertoire. A golden dram. Earlier this week, Nikka told its Japanese suppliers that it will be suspending the sales of three more of its age-statement malt whiskies in March. It easily outperformed gold and many other investment classes. However, Hibiki 12 is also significantly more expensive than Harmony. This is a BETA experience. Yamazaki adds deeper fruit, a silky texture, spice, and some backbone. Hibiki 17 or Hibiki 21 expressions are some of the most regarded whiskies, making them a lot tougher to find the bottle. We also fascinate the taste buds in Japan and the Asian market with our Premium Malt's beer. Two years ago it was $65 a bottle and limit 2 per customer. But the industry didnt stay down for long. But it can also make a good match with several dishes. 550. Today, Hibiki 21 costs around $1400! Finally, the most reliable way to shop for Hibiki Harmony is online. This is also why Hibiki 12 and 17 got 86d. Or Mortlach 16-year-old, meatier but with great complexity and also sherry matured. He is a Keeper of the Quaich and a Kentucky Colonel. Suntory's 17-year-old Hibiki whiskey has been discontinued. For me, anything Lagavulin touches is a no-brainer., GLENDRONACH 1968 ANA (ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS), I have watched this bottle gain roughly over 200% value in the past two years alone,Ganapathi says. So its way more affordable than Hibiki 21. He resides in The Netherlands and in South Carolina. And in 2018, Hibiki 17 and Hakushu 12 became the next marquee whiskies to get 86d. I've got a problem. And its easily among the worlds most famous blended whiskies. You may opt-out by. The malt whisky components come from the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries. Hibiki 12-year was a limited edition release, and can be found from private collection sales and select liquor resale retailers. And where can I get it? One of the best sherry bottles to have ever come out of this highland distillery in a year that saw them produce a ton of gems., One of the first Japanese malts to ever grace the market with its presence. Dave Broom has been writing, teaching and speaking about spirits for over 30 years and is the author of The World Atlas of Whisky. SRP: $65Street Price: $65-$100Year Introduced: 2015Production: Ongoing. Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a NAS whisky. And you can sometimes find it for a reasonable price. Made exclusively for Taiwan and Japan, this can, from time to time, still be spotted in some local shops, and is a complete sherry bombGanapathi says. It has been instrumental in pushing the premium blended category across the world, educating drinkers, and changing the misconceived idea that blends are inferior to single malts. And though a few retailers sell it for the same price, most charge 25-400% more. The result has been skyrocketing prices and acute shortages. And while no rye has ever commanded $2,500 to $3,500 like this one, I can see this discontinued jewel continuing its meteoric rise., While I am a tremendous fan of the now-famed Suntory Yamazaki whiskies, its safe to say that I am an even bigger fan of its other distillery, Hakushu,Ganapathi says. And the mizunara provides notes of sandalwood, aloe, and incense. Your email address will not be published. Just expect a considerable markup. Hibiki is a blend of single malt pot still whisky, both peated and unpeated, and column still produced grain whisky. Cheers! An event triggered by soaring reviews and awards in the early 2000s, the categorys popularity that put producers on their heels and unable to keep up with demand. Its many-layered whiskies serve as an introductory course to Japanese whisky light-bodied, clean, rich in fruit and floral quality with varying degrees of spice. It has more caramel and dark fruit notes. This means that Harmony is younger overall. Hakushu malt is known for its apple-like flavor, herbal notes, and mineral finish. But they did not lower the price. Mr. Duffy lives in Illinois, where he teaches classes on Irish/Scotch history & production, and for eight years was the co-producer of the Chicago Independent Spirits Expo. Also, its interesting to note that because of the new production run, the Diageo 2018 Special Releases will not feature either Brora or Port Ellen., WESTLAND LMDW 60th ANNIVERSARY (LA MAISON DU WHISKY), How Westland, an American single malt whiskey distillery out of Seattle, Washington, managed to secure its place in whisky history in less than a decade of being open is beyond mystifying (production started in 2010). Depending on the batch, finding this on the market will run you easily $700 to $800 minimum for a bottle, and sometimes even upwards of $2000. Scanning Wine-Searcher, a few shops are charging $150. The core range previously included the Hibiki 12 Year-Old, which was sadly discontinued in 2015, before the no-age Hibiki Harmony was introduced. My amazingly kind friend Franois at the Golden Promise Whisky Bar in Paris made this happen, as it is indeed my birth year bottle! So be patient and dont overpay. Marty Duffy: The Glendullan 18YO might fit the bill to fill the gap of the departure of the Hibiki 17YO. But all the hype has come with a price. SRP: $85Street Price: $125-$200Year Introduced: 1984Production: Ongoing. The Port Charlotte 16, however, is probably more difficult to get than Yoichi. Is Hibiki 12-Year discontinued? That comes down to personal preference. It will still take years, but I think more Hibiki 21 is on the way. The Council of Whiskey Masters is home to the leading whisky education and certification programs, opening a systematic career pathway for aspiring and established whisky professionals around the world. Consuming alcohol can be bad for your health. For Westerners, this lends it a slightly more familiar flavor at least initially. This page explores every angle of this Japanese whisky. You can look around for the best price. But thats when Hibiki is available. The base malt is not terribly different in flavor and the subtle port cask finish in the DE version of Cragganmore gives it flavors which are in the same . Other notes include orange oil, white raisin, genmaicha, and lavender. The first of two U.S.-distributed Hakushu offerings, 12 offers up what the Hakushu lines deep green bottle promises: freshness. This makes it easier to find Hibiki Harmony. But it is the replacement for the discontinued Hibiki 12. Its also mellow and smooth. Huge retailers like Total Wine, Binnys, BevMo, and Costco are reliable sources for this blended whisky. Harmony carries no age statement. But then, the account took on a life of its own and I was getting 500 to 600 followers a day. Also, make sure it has the famed wooden box to go with it!, Sonot to compare past and present here, but this is a prime example of then and now. Hibiki 21-year is a highly collectible whisky. And at more than 82,000 followers, one could say that hes getting a helluva great start. Well, Hibiki Harmony replaced Hibiki 12. About Suntory Group Suntory is home to award-winning Japanese whiskies Yamazaki, Hibiki and Hakushu as well as iconic American spirits Jim Beam and Maker's Mark. The famous green monster (the label, that is). Chita grain whisky provides a smooth core, while Hakushu and Yamazaki add balance and layers. However, the Hibiki Harmony is not the same as the Hibiki 12. Chivas Regal 25 Year is another well-regarded blended Scotch. New York Restaurants April 2023: Where To GoOr Not, New York Restaurants February 2023: Where To Go, The Forbes 2022 All-Star Eateries In New York, New York Restaurants October 2022: Where To Go, New York Restaurants August 2022: Where To Go, New York Restaurants June 2022: Where To Go, New York Eateries April 2022: Where To Go, New York Restaurants February 2022: Where To Go. It started back in the 1990s. There are fruit notes of peach and citrus and a hint of tropical fruits. Malt whisky aged in Japanese mizunara is an important element in Hibiki whiskies. Required fields are marked *. If you want to try this whisky before taking the plunge on a whole bottle, restaurants and bars are the way to go. The finish is long, sweet and fruity. Suntory allocates a lot of its supply to restaurants and bars. Think of Kakubin as Japans Jim Beam White Label its cheap, available everywhere and just good enough to mix with soda for a decent drink. This has created a scarcity of the Suntory Hibiki whiskey, pushing prices up, making it very expensive. This is a BETA experience. . The size and variability of the Hibiki toolkit is what separates it from Suntorys other whiskies. Suntory often refers to these as Heavy Type, Medium Type, and Light Type. Is it worth the hype and high price tag? Oh yeah, expect to pay more than double now (around $250) than the price two years ago: around $120., An all-time classic bottle! This question deserves its own post. *As an affiliate advertiser for Etsy, I earn commissions on qualifying purchases. The risk of investing in this prestigious Japanese whisky is that Suntory will eventually meet the demand. Hibiki 21 has survived the cull, and its likely Suntory has prioritized keeping it alive. Yamazaki whisky isnt as distinctive as Hakushu and it isnt as poetic as Hibiki, but its an idealistic interpretation of what Japanese whisky is and should be. What follows are the rich, standard markers for Japanese whisky: delicate fruit, light spice and a long, sherry-driven finish. (1110176) - The Dream of a Butterfly. Overall, it has a much oakier profile but is otherwise similar. In a decade or so, there will be enough Hibiki 21 to supply everyones whisky wall. Demand is so high that bottles are scarce and prices start around $1400 US. The closest comparison to Nikka Coffey Grain is Suntory Chita Single Grain, which is also a component of Hibiki. In this case, that means a spirit with a weighty body, heavy coconut and sandalwood aroma and a balanced sweet- and spice-driven taste profile. SRP: $35Street Price: $35-$50Year Introduced: 2016Production: Ongoing. And the answer is no. . Representatives for Beam-Suntory could not confirm whether the final offering of Hibiki 17 would be available in regular retail locations before publishing. Such a choral piece. This is one reason for its elegance and unique perfume. Hibiki is a blend of single malt pot still whisky, both peated and unpeated, and column still produced grain whisky. Casks of whisky at a storehouse of Suntory Liquors' Hakushu distillery in Hokuto City, Yamanashi [+] prefecture. (1110176) The Dream of a Butterfly, https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/hibiki+twenty+one+old+blend+whisky+japan/0/usa, Oh, no! Ever since this whiskey was discontinued, it has become one of the worlds hottest investments. Creme brulee, chocolate cake, and apple pie are just a few worth trying. Would you mix it with Coke?#hibikiwhisky #japanesewhisky #bartenderlife #barhumor #japanesewhiskey. This was a big blow to long-time Japanese whisky enthusiasts. A rare unopened bottle of Hibiki 21YR. Its a smooth blended Scotch with a pronounced kick of Japanese oak flavors. The highly regarded Suntory whisky was discontinued two years ago when the overwhelming popularity and demand for Japanese whiskies depleted stocks. The blend must, after all, contain vintages aged 17 years or more. SRP: $250Street Price: $500-$1,000Year Introduced: 1984Production: Discontinued. He lives in Edinburgh. The palate is smooth and silky, with flavors of apple and pear, along with milk chocolate and spearmint and a touch of grilled pineapple. But they often markup Japanese whiskies a lot. And that should be expected from a whisky that averages around $900+ per bottle. In 2015, Suntory announced it was discontinuing Hibiki 12. There is some spiciness and fruitiness too, yes, pineapple, and towards the end a pleasantly bitter note of orange peel. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. The Hakushu () malt portion of the Hibiki blend is savory, mildly peaty, and crisp. The coastal location imparts a slight saline note to the mature whisky, especially to older expressions. Both are priced similarly and are excellent Japanese blended whiskies. Its even won the Worlds Best Blended Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards a handful of times. Double strain the drink into a rocks glass filled with ice. But make sure to factor in the cost of shipping. The Joys of a Cheap American Military Watch, Ford Could Have a Wild New SUV Feature Coming, Get the Lawn of Your Dreams with This Spring Kit, Meet Living Vehicle's New 2024 HD Camping Trailer, These Are Our 10 Favorite Products of April, This Wild New Sleep System Might Be a Game Changer, Our J.Crew Favorites Are Deeply Discounted, These Are the Best Spring Patio Furniture Sales, The Best New Coffee Products, According to Experts, 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: What You Need to Know, Huckberry & Timex Revived an Iconic '90s Watch, This Could Be Your Last Chance to Try One of Japans Most Famous Whiskies. The peat comes through most on the nose and finish, where it amounts to a background profile flavor. So it makes the 21-year look affordable. Please drink responsibly. Dont expect to find any floating around in the open though, as only 232 bottles were produced. At least, according to Reddit. And you should expect to pay a premium. A steep price is the biggest downside. Suntory have run out of aged statement Japanese whisky so the whole world is stocking up preparing for the impending apocalypse. Some of this may be destined for low-level blends, some however, seems destined to reappear on the world market as Japanese whisky.. The spices are different but are there from the French oak. The finish is long and spicy, with a hint of lingering sweetness. This portion is aged mostly in American white oak and Spanish oak. . The oldest of the U.S.-available Hibiki products carries a significantly more wood-driven (Mizunara especially) flavor than the 17 or the 12. And they both are expertly blended with many types of barrels. Otherwise, a bottle will run you upward of $7,500 in store, or $10,000-plus online. And obviously, it is comprised of much older whisky stocks. A Suntory Penicillin isnt as peaty as the original. Its price means it the perfect bulk buy, and its story makes it an ideal travel gift. Learn how your comment data is processed. The market for Japanese whisky has gone insane with no end in sight. It was truly crazy!. Need I say more? Its unavailable in U.S. stores, though you could buy this online from a number of sites, but prices are far exaggerated from Kakubins status as a convenience store whisky in its home country. Just a few weeks prior, I wrote on the addition of the premium blend on the Japan Airlines in-flight menu, but as usual, things change quicker than expected in an industry based around time and aging. Since then, Suntorys whiskies have grown in volume, quality and prestige. The first of Suntorys whisky to get the axe Hibiki 12 was discontinued in 2015, so despite its status as the youngest of the lines age-statement collection, its no easier to track down than its older siblings. I have never had a bad dram of Hakushu, and the meticulous Japanese way of creating anything would suggest that I probably never will. Its received significant fanfare since then. Your email address will not be published. Next, add ice to the pint and shake hard. It pairs dried fruit and sandalwood with hints of heather, smoke, honey, and brine. But its mellow flavor and modest ABV make it more suited for some methods than others. He is a Keeper of the Quaich, a Kentucky Colonel, Lifetime International Ambassador of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, Founder of International Whisky Day, Honorary Ambassador of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Patron of the Whisky Festival North Netherlands. And what caused this mess? If your favorite Japanese whisky tastes a bit like Scotch, that may be because there is Scotch in the blend. Your email address will not be published. A 1.5-ounce pour for $150 is a good deal. This whisky brings some absolutely outstanding and unique flavors to the table. Please drink responsibly. The rise of shochu and the steep drop of whisky consumption in Japan during the 80s saw many producers reduce production output, a move that is costing the whisky world today. All of these are from Suntory and its various distilleries. Level-up your sushi bar game! Yoichi is produced at the Nikka Distillery in Yoichi on Japans northernmost island of Hokkaido. It operates three whisky distilleries across Japan Yamazaki Distillery, Hakushu Distillery, Chita Distillery each with its own purpose and flair. This is particularly unique because there are two versions of this bottle,Ganapathi says. I got into this a few years ago. Hibiki 17 Year Old. Learn more about Suntory whisky with this full-length guide. US retail prices between $1300-$1600 are common. Check it out today! First, dissolve the sugar in the glass with bitters. Also look to pay north of $6,000 for it. And the Japanese oak is famed for needing many years before it will yield smooth, complex whisky. If you love this whisky, check out my Hibiki 21 review. The last core product to discontinue was the Hibiki 12. It carries the huge green notes and mild peatiness of its older catalog mates, but it has a much quicker, one note finish. When a Westerner thinks of Japanese whisky, they think of names under the House of Suntory. How long before Hibiki 21 is discontinued? Absolutely Hibiki Japanese Harmony whisky is held in high esteem in the world of whisky. And deals can be very hard to find. From Hibiki to highball whisky, heres everything you need to know about Suntory, Japans most prolific whisky makers. Finally, a bit of peated malt whisky adds heather and saline notes to Hibiki Harmony. Some are rich and powerful others are light, aromatic, and clean. Blue Label is peatier and isnt influenced by mizunara oak. That doesnt look far-fetched with world markets retracting and interest rates on the rise in 2022. The entries exceeded the bottle numbers by thousands, leaving many fans disappointed. And it also focuses on pricing and where to buy Hibiki Harmony. The smooth flavor and amber-tinged color suggest older stocks are in the blend. Check it out and follow me to find more educational content. Tq. Japan. If you prefer sweeter syrup, use a 2:1 ratio of honey to water. They are similar in having a creamy texture. But the flavor is subdued. Forwarning: you will (likely) never drink this expression. Theyre not exact, but do you think you could tell them apart in a blind tasting? Hibiki 21 is not currently discontinued; in fact, it is still available. Overall, Hibiki Harmony is a mellow and smooth blended whisky. Such a choral piece. Foods like barbeque, grilled steak, and lamb can be a great combo with Hibiki. Expect to pay the equivalent of $1100-$1300 for a 700ml bottle. The most luxe of Suntorys whisky holdings also happens to be its most Japanese. SRP: $85Street Price: $350-$450Year Introduced: 2009Production: Discontinued. Single Malt Daily regularly features images that would probably be best described as spirits porn. But Hibiki 17 has way more depth. Moreover, the rules of what constitutes Japanese whisky are quite flexible. The results are intensely floral and fruity that, as you climb in years-in-barrel, present more depth, citrus notes and tannic twists. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Finally, pour the soda or sparkling water carefully down the side of the glass using a bar spoon. May 14, 2018 | By Jonathan Ho But 21 isnt what one would call overoaked Hibikis trademark floral acidity cuts through the richness. The short answer is no, Hibiki 21 is not discontinued. Supply and Demand Gone Crazy The supply of Hibiki 21 is very limited. In this case, its a significant portion of time spent aging in ex-plum liqueur barrels, a practice other Hibiki bottles dont include. Yes. Single malt Scotch must be bottled in Scotland. Prices on this have gone through the roof. Level-up your sushi bar game! On the nose, it offers the characteristic green/herbaceous, light smoky style typical of Suntory. Again, this was discontinued and replaced by an older bottling: the 12 Year Old. So its ideal for highlighting a smooth and light blended whisky. The change is slow, but drinkers are no longer associating young age with inferior quality. But the supply of Japanese whisky was limited. The Glendullan distillery has been a work horse for the DIAGEO blended scotches such as Johnnie Walker, until the release of the 12YO back in 2007 (I actually helped launch it in Chicago). Its a good place to start trying Yamazaki, and one that, if you find yourself in Japan, wont break the bank. As with most of Suntorys elite whiskies, Hibiki 21 is now rare due to overwhelming demand. I love Old Fashioneds made with Hibiki Harmony. This whisky is produced by Suntory in the Hakushu distillery, nicknamed the mountain forest distillery, in the foothills of Mt. Japanese Harmony is complex and balanced. Stills have been added to both the Yamazaki and Hakushu sites and the companys Ohmi Aging Cellar has undergone a large expansion. And do this before you add the whisky. When I started, I felt that there were all these people taking photos of beautiful bottlesjust in terribly lit environments, which wasnt doing justice to the whiskies. Consuming alcohol can be bad for your health. Starting from September 2018 the Hibiki 17 will gradually be removed from the core range, and production will stop. Also like the Yamazaki, less complexity isnt necessarily a bad thing. And I recommend Hakushu 12 on top. By the way, all of these gems are of cask strength., With the Fine Oak range pretty much all but discontinued now, this was a bottle for the ages,Ganapathi notes. Suntory designed Toki to do one thing extraordinarily well: mix in highballs. What the team has done in Louisville, Kentucky, is nothing short of astounding, producing some of the best and most sought after American juice the world has ever seen,Ganapathi says. Heavy and rich savory cuisine is another combo to try. In addition, over 80% of all Scottish whisky exports under three years of age go to Japan. What. Paring down his choices wasnt easy. And fill the glass with ice. A little water or ice helps temper the whisky to make it a better pairing. Large retail stores (in major cities) like Costco, Binnys, BevMo!, and Total Wine will sometimes have a bottle in stock. Just like in stores, prices can be all over the place, so please shop around.