Suntory Hibiki Harmony
From the Yamazaki distillery, pioneer of Japanese whisky, there are some high-priced bottlings. Named after the region, the Suntory Yamazaki distillery is both the best known among Japanese whisky distilleries and number one in production volume and exports.The blended Suntory Hibiki Harmony comes in a wonderful bottle. The 24 indentations each represent an hour of the day and each month of the Japanese lunar calendar. The bottle label is made of handmade paper and radiates an especially high quality. We are curious about the content.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The malt-grain mix reminds us on the nose of parfumed, slightly burnt fried potatoes with Provencial herbs. Soft and floral, the whisky transitions into an herbaceous note reminiscent of thyme and rosemary. Subtle hints of oak can be detected.
Palate
The flavours in the mouth are predominantly sweet. Opening with honey and overly sweet orange, the Japanese whisky tingles slightly spicy-woody on the back of the tongue. In the middle part, we taste apricot and a bit of milk roll. All in all, very round and balanced, but not a taste explosion.
Finish
The finish is very soft, surprisingly short and has hints of light oak.
Thoughts
Marcel 78/100
This bottle not only looks stylish, it’s also fun to drink – light, sweet, and pleasantly smooth. However, the Hibiki Harmony is nothing more than a nice everyday whisky; it simply lacks that certain something that really knocks you off your feet. Given the price, we expected more character.
Sascha 76/100
The Suntory Hibiki Harmony offers a clean, balanced structure with clear sweetness and subtle herbal notes, but it remains rather one-dimensional and short on the finish. Technically solid but without complex depth or innovative accents, it feels somewhat overrated in the premium segment. Ideal for connoisseurs who appreciate balance but don’t expect a flavor explosion.
Value for Money: Expensive
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74/100Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name “Hibiki Harmony” mean and how is it reflected in the whisky?
“Hibiki” means “sound” or “resonance” in Japanese and symbolizes the harmony of different aromas. The blend combines malt and grain whiskies, creating a balanced, gentle flavor profile that reflects the balance and diversity of Japanese whisky craftsmanship.
Why does the Suntory Hibiki Harmony bottle have 24 indentations?
The 24 indentations on the bottle represent the 24 hours of the day as well as the months of the Japanese lunar calendar. This design connects Japanese tradition with the contents and emphasizes the appreciation of time and nature in the production process.
How does the Hibiki Harmony differ in taste from other Japanese whiskies from the Yamazaki distillery?
The Hibiki Harmony is a blended whisky that, through the combination of malt and grain whiskies, offers a softer, sweeter, and more balanced note than typical single malts from the distillery. It features floral and herbal aromas with mild spice, without the intensity of a pure malt whisky.