Hibiki 21 Year

I’ve been a Hibiki fan for a long time. A few years back, I bought numerous bottles of Hibiki 12. I loved drinking it, but as it increased in price and was ultimately discontinued because it ran out, I traded several bottles I had in inventory for other whiskies that I’d been unable to find. I wished I still had a bottle or two, but sadly, they’re all gone. I’ve had the Harmony, of course, which is readily available (if overpriced). I used to have a bottle of the Hibiki 17, which I adored, but it is also gone, much to my chagrin (insert sad tearful emoji here). My only previous experience with Hibiki 21 was at an incredible night at Milroy’s in London just as Covid was getting underway (pic below). This bottle used in this tasting is on loan from a generous friend. Color is a clear and rich Pantone 130. The nose is forthright, as if it anthropomorphically wants to shake your hand (or nose), greeting you with an almost-pungent soy-vinegar dumpling sauce, sandalwood, brown sugar, coconut, orange oil, a cured-meat-soppressata element, some vanilla, almond croissant, and an aroma that evokes the incense I used to burn when I lived in Korea decades ago. Sweet Lord Jesus! I want to nose this all night. Palate has just the right amount of viscosity, with honey and sweet candied orange joining the party. The finish is long, prefaced with a mild spice and continuing with marzipan and vanilla. Rich, mellow, and sophisticated—I’m not too fond of that term as a descriptor, but it is apt in this case. The soy-vinegar dumpling sauce is pervasive and foundational. I nosed it several times over a half hour and reached the same conclusion. It’s somewhat analogous to a tangy barbecue sauce note—something that I’ve noted a few times in other whiskies—but that probably seems offputting to the three people that read this review. That soy-vinegar element is the basso continuo upon which the rest of the olfactory concerto is grounded. Hibiki 21 typically retails for well north of $1,000, if you can find it. Would I buy it? Yes—after I win the lottery. 5.0 on the Distiller scale—for what it’s worth, this is just the second perfect score I’ve ever given (the other being 2019 William Larue Weller (reviewed June 30, 2022). I understand that Suntory produces a 30-year Hibiki; but I’ve yet to see that one in person. 43% ABV.

Été 2023 - Patmos Grèce Comment décrire l'ineffable sensation que ce whisky vient créer en bouche ? Une expérience unique et originale. Ce whisky allie la rondeur des whisky américain avec la délicatesse des whisky japonnais. Robe plutôt claire. Assez peu de nez, quelques arômes fruitées et des volutes d'alcool dû au coffre, qui sans être trop prononcé, reste néanmoins présent. Très rond, légèrement fruité, avec du corps sans pour autant exploser en bouche. Sensation d'un nectar divin qu'un héros antique aurait ravi aux dieux. Dégusté sur une île paradisiaque, grâce à la générosité d'un ponte de la silicone Valley, qui à intelligemment réparti ses qualités entre la réussite de sa carrière et sa faculté à rester un homme très simple, humble et plein d'humour. Merci Monsieur.

The surprise ending to a phenomenal ramen session with some of my favorite people. Thank you Eli! The nose is a well of aromas, with cherrywood and leather polish impressing at once. It smells syrupy, too, and I wonder if it will be a sweeter, thicker whisky. The palate is initially very plummy, and while the mouthfeel is syrupy, it’s not saccharine at all. I taste sandalwood and a pungent oak note — like I’m deep in an ancient wood. It’s incredibly interesting, unique, and indulgent. The rich and syrupy feel gives way to finer notes of green tea and rose petal. On the finish, umeshu and menthol cigarettes. A generous dram shared by a generous friend.

A blended, Japanese Whisky by Suntory that has an aromatic birth filled with notes of caramelized nuts, lemon acidity, blackcurrants & pears with vanilla, dark toffee & rich sherry spice; while a rich life adds notes of stewed herbs, orange peel, oak, dark cherry & sweet caramel, buttery with a wisp of smoke & some wood spice; that led to a long death with a hint of smoke. August 2017 / June 2018 / March 2019 / July 2022

This was a great bottle to open. I was saving this for a special occasion. I bought a LE bottle from Narita airport a few years ago. Finally opened this on my wedding day with my groomsmen. It was smooth and sweet.

Incredible. Some of the most delicious juice I have tasted. Mellow and sweet nose. Very delicate. Palate: Very fruity, complex and balanced. Medium finish. Amazing whisky