Hibiki 30 Year

Hibiki 30 Year is a rare and sought-after expression known for its exceptional quality and complexity. It presents a remarkable balance of flavors, elegance, and depth that has made it a favorite among whisky connoisseurs. On the nose, Hibiki 30 Year offers an intricate bouquet of aromas, including rich oak, mizunara (Japanese oak), dried fruits, and hints of floral notes. The aroma is refined and captivating, giving a glimpse of the exceptional maturation and blending expertise behind the whisky. The palate is a symphony of flavors, with layers of dried fruits, honey, toffee, and dark chocolate. The integration of different aged whiskies results in a velvety smoothness that delights the taste buds. The influence of the mizunara casks imparts a unique spiciness, adding to the whisky's complexity. The mouthfeel is luxurious and full-bodied, showcasing the whisky's maturity and richness. Each sip reveals new dimensions of flavors that evolve on the palate. The finish is long-lasting and satisfying, with lingering notes of spices, oak, and a subtle sweetness. The aftertaste leaves a warm and memorable impression, urging one to savor every moment of this exceptional whisky. Overall, Hibiki 30 Year is a masterpiece that exemplifies the pinnacle of Japanese whisky craftsmanship. Its rarity and exquisite quality make it a collector's item and a symbol of Japanese whisky's finesse. However, it comes with a high price tag, reflecting the level of craftsmanship and the scarcity of aged Japanese whiskies. For those fortunate enough to experience it, Hibiki 30 Year is a journey of taste and refinement that exemplifies the artistry of Japanese whisky making.

One mindblowing and life changing dram. Out of this world! Has layers and layers of sandalwood, plums, tropical fruits, chocolate, burnt Onikawa sugar, nuts, oranges, flowers, and spices. Nose: Mangoes, Papayas, Plums, Sandalwood, Peach Marmalade, Cinnamon, Espresso, Dark Chocolate, Sakura, Leather, Lychee, Tobacco, Orange Marmalade, Toffee, Coconuts, Marshmallows, Canteloupes, Grapefruit, Burnt Onikawa Sugar, Cashews, Pecan Pie Palate: Plums, Cinnamon, Sandalwood, Raisins, Milk Chocolate, Sakura, Lavender, Almonds, Hazlenuts, Almonds, Nutmeg, Blood Oranges, Marzipan, Ginger, Maple Syrup, Pineapples, Blackberries Finish: Plums, Cinnamon, Toasted Vanilla, Mangoes, Apricots, Walnuts, Seville Oranges, Papayas, Grapefruit, Milk Chocolate, Honey, Burnt Onikawa Sugar

Golden sweet honey with crisp apples on the nose. Dark cherry and sherried notes hit my palate immediately, dark chocolate and just a wisp of pest. Mostly phenolic peat for me on the first sip. Adding a drip of water just brings out more honey notes. It’s more of the same with the drip of water for me. Adding more water just brings out the smell of the malt mash when you take the distillery tour. The hakushu brings dark baked apple pie notes, whereas the Yamazaki brings the darker chocolate and sherried notes all in the nose.

Nose - Nose definitely reflects the age in you get hints of leather and sawdust. Traditional Hibiki notes of a very floral honey still exist, but over ripe pears and ripe plums make an appearance too. Taste - Light spice, a very fruity oak. A bit musty like patiently aged wood, brown sugar and cinnamon roasted pear and apple skins. Finish - Lingering sweet oaky bitterness. Faint dark amber oaked apple cider sweetness and a hint of aged muscat sweet-sour. Score - 91/100

Floral, heavy cherry blossoms on the nose, and sweet. One of the best whiskies for the nose. It leaps out at you compared to the hibiki 21. Leather and raisins as well. Taste: extremely smooth. Spicy. A little bit less sweet than the nose suggests. Pick up some notes of apple and oak towards the finish. Fig jam as well. Finish: lingers forever

Super smooth with floral notes on the palate with a rich candied and slightly smoky finish. Hands down the best Japanese whisky I've ever tasted (& I'm usually not a fan of spirits in this category)!