Product Information:
The 2024 Release is the fourth instalment of the Hibiki Blossom Harmony limited edition series. Building upon the successes of its predecessors with delicious, elegant notes delivered in smooth Hibiki style. This masterfully balanced whisky showcases delicate sakura cask florals alongside Hibiki’s signature smoothness. A complex dram that begs to be savoured neat, it also shines with soda, highlighting the vibrant floral character. A must-try for enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate a touch of floral elegance.
Maker:
Harmonious, blossoming and subtle, the Hibiki Whisky range celebrates an unrivalled art of blending, fine craftsmanship and a sense of luxury from the House of Suntory. The Hibiki range is not only Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky, it has also been recognised internationally numerous times with countless awards and stands as a leading light of Japanese whisky craftsmanship.
Hibiki, meaning Harmony in Japanese, was born in 1989 to celebrate 90 years of Suntory Whisky. In 1987, Master Blender Keizo Saji decided to develop a blended whisky to reflect the sophistication of Suntory's techniques. While Chief Blender, Koichi Inatomi, sampled and tasted aged malt whiskies from one million casks at Suntory. Together Saji and Inatomi then found the flavour by blending distinctive malt and mellow grain whiskies. Thus Hibiki Whisky is a truly harmonious blend rich in Japanese nature and craftsmanship.
Philosophy:
Hibiki is inspired by Japan’s 24 subtle seasons, Saji and Inatomi source whiskies from three places, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. A tribute to the 24 subtle season changes from the ancient traditional lunar calendar, to emphasise the crucial role of Japanese nature on whisky maturation. These whiskies are meticulously blended to created a sense of "wa" - a oneness which unveils a full orchestra of flavours and aroma.
The current incarnations are made from a blend of more than 30 individual malt and mellow grain whiskies, and the final blend is topped off with a whisky aged more than 30 years. This concludes a process that sees the master blender taste over 300 malt whisky samples a day. From its inception to now, Hibiki embodies harmony and precision in every detail. Its craftsmanship, down to the elegant 24-sided bottle reflecting the 24 seasons, showcases a vision of refined resonance and care.
Nose - Cherry Blossom, Olive, Acacia
The Hibiki Blossom Harmony 2024 opens with a fragrant floral aroma dominated by cherry blossom and fragrant olive, hinting at its underlying smoothness with notes of vanilla and acacia honey.
Palate - Spices, Rich Malt, Balance
The first sip carries over these floral notes, mingling with a touch of spice and subtle oak. The influence of the sakura cask adds a delicate elegance, balanced by a rich malt foundation, creating a complex experience on the palate.
Finish - Pear, Sakura Mochi, Warming
A surprisingly long and lingering finish features fading floral notes, giving way to a refined sweetness reminiscent of pears and sakura mochi, concluding with a gentle warming alcohol presence.
The Finer Details
Style - Japanese Whisky
Country - Japan
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 43%
