Hibiki “Japanese Harmony” is the standard, NAS offering from the illustrious blended whisky brand. Maker Suntory uses a total of 10 malt and grain whiskies. The malt comes from Yamazaki and Hakushu pot stills, and the grain whisky comes from the Chita distillery’s columns. The largest component of the blend is a Chita grain whisky of cask-strength. Five different types of casks are used, including American oak, mizunara, ex-Sherry. Suntory also uses a small proportion of used barrels that had aged smoky, peated whisky.
Overall Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a light whisky. It still manages respectable levels of complexity for being relatively young. It has a copper color, is aromatic, and has a long, supple finish. Tasting notes include apricot, orange zest, a bit of sandalwood, honey, and lots of oak spice.
This is a great Japanese whisky to make cocktails with. It makes a light, citrusy, and spiced highball. Japanese Harmony plays very well as a Manhattan or Old Fashioned were the smooth, soft blended whisky takes the forefront. It’s also perfectly fine to enjoy this whisky neat, with a few rocks, or mizuwari.
Hibiki Japanese Harmony has decent supply and a reasonable price tag (for a Suntory whisky). It can be found on the retail market for around $75 US. It’s widely available at bars and restaurants around the country, including many that aren’t Japanese.
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