Hibiki 17 year old is a blend of the best single malts from Yamazaki and Hakushu, aged in different types of casks (ex-bourbon American oak, ex-sherry European oak & Japanese mizunara), and subtly mixed with grain whisky from Chita distillery.
For this limited edition named “Chrysanthemum and Crane” the precious blended whisky was bottled in its typical Hibiki style bottle representing the 24 seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar. Decorating this bottle are beautifully hand drawn silk-screen painting of Chrysanthemums and Red-crowned cranes, these traditional Maki-e patterns embody felicitations, longevity, happiness and the best of fortunes.
Tasting Notes
Colour: A light golden amber.
Nose: Gentle fruit leading the nose with melon, juicy peaches and apricots competing as freshly cut roses and honey linger in the background.
Palate: Rolls in smooth with dark cherries atop a thick base of caramel and vanilla. Juicy fruit return on the finish and lingers playfully.
Finish: Elegant. Poised. Slowly revealing a clear yet complex equilibrium. A rich and sweet masterpiece!
History of Hibiki
Hibiki is a Japanese blend launched by the whisky giant Suntory in 1989 to celebrate their 90th anniversary; and it is really something special. The malt and grain comes from Suntory’s three distilleries and has gained the status of the ultimate Japanese blend. It also received a Gold Editor’s Choice award from Whisky Magazine and conquered the top prize in its category at the World Whisky Awards 2010. Suntory consider all aspects of design when it comes to the Hibiki and the 24-sided bottle represents the 24 Sekki in the Japanese lunar calendar.