15 Apr Whisky Wednesday: Suntory’s Hibiki 12 year old whisky

We’re kicking off Whisky Wednesdays at Tokyo Bird! Every second or third week (or so…) we’ll feature a whisky, or indeed, whiskey, here on the blog and at our Surry Hills small bar.

You’ll get to learn about the whisky from us, explore its tasting notes and get the best drinking recommendation from us at Tokyo Bird.

This week, we get started with the inaugural Whisky of the Week – Suntory Hibiki 12 year old whisky.

Whisky: Hibiki 12 year old
Distiller: Suntory 
Country: Japan
Type: Blend of single malt and single grain whiskies
ABV: 43%

Tasting notes

Colour (what does it look like?):
Shiny amber

Nose (what does it smell like?):
Pineapple, plum, raspberry, honey

Palate (what does it taste and feel like?):
Banana, pomegranate, custard, pink pepper

Finish (how does the flavour finish on the palate?):
Sweet, sour and complex

Background

Hibiki 12 year old is a premium blended whisky from Suntory Whisky. Hibiki means ‘resonance’ in Japanese and the Hibiki range of blended whiskies is said to resonate from nature and the 24 seasons of the old Japanese lunar calendar – which are represented by the 24 facets of the impressive Hibiki bottle.

Hibiki 12 comprises three whiskies: the two single malts are from Suntory’s two main distilleries, Hakushu and Yamazaki, with the addition of Suntory Chita grain whisky. The single malts are aged in a variety of casks, including the rare mizunara Japanese oak, for a minimum of 12 years. Note that the age statement refers to the minimum age of whiskies in the bottle – there are even 30 year old whiskies blended into Hibiki 12.

Balance is key here, and everything from bottle design to ingredients used are of utmost quality. This stunning whisky has a unique flavour profile not often seen in the blended category. Due to the minimalistic ingredient composition, it allows for its constituents to be thoroughly represented to provide balance and character that stands out with great vibrance.

In addition to the ex bourbon and sherry cask finishing of the whisky constituents, Hibiki 12 spends a short period of time in quality umeshu casks, which imparts a mild sweetness and plum notes.

Best drinking

I like to have mine over an ice ball. This not only chills the whisky, but dilutes it slowly, allowing some of the subtler flavour notes to open up and be enjoyed.

If you’re interested in learning to hand-chip an ice ball, get in touch here as classes at Tokyo Bird are on their way!

What do you think?

Leave a comment with your thoughts on Suntory’s Hibiki 12 year old whisky – or come try it at Tokyo Bird tonight! Mention #WhiskyWednesdays to get free bar snacks with your Whisky of the Week (tonight only).