pour). Just a few weeks prior, I wrote on the. This question deserves its own post. The famed closed distillery was only open between 1955-2001. Oh yeah, expect to pay more than double now (around $250) than the price two years ago: around $120., An all-time classic bottle! Let's hope we don't see many other aged Japanese expressions fade away before the whisky in the barrels has come of age. With demand at an all-time high, several online retailers have evencreated ballots for extremely rare, well-aged releases. This is expected to change now that Suntory has decided to stop producing the expression, amidst shortages of aged stock. ), GLENLIVET CELLAR COLLECTION LIMITED EDITION (FULL SET), A collection to truly be reckoned with. Hibiki Japanese Harmony isnt discontinued. There are many Japanese whiskies which are 100% from the country. For me, anything Lagavulin touches is a no-brainer., GLENDRONACH 1968 ANA (ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS), I have watched this bottle gain roughly over 200% value in the past two years alone,Ganapathi says. Prices are going up on this one, so look around the $2,000 range. A creamy, full-bodied mouth-feel and a sweet over all taste fronted by vanilla and coconut, developing into baked apple and custard and finishing with a pinch of nutmeg and cloves. The rise of shochu and the steep drop of whisky consumption in Japan during the 80s saw many producers reduce production output, a move that is costing the whisky world today. Check out the retailers below. The whisky made there is defined by its intensely forested environment and, more pragmatically, peated malt. This led to a limited number of bottles and crazy price increases. You may opt-out by. Yamazaki. The Hibiki 17-Year-Old, a famed Japanese whisky by Suntorythat was featured in the 2003 movie Lost In Translation, will be officially discontinued. Beyond that, he also serves as a spirits consultant to restaurantshelping them determine which top-shelf bottles to acquire and serve to discerning guests. To this day, it remains one of the most well balanced Japanese whiskies ever created., This is a prime example of a very cool one-off,Ganapathi says. Learn how your comment data is processed. As a blended whisky, Japanese Harmony uses a variety of base spirits. 550. After speaking to a member of the Suntory Japan PR team over the weekend, its been confirmed that yet another bottle from the aged Hibiki range will be removed from the lineup. The first is a Rusty Nail. Master Select has a lot more fruity Yamazaki malt and Sherry cask influence. This first bottling was mainly first-fill sherry casks and weighs in at 43% ABV, whereas the current bottling is fully bourbon barrel matured, and weighs in at a an impressive 53.5% ABV! Still, of all the worlds whiskies, Japanese producers are the ones that adhere the closest to Scotch whiskys template. The base malt is not terribly different in flavor and the subtle port cask finish in the DE version of Cragganmore gives it flavors which are in the same . Your email address will not be published. And the average retail price starts at around $100 pre-tax. In my opinion, nothing you can add to Hibiki 21 is going to make it taste better than it does already. Its creamy, semi-sweet, and very smooth. But thats when Hibiki is available. So to supply a thirsty market, several iconic labels were cut. Expect to pay upward of $500 if you find it outside Taiwan and Japan. Such a choral piece. Hibiki 12-year was a limited edition release, and can be found from private collection sales and select liquor resale retailers. Its just hard to stack up vs. the old 12 year. SRP: $85Street Price: $350-$450Year Introduced: 2009Production: Discontinued. And if you can find it, prepare to fork over some serious cash! And do this before you add the whisky. Toki is the US sibling to Suntory Kakubin. Suntory pulled the plug on the 12 years aged Hibiki in 2015 and released Japanese Harmony in its place. 1 in Japanese) distillery, this bottle delivers beyond the incredibly lofty expectations of typical Japanese whisky. Hibiki, which first hit shelves in 1989, was designed as a more palatable alternative to blended Scotch, meant to be sipped neat or over ice. But all the hype has come with a price. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. 3 Reviews. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. And this results in a complex tasting tour de force. Its unclear whether the whisky in the 2019 edition is any different than the standard Hibiki 17, but it does come with updated, more premium packaging. If I can get them at my local Total Wine for $95 a pop, to me it is well worth it. SRP: $85Street Price: $125-$200Year Introduced: 1994Production: Discontinued. Chivas 25 is rich with notes of peach, butterscotch, leather, and chocolate. Then add a little more ice. Curiously, its still on Suntorys website. So I just wanted to make whisky look sexy. Check out my thorough breakdown of the Japanese whisky highball to learn more about this iconic Japanese cocktail. Consuming alcohol can be bad for your health. The supply of Hibiki 21 is very limited. On the nose and palate, 12 is bursting with Hakushus rich terroir pine, mint, grass, chamomile, rosemary and lemon. He is a Keeper of the Quaich and a Kentucky Colonel. Prices at these stores are usually ok. Hibiki Harmony wins the value category. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. But From the Barrel is darker, stronger, and maltier. The retail price is whatever someone is willing to pay. Prices for both are similar. However, as whisky takes time to age, this new. The beloved Nikka whisky, distilled at the Yoichi distillery in Hokkaido and brainchild of sorts of Masataka Taketsuru, the "Father of Japanese Whisky," is being discontinued. So I make sure to always have at least one bottle. Japan. Get it from my Etsy store for only $23 plus shipping. Cant find your favorite Japanese whisky? Dont forget the almonds or quince either. The quality of Japanese whisky remained high. The combination of American, Spanish and Japanese oaks creates a layered, complex whisky, which compliments the fruity backbone that the whisky is known for. Learn more about Suntory whisky with this full-length guide. Finally, the most reliable way to shop for Hibiki Harmony is online. SRP: $250Street Price: $500-$1,000Year Introduced: 1984Production: Discontinued. Heavy and rich savory cuisine is another combo to try. But if youre striking out on finding a bottle, youre not alone. Thats a cost range of 25-15%. Made almost entirely of whisky that was aged in the golden era of the distillery: the 1960s. Its not a bad investment, but there are better options in my opinion. This is a Hibiki 17 year old Chrysanthemum & Crane. Expect to pay north of $2,500 a bottle. It has been instrumental in pushing the premium blended category across the world, educating drinkers, and changing the misconceived idea that blends are inferior to single malts. The Whisky Exchange and dekanta introduced ballots for a few Karuizawa bottlings in 2017, inviting interested parties to sign up for the chance to purchase a bottle. Below are suggestions for Scotch whiskies that could substitute for some of Japans most highly sought-after whiskies. Even if they are not a perfect match, they will certainly be easier to find and considerably cheaper. Representatives for Beam-Suntory could not confirm whether the final offering of Hibiki 17 would be available in regular retail locations before publishing. Suntory Toki is a blended whisky using Chita grain and malt from Yamazaki and Hakushu. Sherry influence is notable, as is mizunara. Starting from September 2018 the Hibiki 17 will gradually be removed from the core range, and production will stop. I am an advertiser for some of these stores and may earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Cheers! Chivas Regal 25 Year is another well-regarded blended Scotch. The coastal location imparts a slight saline note to the mature whisky, especially to older expressions. Suntorys Hakushu distillery is hidden under a mountain in central Japans Yamanashi Prefecture. The Hibiki includes malt from Yamazaki, but it has more depth and balance. Absolutely Hibiki Japanese Harmony whisky is held in high esteem in the world of whisky. And the third would be a Penicillin with Hakushu 18 floated on top. SRP: Not Available in the USYear Introduced: 2014Production: Ongoing. It also uses many barrel types for aging but focuses on Sherry casks and ex-Bourbon barrels. Good luck! A 750ml of Hibiki 30 costs about $9-$11K per bottle. We also fascinate the taste buds in Japan and the Asian market with our Premium Malt's beer. Now, TUN 1509 has taken its place and has a capacity of four times what 1401 did. All three distilleries produce different flavor variations of whisky. But if you dont mind using a relatively hard-to-get whisky for your drink, its an awesome choice. But Hibiki Harmony has a gingery, incensed, and fruity flavor that works. Its the only of the brands whiskies which include Yamazaki, Hakushu and Toki to feature a blend of spirits distilled and aged at each of its three whiskey producing outposts (Yamazaki Distillery, Hakushu Distillery, Chita Distillery). Im officially 34 now and I would say the obsession started at 29, so Im definitely a late bloomer compared to how early others are starting out these days. Hibiki uses many types of casks. On the retail side, Hibiki 21 will likely cost US $1300 minimum for a 750ml bottle. Hibiki Harmony makes a fine highball. But they often markup Japanese whiskies a lot. So they made what has since become the most popular whisky Japan: Suntory Kakubin. Nathaniel Ganapathi (better known as Nate Gana) is. Malt whisky aged in Japanese mizunara is an important element in Hibiki whiskies. Both Harmony and the Hibiki 17 blend Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita whiskies. A. Hibiki is a blend of single malt pot still whisky, both peated and unpeated, and column still produced grain whisky. Your email address will not be published. Suntory also produces multiple profiles of whisky at each of these three distilleries. It almost moves us to tears. Oh, no! Yoichi is produced at the Nikka Distillery in Yoichi on Japans northernmost island of Hokkaido. Again, this was discontinued and replaced by an older bottling: the 12 Year Old. But they did not lower the price. Get it from my Etsy store for only $23 plus shipping. Yamazaki adds deeper fruit, a silky texture, spice, and some backbone. And if you find it, make sure it has the box (extra points if it has the ribbon. And the Japanese oak is famed for needing many years before it will yield smooth, complex whisky. If you can find a bottle today, expect to pay more than $800. Difference. And if youre a whisky generalist, there are many other excellent whiskies available that are much more affordable than Hibiki Harmony. Nectarous mouthfeel . This is a popular comparison, but its like apples to oranges. Two Japanese Whiskies Are Being Discontinued Due to a Shortage. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. If a betting man were to put money on the next discontinuation domino to fall, itd be on Hibiki 21. Thats why the mizunara portions of Hibiki Harmony are supposedly the oldest constituents in the blend. Its the whisky Bill Murray drank in Lost in Translation that got the retail crowd excited about Japanese whisky. Foods like barbeque, grilled steak, and lamb can be a great combo with Hibiki. The palate is rich and creamy, with flavors of dried fruit, candied orange, cinnamon, a hint of clove. The blend must, after all, contain vintages aged 17 years or more. Theres good and bad news: its available again for what is the last time in the foreseeable future, but its going to cost you. In the glass, Hibiki 21 is dark, fruity, and a bit oily. Its received significant fanfare since then. But Nates list is an excellent cross section of what a good spirits collector would want stocked in the liquor cabinetsome Speysides, some Islays, some Japanese Scotches, and a good Kentucky rye: I used to gravitate mainly towards Speyside Scotches. Hibiki 17 Year Old. The discontinuation of Hibiki 17 was perhaps the biggest Japanese whisky news of 2018, and for good reason. The heavy sherry notes and incredible color speak volumes to what The Macallan is able to produce, and its a wonder how this never made it to North America on a commercial level, as it is truly outstanding. The demand for it is out pacing the supply, which is contributing to it's availability. After all, Japans favorite way to consume whiskey which entails mixing a few ounces of whisky with a few ounces of club soda (lemon spritz optional) was not a prudent way to use up more mature bottles. So it's nice to see this bottle appreciated for what it truly isa work of art. This is a BETA experience. Also look to pay north of $6,000 for it. Prices for top-ranked Japanese whiskies, like the Yamazaki 12, have increased 10-fold over the last 20 years. The distillation run through the columns is rapid, which produces a heavier new make. But it is the replacement for the discontinued Hibiki 12. It's even won the World's Best Blended Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards a handful of times. You can look around for the best price. Toki is primarily made up of Hakushu malted whiskies and a heavy helping of Chita grain whisky (Chita can be purchased as its own expression in Japan), giving it a springy, velvety nose and mouthfeel with enough spice to cut through soda and ice dilution. (Check out his account and I have no doubt that youd agree with my assessment.) And huge producers like Suntory and Nikka scaled back their production volumes dramatically. This portion is aged mostly in American white oak and Spanish oak. For Westerners, this lends it a slightly more familiar flavor at least initially. Hibiki 17 is among the most-awarded Japnaese whiskies ever. The Port Charlotte 16, however, is probably more difficult to get than Yoichi. But it is the replacement for the discontinued Hibiki 12. If you've been into Japanese whisky for a while, you'll remember that it was somewhat easy to find. LAGAVULIN 1991 200TH ANNIVERSARY 25 YEAR OLD SINGLE CASK, A unique affair! Even if they dont match up exactly, if youre a fan of Japanese whiskies, they are certainly worth a taste! Since spirit aged for less than three years is not legally considered Scotch, those numbers are in addition to official Scotch whisky exports tracked by the SWA. I've got a problem. If youre looking for a total bargain, small independent liquor stores may be your best hope. And because cash flow is important at these stores, they usually dont price gouge. If mizunara isnt your thing, Dalwhinnie 15 might be a good alternative to Hibiki Harmony. And even though Dalwhinnie 15 is a single malt with a much higher average age, I would agree. By the way, all of these gems are of cask strength., With the Fine Oak range pretty much all but discontinued now, this was a bottle for the ages,Ganapathi notes. SRP: $35Street Price: $35-$50Year Introduced: 2016Production: Ongoing. Whereas, the Yamazaki is a malt whisky. Its the only of the companys whiskies that contains parts from every distillery, every wood type and every barrel in its repertoire. A recent feature by the Nikkei Asia Review showcased the huge sales growth Japanese whisky has experienced in the past decade. And neither is better than the other. Some of my favorite people in the industry are so young and so in tune to the world of whisky, Nate says. The last core product to discontinue was the Hibiki 12. Eventually all these whiskies will be available again. Supposedly, the mizunara-aged malt whisky components are the oldest in the Hibiki Japanese Harmony blend. The Hibiki 21-Year-Old is by far the most globally renowned expression in the portfolio, having received the award for the "Worlds Best Blended Whisky" on five separate occasions, at the World Whiskies Awards. Wholesale prices across the US are not the same. A little water or ice helps temper the whisky to make it a better pairing. The use of Japanese oak, the blending of different distillates from a single distillery, plus different yeasts and the effects of the Japanese climate makes it impossible, so don't try. The value is quickly rising on old versus new, not just at this distillery but in general throughout the entire industry, so look to pay upwards of $2,000 to find this., This was a case of a mixture of rarity, nostalgia, and the greatest setting to drink such an incredible whisky, which makes it my all-time favorite,Ganapathi says. But, beware: The Monochromatic Joker is one of the most heavily-faked bottles out there, so some due diligence is required!, Ah yes! And fill the glass with ice. Some markets are more expensive than others. The first of Suntorys whisky to get the axe Hibiki 12 was discontinued in 2015, so despite its status as the youngest of the lines age-statement collection, its no easier to track down than its older siblings. Is it worth the hype and high price tag? Its composed of the stuff that goes into the more mature expressions, but it lacks the depth brought on by said maturation. Do your best to find the 1981 Feis Ile 2008 release, as it is the only official single cask to be released by this distillery! But many fake Japanese whiskies are in the same price bracket. The result is an even more complex whisky than its 12 YO sibling. The Yamazaki 12 YO is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and new oak casks, 80%, and the balance in a mix of sherry butts and Mizunara casks. It's received significant fanfare since then. This is likely to be the youngest component of the blend. The discontinued whiskies will include the 17,. Cheese can be another great match. Harmony is lighter in color and flavor, less rich, and somewhat simpler. Other notes include orange oil, white raisin, genmaicha, and lavender. So dont expect any ginger, sandalwood, or incense notes. Hans Offringa is the author of more than 20 books about whisky, among which the bestseller A Field Guide to Whisky, and has been contributing editor of Whisky Magazine and American Whiskey for a number of years. Below are some recommended online retailers that offer delivery. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Dalwhinnie doesnt have any Japanese mizunara oak, however. Please share them below. This bottle of Hibiki 21YR is one of a kind. Suntory pulled the plug on the 12 years aged Hibiki in 2015 and released Japanese Harmony in its place. The Glendullan distillery has been a work horse for the DIAGEO blended scotches such as Johnnie Walker, until the release of the 12YO back in 2007 (I actually helped launch it in Chicago). Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Each Hibiki expression is a blend of dozens of whiskies produced at all three of Suntorys whiskey-making facilities and, as with each Suntory whisky brand, may contain spirit aged in new American oak barrels, Spanish Olorosso sherry casks, ex-bourbon barrels, ex-wine casks and the legendary (not to mention extraordinarily expensive) Japanese Mizunara oak barrel. In the US, Japanese Harmony comes in a 750ml bottle. Rest assured we are busy stocking up. (1110176) - The Dream of a Butterfly. Consuming alcohol can be bad for your health. But first, lets look at how Hibiki 21 is made. An acute shortage of aged stocks, the result of the combination of rising demand and lower production from roughly 1985 to around 2008, has meant that many Japanese whisky stalwarts have either been discontinued or have become impossible to find. Finally, a bit of peated malt whisky adds heather and saline notes to Hibiki Harmony. Dave resides on the south coast of England. . Meanwhile, rival Nikka pruned all of its age statement whiskies. Suntory often refers to these as Heavy Type, Medium Type, and Light Type. Like Hibiki. The price for Hibiki 21 has been rising steadily for over a decade. Hibiki Whisky Discontinued As Supplies Run Dry From September 2018, insufficient maturation time will mean that the Hibiki 17 will soon be removed from the core range as supplies diminish. Then theres the monochromatic version, which is a single cask limited to 241 bottlesand at a much higher price of around $15,000to$20,000. In 2017, Japan produced 132 million liters of whisky and imported well over 10 million liters of either whisky or its equivalent, both aged and partially aged, from Scotland. Hibiki 21 has survived the cull, and its likely Suntory has prioritized keeping it alive. Hibiki is most notable for its comprehensive use of Suntorys whisky-making tools. Just because Hibiki Japanese Harmony replaced Hibiki 12-year doesnt mean theyre the same whisky. One: try out the new releases by big name breweries, such as Suntory's Toki or Hibiki Japanese . On the palate, there is dried fruit, blackberry and strawberry jam, with expresso and bittersweet chocolate, along with cinnamon, allspice and clove. Huge retailers like Total Wine, Binnys, BevMo, and Costco are reliable sources for this blended whisky. He specializes in whiskies from non-traditional regions, and he holds his own New World' whisky awards to promote them. On the nose, its floral and fruity, with aromas of rose petal, peach, dried apricot, melon and lemon zest. About Suntory Group Suntory is home to award-winning Japanese whiskies Yamazaki, Hibiki and Hakushu as well as iconic American spirits Jim Beam and Maker's Mark. He has several decades of dedication to whisky. Think Highland Park. Torii realized the Japanese palate didnt want ultra-smokey peat bombs; it wanted finesse. Glencairn is an excellent glass for tasting Hibiki whisky. Level-up your sushi bar game! Obviously, retailers are profiting heavily when they sell this whisky. Like Hibiki Harmony, Dalwhinnie is soft, honeyed, semi-sweet, and smooth. The finish is long and complex, with flavors of dried fruit, spices and some lingering raspberry and blueberry notes. Your email address will not be published. The short answer is no, Hibiki 21 is not discontinued. So I approached him to curate his top picks of rare whiskies that are worth hunting downbecause exceptional bottlings are always worth the quest and who better to turn to than someone who actually does this for a living? Chita grain whisky components are mostly aged in Spanish oak and plum wine casks. Hans Offringa: Similar to this Hakushu, to me Aberfeldy has a slightly perfumy note, a tad incense-like, as one can detect in many Japanese whiskies. But the industry didnt stay down for long. Required fields are marked *. The Hibiki goes in last. Compared to other categories of whisky, Japanese whiskies have shown the most price appreciation over the last decade. *Honey syrup is a mix of 1:1 honey and water. Description While this Hibiki 12 Years old bottle has been discontinued since 2015, it continues to occupy a prominent place in the hearts of Japanese Whisky enthusiasts. And the mizunara provides notes of sandalwood, aloe, and incense. Hibiki 12 was discontinued in 2015, as were many aged Yoichis and Miyagikyos, among other releases. So if you really want some, make friends with an employee or get on a preorder list. Instead of sherry on the back-end, its the first thing you taste. Bottles are bought up no matter how high the retail markup. In October of 2015, the price averaged $500-$600. If youre really into authentic Japanese whisky, Hibiki Harmony isnt a bad deal. Between 1990 and 2000, Japanese whisky distilleries were getting wrecked.

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