Hibiki Harmony Japanese Whisky

VA ABC- $89.99

Total Wine - $95.99

Class VI - $XX.xx

43%

NAS

Hibiki Harmony Japanese Whisky

23 Dec 24

From the ABC website:  "Kanzen" or complete, Hibiki Whisky is a harmonious blend of innumerous malt and grain whiskies which are meticulously blended to create a full orchestra of flavors and aromas. Seductive, blossoming and enigmatic, Hibiki Whisky celebrates an unrivaled art of blending, fine craftsmanship and a sense of luxury from the House of Suntory.

I lived in Japan for five years, but that was before I was interested in whiskey.  I can’t believe that I never bought one bottle of Japanese whisky.  Stupid!  Well, I’m making up for it now.  A Japanese whisky belongs on everyone’s bar.  If a visiting friend says they don’t like scotch, offer a Japanese malt.  They’re about to have a new favorite whisky - blended luxury.  

Masataka Taketsuru of The Suntory Distillery produced his first distillate at the Yamazaki facility in 1924. Broadly speaking, the style of Japanese whisky is more similar to that of Scotch whisky than other major styles of whisky1 and for generations was always a whisky ‘also ran’ in tasting competitions.  But that wouldn’t last for long.  In 2003, the Yamazaki 12 Years rocked the single malt whisky world and became the first Japanese whisky to win the gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge.2  

Scotland's many distilleries make blending whisky flavours easy [compared to Japan]. Suntory had to develop its own array of flavours using various temperatures and combinations of yeasts for fermentation, as well as more complex methods of distilling whisky.3  Japan is helped by having four full seasons - similar to the U.S.  The hot summer days and the cold winter nights move more whisky into and out of the charred barrel staves compared to the cold winters but mild summers of Scotland.  That increased movement of the whisky through the charr allows the wood to interact with the tannins in the distillate, calming their harsh acidity and making for a light, enjoyable dram.  

Hibiki Harmony would surely make Masataka Taketsuru proud.  Taketsuru and his Scottish wife, Rita Cowan, are considered the original developers of Japanese malt whisky.  Their biography is truly remarkable and worthy of a Hollywood miniseries.  I’ve included a brief YouTube biography of her.  Here is another of Taketsuru.   Across whisk(e)y history we are treated to an array of people with the right personalities for whiskey.  They often have similar traits:  Intelligent people who are willing to take risks and ensure success by backing up their bold ventures with hard work.  So it was with Masataka and Rita.  Their success is evident in every delicious bottle.

I heard a podcast recently where the host forbade any guests from using the word, ‘smooth’.  I like that rule.  I will attempt to avoid that cliche too.  However, it is a good description for Hibiki Harmony.  It’s clearly similar to scotch but without the peat.  Light and floral, it starts easy and (as their website states) ends with candied orange peel and white chocolate.  I think you’ll like it.

乾杯！

Hibiki doesn’t recommend a cocktail.  I like it neat.  So in honor of our Christmas holiday, I’m including an eggnog cocktail recipe.  It turned out really well and was surprisingly delicious even though I tend to not like eggnog.  I listed the ingredients, however, if you want to make this, you’ll want to click on the website.  The instructions were detailed to help ensure you make the best eggnog possible.  From our friends at Delish.com:

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups milk

• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, plus more for serving

• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

• 6 large egg yolks

• 1/2 cup (100 g.) granulated sugar

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup bourbon or rum (I recommend 2 cups)

• Whipped cream, for serving

https://www.whiskey-and-politics.com/whiskey

Have you had the pleasure of tasting a Japanese Whisky?  The Japanese whiskies are favorites of all serious whisky drinkers.  This week we enjoy Hibiki Harmony Japanese Whisky from Suntory.  We also learn about Masataka Taketsuru and Rita Cowan, his Scottish wife.  Together they built the Japanese Whisky industry that we know today.

乾杯！