![]() I suspect this reflects the distinctive flavour profile described above – while I like it, it obviously doesn’t appeal to everyone.įor positive reviews of this expression, check out Jason of In Search of Elegance and Dave of Whisky Advocate. The trend in mean scores is in the direction you would expect – but there are definitely some pretty great differences of opinion on the Harmony, as illustrated in the much higher standard deviation than typical. Let’s see how the various Hibiki expressions compare in the Whisky Database: If the switch to NAS expressions means wider availability of this style of Japanese whisky in Canada, then I expect the local market will be glad to receive it. Given the surprising flavour profile here, I can’t help but wonder if some of that expertise hasn’t made its way back to the Japanese mainland.Īs an aside, this is the first Hibiki whisky that the LCBO has stocked, to my knowledge. As I noted in my Canadian Club 100% Rye commentary, Suntory has been integrating its recently-acquired expertise in Canadian rye making and Jim Beam bourbon blending. Having sampled more than a dozen Japanese whiskies to date, I must say that the Harmony is not what I expected – but I still thoroughly enjoyed the experience. But the main fruity/spicy flavours trail off fairly quicky, as you might expect in a younger blend. The slight sweet perfume/incense aroma also continues into the palate, although I’m hard pressed to name it exactly.įinish: Medium, in terms of that oaky grain whisky sweetness which continues for awhile. I suppose some people might even compare this to a lighter/younger bourbon, given the sweetness – but the Harmony is definitely more delicate. I doubt there is any rye in here, but I am quite happy to detect something similar to it in the Harmony, as I think it balances well with the classic Hibiki structure. But what I am detecting here is the classic integration of oaked grain sweetness with the “softer” baking spices of age ryes (which you find in quality aged Canadian blends). ![]() There is still some rough grain whisky showing on the Harmony, belying its young age (although it is not offensive in the way cheap young Canadian whiskies often are). But what came next was a surprise to me – a quick shift into what I normally associate with a high-quality Canadian blended whisky (i.e., something akin to the Crown Royal Monarch). Initial impression was relief – I could immediately detect the classic Hibiki “oaky” structure in the opening waves of flavour (i.e., toffee and honey). Palate: Given the distinctive nose, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect here. All told, a much nicer nose than I was expecting, and one that is a pleasure to return to in-between sips. The label mentions rosewater, which I can also imagine. ![]() You’ll laugh at me, but I also detect a hint of that cheap bubble gum that used to come with sport trading cards when I was a kid. Classic vanilla of course (consistent with oak aging). I get a definite whiff of pear, which is less common (although some might consider that to be over-ripe apple). Nose: What a pleasant surprise – rich with sweet fruit and floral aromas (most especially apples, bananas and orange blossoms). Since there are not a lot of reviews online yet for this particular expression, I thought I’d provide more detailed review-style tasting notes here: In the case of the Harmony, I understand they adding a small proportion of new whisky aged in Japanese Mizunara oak casks.īeing a big fan of the Hibiki 17 yo, it was with some trepidation that I opened the bottle of Hibiki Harmony that I manage to snag at the LCBO this week. Indeed, there are some limited examples where the opposite seems to be the case (Cardhu Amber Rock comes to mind). However, there is no a priori reason to assume that every NAS will be demonstrably worse than its age statement predecessor. There is much hang-wringing about this trend online, since it portends a general reduction in quality overall. ![]() Demand is far outstripping supply at this point time, it seems. While this is certainly the case for many Scottish single malts, it seems to be even more of an issue for Japanese whisky – given its relatively recent expansion into international markets. It is meant to replace the entry-level 12 yo expression, which is no longer available.ĭue to the widespread shortage of mature casks world-wide (thanks to whisky’s surging popularity), many distillers have had to discontinue their classic entry-level age expressions – or at least, greatly reduce their distribution. Harmony is the name of the new NAS (no age statement) offering from Suntory for their premiere Hibiki line of blended whiskies.
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