Hibiki unveils Japanese Harmony 12 whisky blend

Beam Suntory has launched Hibiki Japanese Harmony, which pays homage to the Japanese whisky’s first ever blend, in Australia.

Master blender Shingo Torii and chief blender Shinji Fukuyo used more than 12 malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries to create Hibiki Japanese Harmony.

The blenders used the same whiskies that went into the first ever Hibiki blend: American white oak malt whiskies, Mizunara oak malt whiskies, and Sherry oak malt whiskies.

A “dash” of grain whisky from the Chita distillery is added to “complete the personality of the malt whiskies” and “enhance the overall harmony” of the blend.

The whisky, said to have a flavour of honey, candied orange peel and white chocolate, is presented in a 24-faceted glass bottle to symbolise the 25 seasons of the old Japanese lunar calendar.

“Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a blend that reflects the expert craftsmanship and delicate nature of the Japanese, and it is at once pure and complex,” Beam Suntory said. “There is a transparency of taste that allows this whisky to reveal all of its complexities simultaneously.”

The Hibiki brand first launched in 1989 to celebrate the 90-year anniversary of Suntory.

It was revealed earlier this year that UK distributor Maxxium would be handling Suntory’s Scotch and Japanese whiskies following the group’s takeover of Maker’s Mark and Courvoisier Cognac producer Beam.