It’s bold but with a soft, rounded body on the palate. On its own, you get traditional notes of Laphroaig-like iodine, peat and bandages. Smoky malt whisky: Just a hint of Islay-style smoky whisky is included to add complexity and depth.On the palate, it is medium- to heavy-bodied and chewy, with hints of baking spice, toasted coconut and dried herbs. On the nose, it’s slightly vegetal with soft spices. Mizunara cask malt whisky: Another “dressing” component, this is the oldest whisky in the blend, aged 12 to 15 years in Japanese Mizunara casks and providing a “Japanese character” to the whisky.Going by the overall color of Harmony, this must be a fairly small component of the blend. Sherry cask malt whisky: Working as a “dressing” or highlight, this somewhat older whisky is the only dark-amber component of the main five and provides personality, flavor and top notes of dried fruit, cigar, plum and wood. ![]() On its own, it is clearly young but aromatically rich with caramel, anise and honey notes. Chita grain whisky: The company calls it the “dashi” or “broth” designed to bring everything together.It opens sweet and light-bodied, with hints of tannin and spice. On its own, this component is brash and oaky on the nose. Malt whisky aged in American white oak: The brand says this creates a “solid base” of flavor.If you find that you like lighter scotch or Japanese whiskey, than this is one that deserves some consideration. That said, it still can be found in that price point. This whiskey is really nice, but it’s not really $100+ a bottle nice. In the state of Ohio, at the time of writing this, it’s up to $125. Long ago, this whiskey used to be somewhere closer to the $80-90 price point. It’s easy to like, has a good depth of flavor, and only really faulters at the price. Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a beautiful whiskey to enjoy neat that really shines with a softness and pleasant mix of floral flavors. The overall impression is an easy going drink, that has some complexity, but not a lot of depth. It loses a bit of the depth, but still manages some subtle candied orange people and white chocolate notes. In a highball the smoothness manages to persist with some lighter floral notes (still rose forward) and lots of gentle toasted wood notes. Overall, it’s a beautiful whiskey that wants you to muse about it’s beauty rather than pounce on it. The touches of oak and honey on the finish make for something that lingers pleasantly without being aggressive. The warmth of the wood and intricate floral tones are a winding trip across the palate. It entices you with a beautiful delicacy, while still providing full flavor at a relatively low proof. Hibiki Japanese Harmony is subtle, soft, and gentle. Tasting Notes: Hibiki Japanese Harmony is a blend of Japanese malt and grain whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita. The finish lingers with an oaky, perfumy tone that’s delicately seductive. Savor: The end carries forward the rose, some jasmine, honey, and a hint of oak. There’s a creaminess that almost has a little orange and honey in it. ![]() ![]() The flavors of lychee, rose, white chocolate, and a perfumed -incense like wood come through in spades. Sip: The mouthfeel is smooth, soft, and round with a very silky texture. That floralness almost gives off a bit of extra fruit. That floral background goes with just a hint of vanillin, and a little bit of heat. There are touches of tangerine, rosemary, and light honey. Smell: The nose is laced with lighter wood tones (perhaps this is what they’re referencing as sandalwood) with elements of rose and lychee. Among the sections we created, was Japanese Whiskey, and where I first encountered Hibiki Japanese Harmony. Exploring available options, I eventually went on to work with a professor as my college to develop a Whiskeys of the World independent study. As a result, I started with Johnnie Walker Black, but this gave way to Lagavulin 16 and other smokier offerings. My grandfather drank it, my father would drink it, and so I wanted to drink it as well. When I first started my spirits journey, I admittedly started in scotch. Sometimes you get lured in by the concept or the bottle.
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