Hibiki Harmony is a complex and interesting blend that combines liquid components from the Suntory distilleries into a whisky that can hold its own with any Japanese single malt. Age-statement expressions from Hibiki are extremely hard to find these days, and very expensive when you do, but fortunately there’s an excellent non-age statement expression to fill the void. Hibiki is a blended whisky that was first released by Suntory back in 1989, made up of malt and grain whiskies from the company’s three distilleries. This is a lovely single malt, made from 100 percent malted barley, with notes of stone fruit, honey, and caramel on the palate. So the return of Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old is a big step for Nikka, which increased production by 20 percent starting in 2019 and announced plans to surpass its 1983 peak by the year 2025. Nikka removed its 10-, 12-, and 15-year-old age statements from its Yoichi brand nearly a decade ago in 2015 (Yoichi is one of the two distilleries operated by Nikka, the other being Miyagikyo). Green apple, lemon, vanilla and caramel notes intermingle, making this a whisky you won’t soon forget. This mountain distillery makes gently smoky and brightly flavored single malts, with the 12-year-old anchoring the portfolio. Suntory is the main company making Japanese whisky, followed by Nikka, and while Yamazaki has a popular and high-quality lineup, Hakushu is arguably the better of the two. Bottles are pricy and in limited supply, although this seems to be changing a bit. Japanese whisky, as you seasoned imbibers well know, exploded in popularity over the past half decade or so. Best Overall: The Hakushu 12 Years Single Malt Whisky.Best Splurge Japanese Whisky: Yamazaki 18 Year Old Mizunara.Best Japanese Whisky Under $100: Fuji Japanese Whisky.Best World Whisky: Ichiro’s Malt & Grain.Best Age Statement Japanese Whisky: Yamazaki 12.Best Cask Strength Japanese Whisky: Asaka Bourbon Cask Reserve.Besk Cask Finish Japanese Whisky: Iwai Tradition Sherry Cask Finish.Best Grain Japanese Whisky: Nikka Coffey Grain.Best Blended Japanese Whisky: Hibiki Harmony.Best Single Malt: Yoichi Single Malt 10-Year-Old.Best Overall Japanese Whisky: Hakushu 12.The good news is that there are many excellent Japanese whiskies out there for you, so we’ve put together this list to help steer you towards some of the best bottles to buy in different categories. There are different styles of Japanese whisky to consider, including single malts, blends, peated, grain, and different cask finishes. This new agreement labels those as “world whiskies,” with the requirement that true Japanese whisky be distilled and aged in Japan (among a few other rules). In the past, some bottles labeled as Japanese whisky actually contained whisky produced in Scotland or other countries. A few years ago, many distilleries and brands signed onto guidelines set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association, an attempt to more clearly define the category. If you’re in the market for the best Japanese whisky available, there are some factors to consider. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |