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Suntory Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select

Suntory Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select is an exclusive limited edition of Hibiki Japanese Harmony, originally made for travel retail market. Hibiki’s brand represents the Japanese style of blending in its trademark 24-faceted bottle. They blend together Suntory’s Yamazaki and Hakushu malt whiskies with some Chita distillery’s grain whisky. Hibiki by the way, means harmony in Japanese.

Harmony represents the Japanese seasons, doing it lightly, trying to be approachable. Master’s Select has hints of Yamazaki Sherry Cask influence in it.

Seasons of Japan in one bottle?

Don’t think so…this dram is very light and not rich enough to present all four seasons. Although there’s diversity presented between the distilleries that produced this blend.

I’ve had the pleasure of tasting their 12 year old blend and it was delicious. So I had high hopes even though Japanese Harmony Master’s Select is a non age stated (NAS) travel retail whisky, which usually can be a guarantee for mediocre whisky.

Being a limited edition whisky with some sherry cask influence, this NAS comes through as an okay blend but in my opinion, it doesn’t live up to its brand’s reputation.

Matured in:
Japanese Mizunara oak and Ex-Sherry casks
ABV: 43%
Colour: Amber
Nose: Floral and citrus notes dominate, with hints of oak on the back. Little bit of vanilla too, along with those oaky aromas.
Taste: Bit creamy with oranges dominating. Very sweet and bit spicy. Caramelized oranges and tropical fruits, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Finish: Medium length but light. Plums and dark chocolate notes.
Balance: Overall this Hibiki is very light, way too light for my taste. But I do appreciate the Japanese craftsmanship presented in this whisky. They surely can handle the art of blending at Suntory.

Scoring

81
Nose:Taste:Finish:Balance:
21
20
20
20
Distillery: Malt whisky is from the distilleries of Yamazaki and Hakushu, and the grain whisky is from Chita distillery. Owner: Suntory

Suntory Hibiki Japanese Harmony Review - Master's Select

Johannes Lindblom
Johannes Lindblom
Finnish whisky enthusiast and the author of WhiskyRant! A digital marketing professional by day – a whisky reviewer and informer by night.

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