Japan – 43%ABV – $40 – $60 | £35 | €42
This is one of two Hibiki whiskies I’ve had to date. Tomorrow I will be reviewing the 21yr but today, it’s the 12yr.
The music dork in me can’t help but think of Rush’s “2112” album when I think of the two Hibikis I’ve had. Get it? 21yr. 12yr.
Whatever, now I can’t get “Temple of Syrinx” out of my head. And now, you won’t be able to either… Haha.
So, what does the latter half of Rush’s epic… I mean, what does the Hibiki 12yr smell & taste like? It’s like this:
On the nose — Plumes of plums and the wine thereof.
Some honey, honey.
Lemons & lemon custard.
Just now my 2yr old daughter asked to smell this whisky and I asked what she smelled and without any hints or hesitation she said – LEMONS!
Actually, she screamed it.
Reminiscent of a few bourbons I’ve had with a high sweet note I often associate with new charred oak barrels.
Sassafras leaves & black licorice.
On the mouth — Chewy mouthfeel.
A slight touch of savory spices — too many to name; a good mix.
Grain is evident but so is the malt.
Oak & more plum wine notes.
Slivovitz (plum brandy), however, the note is slight.
New oak leaf buds (…the smell of. And yes, I have smelled them).
Finish — The finish has a grainy sweetness that remains for a good bit.
In sum — Nicely balanced blend that is better to enjoy rather than deconstruct. I review one to three whiskies almost every day and I can say that I reach for this one when I’m tired of reviewing. An every day dram at a decent price. Perfect for dropping it all, letting it go and enjoying the here and now.