Launched in September 2018 as the successor to Hibiki 17year old. It is said to be made from long-aged original Whisky, with an average aging time of 15 years and one part exceeding 30 years. It has a mellow and deep flavor.
１．Company
Suntory Spirits, Inc.
２．Distillery
The Whisky that makes up the deep aroma of Hibiki is nurtured at three distilleries owned by Suntory.
The Yamazaki Distillery was built in Yamazaki, Kyoto, which boasts of its famous water. The malt distillate born in this humid region, where the Uji, Katsura, and Kizu Rivers converge, has a gorgeous and elegant aroma.
The Hakushu Distillery is located in Yamanashi, nestled in the Kai Komagatake Mountains. The malt distillate made in the forest, which is rare in the world, has a light and refreshing aroma.
The grain base whisky, which is the basis of the blended whisky flavor, enhances the malt base whisky’s character and brings it into harmony with the whole. The Chita Distillery, located on the Chita Peninsula in Aichi Prefecture, overlooks Ise Bay.
３．Product Name
Hibiki Blender’s Choice
４．Characteristics
A sweet harmony of a wide variety of whisky and artisanal techniques
Whiskey flavor varies greatly depending on the cask in which it is aged. Bourbon casks, sherry casks, and Japanese oak casks are commonly used, but Hibiki Blender’s Choice is unique in that wine casks are used for some of the whisky.
Generally, wine casks have a strong sense of oddity, but whisky aged in wine casks often have a fruity and sweet flavor, creating a mellow and sweet taste and a well-balanced flavor even if the age of the whisky is short.
Aroma: wild strawberry, white peach, pineapple, crème brûlée
Taste: full sweetness, pleasant acidity
Aftertaste: soft, sweet, bittersweet
Type: Blended
Ingredients: malt, grain
Alcohol content: 43
５．Awards
- 2021年 ISC GOLD
- 2020年 ISC GOLD
６．Price
Reference retail price: 700ml 10,000 yen (10,800 yen including tax)
The product is sold at mail-order and online auctions for around 10,000 yen, almost the regular price. (As of August 30, 2019)
Price at DiningBar Hidden Lounge
At DiningBar Hidden Lounge, this whisky is priced at
45ml: 2,500 yen
The price of this whisky at DiningBar Hidden Lounge is 2,500 yen for 45ml.
７．Finally
The body is medium to light. Some of the alcohol from the younger bottles can be felt, but not to the point of being repulsive.
It is unfortunate that it is basically limited to commercial stores (restaurants) where it is not sold to the general public, but it is a Japanese blended whisky that is well worth drinking even at the regular price.
It is easy to drink for whisky beginners and women, but its well-balanced taste that whisky lovers can also enjoy is truly a blended whisky.
You might want to drink it as soon as possible before it becomes scarce or sold out!
Please take this opportunity to try it at DiningBar Hidden Lounge.
