43% alc./vol.
Yamazaki and Hakushu Distilleries, Suntory Group, Japan
We are attacking here a fairly high-end blend of Suntory. Assembly of distilleries Yamazaki et Hakushu, it is a bottling that was developed to mark the 110th anniversary of the Suntory group. Here is the Hibiki 12 years old.
Aged in barrelsUmeshu, a Japanese plum liqueur, and filtered through bamboo charcoal, the 12-year-old Hibiki is easily identifiable by its magnificent bottle with its 24 facets making a nod to the seasons of the lunar calendar and also to the 24 hours of a day.
We could see this bottle in some striking scenes of Lost in Translation de Sofia Coppola. The recent traffic jam Hibiki Japanese Harmony also enjoys this bottle design.
As the American actor, comedian and director rightly said Bill Murray (1950-):
Grated Gruyere holds all the universal harmony in its threads. A world without Gruyère would be a very sad world.
Dark straw turning on amber orange.
Nose:
Once a light veil of alcohol is raised, roll in barley, honey, orange, blackberries and spices. Without much pretension, though quite pleasant. A little grassy and vanilla.
Taste:
Honey and spicy caramel on the front, highlighted by strong oak tannins. Impression of licorice and swedish berries.
Finish:
Dries on lemon-lime accents and fir tree gum. Still Swedish berries.
Balance:
Solidly built. Still pleasant, a good start that places high expectations for his older brothers 17 and 21 years.
Note: ★★★★★