Hibiki 17 Year Old 響

Distillery Info

Established in 1899, Suntory it is one of the oldest companies in the distribution of alcoholic beverages in Japan, and makes Japanese whiskies. It has produced innumerable award winning whiskies for both the domestic and export markets. Of these, both the single malts of Yamazaki and Hakushu often make the headlines but the distillery group also produces the sensational (and multiple award winning) Hibiki blended whisky, (aged at 12yo, 17yo, 21 yo and 30 yo) using spirit from the aforementioned distilleries as well as grain whisky from their Chita production plant.

Tasting note

Awarded a Gold ‘Editor’s Choice’ award from Whisky Magazine and picked up the top prize in its category at the World Whisky Awards 2010.

Nose: Sweet and rich aromas of raisins, sultanas and plums. Lots of toffee and butterscotch. Definite honey. A great nose, it’s a pleasure to come back to it between sips

• A fantastic Japanese blend, made with aged malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s three distilleries.
• Palate: Same flavours as the nose, initial sweetness with the raisins/sultanas and some softer tropical fruits, like honeydew melon
• Finish: Remarkably long-lasting, with a good mix of after-glowing sweetness from the caramel/butterscotch, balanced with a slightly bitter oakyness, and a touch of cinnamon to round it all off.