Hibiki 12, 17, & 21 Japanese Whiskies Reviewed

Shortcuts/Timecodes:
0:00 – Intro
1:55 – 12 Year Nosing
2:45 – 12 Year Tasting
5:00 – 17 Year Nosing
6:16 – 17 Year Tasting
8:35 – 21 Year Nosing
9:56 – 21 Year Tasting
11:50 – Final Thoughts

Today we’re taking a look at the Hibiki Blended Japanese Malts Whiskies! All three are bottled at 43% abv and originally retailed between $50 and $300.
Hibiki 12 originally retailed $50-$100 (Now $500-$800)
Hibiki 17 MSRP originally retailed (Now $700-$1000)
Hibiki 21 MSRP originally retailed (Now $1200-$1500)
Nowadays, with the discontinuation of two of them (the 12 & 17) we're seeing those secondary prices continue to climb year after year. But before I dive into all that, let’s understand some of the history behind the “Hibiki” name (which btw means “resonance” in Japanese). Hibiki first came onto the whisky scene in 1989. Initially Suntory (the parent company) only released the 17- and 21-year expressions, but in 1997, a 30-year-old one joined the lineup. In 2009, the super popular 12-year-old was added and really pushed the Hibiki name into the forefront of Japanese whisky (based on its price, quality, and availability). The 21 year being the most awarded, and it won “World’s Best Blended Whisky” five times through the World Whisky Awards! Unfortunately, with all the accolades came high consumer demand, and after several years the stocks dried up and cuts had to be made. The first was the 12-year in 2015 – which was essentially replaced by the non-age stated Harmony. Then in 2018 the 17 year made its final curtain call. While these rarities now command Single Malt pricing on secondary markets (online stores or auctions), they’re “Blended Malts”, which means they’re a combination of 10+ single grain and grain whiskies from the Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries.

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As of June 2023, my current bottle count is over 2,600. I am a Certified Specialist of Spirits and have also been accredited by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT). I've been actively collecting for more than two decades and what started as a small basic home bar has transformed (with the help and understanding of my wonderful wife) into this collection and career. Speaking of my career, my “Saints Alley" Bourbons & Rye whiskeys are on Total Wine shelves and customers are really enjoying them (be sure to ask for a sample when you're in the stores)! Currently, our two new Special Editions are almost gone. But don’t worry, we just created Batch 2’s of both! Our "Nobleman" Rye Whiskey was aged in Hungarian Tokaji (pronounced Tok-eye) sweet wine casks! The other is a twist on our "Herald" Bourbon that adds Pineau Des Charentes casks to the mix. All are delicious, and given my knowledge and high standards, you know I’m working hard with my team to continue releasing whiskeys that we're proud of! Thanks for watching and please remember to drink responsibly. Cheers!