Hibiki Harmony: Japanese Whisky Review
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 28 июн 2024
- In this video I will be reviewing Hibiki Harmony Japanese Whisky.
#bourbon #whiskeytube #whiskey
Thank you for supporting my channel by using the links below.
I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program which allows me to earn a fee by linking to amazon.com. If you use the affiliate link, I will get a small commission at no cost to your purchase.
Bar Tools:
Mixing Glass: amzn.to/3JOEFqE
Jigger: amzn.to/3FxlFdv
Bar Spoon: amzn.to/3n0RQvD
Hawthorne Strainer: amzn.to/3yI7FtA
Julep Strainer: amzn.to/3LvLjTY
Boston Shaker: amzn.to/3JOvkPz
Heavy Shaker: amzn.to/3ZV8wTQ
Coupe Stemmed Glass: amzn.to/3ZXEChQ
Footed Rocks Glass: amzn.to/3lov0xt
Nick & Nora Glass: amzn.to/3JLPF7P
Martini Glass 6oz: amzn.to/3JMeFvR
Citrus Press: amzn.to/3JJ4Vl1
Strainer: amzn.to/40bqYaq
Bar Mat 6x12: amzn.to/409bZh8
Lewis Bag: amzn.to/3ldrW7q
Glencairn Whisky Glass: amzn.to/3LDuTIS
2 oz glass bottle: amzn.to/3JMaZu0
Books that I have read that helped me understand the world of whisk(e)y.
The Complete Whiskey Course: amzn.to/3UruyLt
Bourbon: amzn.to/3RTAlb3
The World Atlas of Whisky: amzn.to/3S06DkL
The Whiskeys of Ireland: amzn.to/3RZcruU
From Barley to Blarney: amzn.to/3C6txl7
American History Through a Whiskey Glass: amzn.to/3R1omHg
Whisky Japan: amzn.to/3BTpgBg
Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch: amzn.to/3qSGhFc
Scotch A complete Introduction to Scotland's Whiskies: amzn.to/3Up6uJ7
All time fav whiskey. Super smooth on ice. Makes me feel relaxed. A lot of other alcohol makes me wanna fight or act a fool. This is the only alcohol that makes me wanna just lay down and relax like i just smoked a joint but better. I buy Hibiki every other month. $110 a bottle depending on where you buy from.
It is a very nice subtle tasting bottle without being boring. Fresh, crisp, with a touch of gritty notes that make it interesting and adds depth. Stay away from the bottles that make you want to fight! 👍 Cheers!
This is the whisky that opened my eyes to how amazing whisky could be when sipped neat. For that, it holds a special place. Thankful to say that in blind tastings since then it’s held up well for both of us. Great video!
It certainly is a good one. This was my very first Japanese whisky and I now I'm hooked. Really excited for the future of Japanese whisky.
I share my bottle of Hibiki Harmony any time a friend wants to try japanese whiskey. From Hibiki there's a lot of directions to go. But if they don't like Hibiki, it's tough to find anything else from Japan they like.
Due to the slight peat note in Hibiki I have had some people be turned off by it. But they do like Yamazaki 12 and the Single Malt Miyagikyo. It's funny what some people like and dislike based on the peat level found in the whisky. No matter what...they always like being able to try new things. Thanks Anthony. Cheers!
I remember having this at a party once because my friend had it laying around, by far one of my favorites
I hope it was a good party. Probably was if this was just laying around. 😁Cheers!
Amazing review. I was looking into a good review before I bought a bottle and you did an amazing job on selling me this bottle. Thank you for an amazing review.
You are welcome. Check back in if and when you pick up a bottle and let me know what you think of it. Cheers!
Since i try Hibiki harmony it has become my "to go" whisky to enjoy, recently accuared the Hibiki blossom, and a bottle of a limited edition desing along with a Hakushu 12 and yamazaki 12, extraordinary whisky's to share with frinds and special ocations
Cheers! Sounds like a good lineup to share with friends.
First tried Hibiki 12 yr. (predecessor to Harmony) in 2011. Fortunately still have a couple of bottles in my possession. It was and is an outstanding whiskey. My understanding is a great deal of their inventory at the time was wiped out as a result of the Fukushima related tsunami. My guess is that plus increased popularity of Japanese whiskey led to the introduction of Harmony.
I'm hoping the age stated Hibiki makes its way back to the market eventually.
This is another one that I've only tried, once, but I did love it.
This one is the most delicate of all the Japanese whiskies I have.
Got my Hibiki harmony yesterday, pain to wait until today. so worth the wait. so smooth, clean honey, butter cookies, and a hint of a "Tia Maria", just beautiful.
Update: Hibiki Harmony didn`t really go well with mild goat cheese or a medium strong cheese for me. But might be that I smoked a mild cigar beforehand. Made the cheese a bit "sulfur" (bad cheese) aftertaste.
Happy to know you liked it.
For some reason I think Hibiki would compliment fruits, nuts, and seafood. I've had quite a few meat and cheese boards and for some reason it doesn't do well. Meat and cheese might be too harsh for the delicateness of the Hibiki. Or the meat and cheese that I'm pairing with it is too harsh.
@@whiskeyisajourney Yes totaly agree. Maybe an apple cake or pie.
Cinnamon buns, or as a finisher to a good dessert. Christmas perhaps.
Still it's a good drink just to relax and chill on.
I'd consider myself a total beginner to whisky. My only previous experience was with some Johnnie Walker Red Label a long time ago. Really put me off to be honest. Harsh on the alcohol, strong, bold flavours, etc. Recently discovered you can get whisky from other countries than just Scotland (like I said, total beginner). Japanese whisky instantly sounded like something I might like. Generally delicate, nuanced, not harsh on the alcohol, smooth, fresh... Decided I wanted to buy a bottle and figured I might as well invest in something of good or at least above-average quality to give myself the best chance of liking it. After watching your video, Hibiki it was. I've been really enjoying it so far, especially sipping it while watching this video and comparing what I smell and taste to what you're describing. It honestly gives great insights into how beautifully complex whisky can be and it excites me to try different whisky in the future. I sip it neat with very little air in my mouth, personally I find that helps bring out the flavours and it makes the alcohol part of it warm rather than burning. Absolutely delicious. Cheers from the Netherlands!
I did the exact same thing when I got started. I would watch videos, read reviews and sip along and try to pull the notes that other people were getting as well. In fact... I still do the same things today. My brother and sister-in-law are in the Netherlands right now on vacation. Cheers!
@@whiskeyisajourney Sure hope they’ll have a great time here!
@@lucasj0 it sounds like they have been having a great time. They are currently on a ship taking them to Stavagner.
So far have tried at least more than 15 different brands, other than Balvenie, which i enjoyed very much, this japanese whisky is also one of the best i ever drink.
I like it as well. Cheers!
RUclipsr Asianometry just did a very interesting video on the history of the Japanese whiskey industry.
Thanks for letting me know. I'll check it out. Cheers!
Always have a bottle one on my shelf. The best looking bottle design in business. It is so beautiful that I cannot even throw away the empty bottles.
Agreed 👍 definitely a great looking bottle. Remus Gatsby Reserve is a close 2nd, but unfortunately the whiskey in that bottle is not all that great. Cheers!
I use my empties for infinity bottles. Or just decanters.
@@jeffhelwig8267 As soon as this bottle is gone, I am going to transfer my current Toki infinity bottle into the Hibiki bottle.
Haven't had a lot of Japanese whisky but the ones I did have were very nice.
Good to know. All but 1 that I'll be reviewing in this series are worth a taste. Cheers!
I am new to whiskey and been trying jack Daniel’s old no 7 and tennesse honey . Recently have bought hibiki harmony and I feel it’s quite strong down odour and taste. Didn’t mix with anything but tried neat. Kindly please suggest what to mix with it to make little tastier
Try a Highball. Glass full of ice, 2oz whiskey, and 4-6 oz ginger ale or club soda. Jack and Hibiki are 2 crazy different types of whisk(e)y with drastically different flavor profiles. So test different mixers to find the ones you like. Cheers.
@@whiskeyisajourney thanks a lot for providing the inputs Sir. Will definitely try these
Hibiki always makes me laugh. In common with Lagavulin 16, you have a very low proof, chill filtered, E150 coloured whisky which works very nicely. In addition it's a no age statement blend of indeterminate origin. When I drink it I like it, but I don't find myself reaching for it. Unlike Lagavulin 16!
I'm with you on this. I reached for it a lot as soon as I got it, but not so much lately. Cheers!
How does Lagavulin compare to this in any way? Half the whisky in the world is 43% ABV, as well as being chill filtered and colored. That’s like saying I’m not feeling an apple today, so let me grab an orange instead. There’s like zero similarities between those two bottles. Lol
@@alexcalhoun1382 correct, you restated the similarities - 43%, chill filtered, coloured whiskies that I enjoy despite common wisdom suggesting that I should not. Again, correct, there are many others, some of which I enjoy and some of which I don't. And your analogy is similarly correct, to make it literal - I like a peaty, fruity whisky but sometimes reach for a light floral one.
I adore Lagavulin 16!!
A nice clean and well balanced whiskey! Just had this for the first time!
Good description. Clean and well balanced. I like it. Cheers!
I just bought a bottle today and yikes, here in Vancouver, it's over $180.00 when tax is included. I'm glad I bought this expression but I wish the huge jump in whisky prices would slow a little! It's fun getting to know a new whisky. I am used to stronger ABV single malts. Terrific review Peter!
Thankfully in my area the price of this bottle dropped $5. It's now under $100. I'm right there with you Christine. I'm ready for prices to level off and stop increasing. It's getting ridiculous. It's pricing people out of the market. Sad.
@@whiskeyisajourney Peter you are bang on! It is really sad to see people priced out of being able to afford a decent bottle of whisky or a lovely single malt. I am thrilled you saw a $5.00 drop in price for Hibiki! That's great news! I hope you have a terrific week ahead! Cheers!
@@christinecamleyat my store we sell it for $94 in Los Angeles
@@allshallperish35 Hey that is awesome!! Thanks!
Will def have to try more Japanese whsikey, only one ive tried is Nikka Coffey which i really enjoyed. cheers
This one is definitely one to try in my opinion.
Best whiskey I've tried so far...
Light, crisp, delicate flavors. It's a nice one. Cheers!
I had this years ago and I have one in the bunker and I haven’t opened it yet because of the scarcity of this Whiskey. I agree on the fragility part of it. I never got smoked though. I did get the sense of delicateness and it was, a very very refined malty taste. One thing I found with a lot of these really good Japanese whiskeys is that the finish is very abrupt. You’re always wanting to drink more. Those clever, clever bastards.
In the past year this bottle has gone from being hard to find to being allocated to now sitting on the shelf. It's still expensive and maybe that's why it is just sitting on the shelf now.
I would say try Nikka Taketsuru Pure Malt. That one is my favorite. Good for beginners and for grizzled vets who can appreciate it.
I see it on the shelf all the time. I have not bought a new bottle of Japanese whisky since this series. I think I need to pick up a bottle.
Costco has it in again “today” at $79!!!
I like that price!
Tried a couple of times and it’s pretty enjoyable.
I'm happy to see that the price of the bottle dropped a little in my area. Granted it did not drop that much only $5.00, but at this point I'll take any price drop.
@@whiskeyisajourney I’ve seen it in stores for about 98.00-115.00 my connection can get it for me if I want for 85.00
Again, I really like the way you describe the taste; kudos!
For this one, it's pronounced hee-BEE-kee. I believe you have a "beck" in there somewhere, which is incorrect.
I know...I butchered the name entire video. ☹️
Hi love your channel just wondering how does one start a whisky collection? I see all your bottels at the back of you. Do you buy a couple bottles per month or per week. How do you do it. Thanks, continue to make good content.
I can only tell you how I started my collection. I'm not sure if the way I started was "normal". My brother in law and I decided to start drinking whisk(e)y while we were on a Keto diet. I bought 4 bottles to try out on January 14th of 2022. Monkey Shoulder, Four Roses single Barrell, a random Japanese whiskey, and an Irish whiskey Glendalough. From there, there was no looking back for me/us. I bought anywhere from 5 to 20 bottles a month from that point on. However, over the past 2 months I have stopped buying that many. Now If something piques my interest I'll pick it up, but a lot of times I'm passing on bottles more than buying these days.
Now the real question is what cigar to pair it with ..
Oh man...you are on your own with that one. I don't smoke. Maybe someone in the comments can help you out.
@@whiskeyisajourneyLol . No worries
Bought a bottle based on your review as a very, very novice whiskey drinker.
Oh man. Now I'm feeling the pressure. I hope you like it. Let me know if you do or don't. Definitely curious to find out.
@@whiskeyisajourney Bought multiple bottles as Christmas gifts and one for myself. Perhaps $380 of foolishness in the moment, but felt a mild thrill because it was kept behind the counter with a limit to the purchase amount. It is fantastic. It is an easy gold medal finisher for the ones I've tried so far.
@@JamesPalylyk that's great! Thanks for letting me know. I'm relieved that you liked it. Cheers!
Such a great Whisky!
I'm liking it even more now the price dropped in my area under $100.
Keep doing the Japanese whiskey please good sir 🙏 love the videos thanks
Thanks! I'll see what I can do. Cheers!
@Whiskey is a Journey Cheers 🍻
I just bought one bottle and heard it will be harder to get it soon, I haven’t opened my bottle yet, I know there is even a eighteen years old a valsai le but there your are stalking hundreds of f dollars when you put your hand on a bottle . I tested another Japanese whisky blend Hazotaki, an did not like it that much, and the reason , is /since I consider th have a good nose I had a hint of sake as last taste , so now I wonder if maybe sometimes they use, sake casks to get this finish( but since I don’t like sake any more than this I had Yamasaki once and it was excellent, I can wait a little lompnger before opening the hibiki Santorum I indulge myself with as Christmas gift. Cheers 8:03
I have some left in my bottle, but it's getting low. I'll probably pick up another one soon so I can compare bottles. Cheers!
Opened my hibiki santory bottle tonight, with my friend Vince, if I may recommend two thing, let it breathe for a while , use a large glass, an when we poured some water, it really changed 5he game : we lost the alcoholic bite and vapors dominating at first t9 get more nuances and a more pleasant expérience, so please , give me feed back in this or your opinions
Costco Torrance, CA today has Hibiki Harmony 21 yr! If you got $640 in disposable income.
That's tempting 🤔🤔🤔
@@whiskeyisajourney correction $690. I’m seeing reddit post saying they’re gone already.
@@pizzainthebox3449 it's good they are gone... I don't want to be tempted. Kidding. $600+ is out of my price range at the moment.
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!
you gonna review the suntory AO world whisky?
I don't currently have it in my collection. If I get a bottle I will.
My GF bought me this for Christmas as my first Japanese Whisky. I've yet to open it!
Well...what are you waiting for? Open that sucker up and try it! 🙂 When you do, revisit this comment and let me know what you think. Cheers!
@@whiskeyisajourney you may have just given me the push I need to open it lol. Will let you know what we think 🙂
this is a good one! I am enjoying the bottle I have a bit to much.
Hopefully you're in an area where it's not that expensive so you can pick up another bottle without breaking the bank. Cheers!
@@whiskeyisajourney sadly it is not cheap nor common, but I will treat myself with some once in a while anyway 😁
also 100% neat for this one! and thanks for the video
Sounds nice; I don't know if it's $100 nice.
Thankfully there was a price drop in my area so now it's going for under $100. Granted $5 less but it's still less than $100.
For a blend that is a little bit higher than I’d pay. I had a Japanese whisky that was very good and was like 65 dollars I believe it was a blend but still good. Now for a single malt I would spend that all day for it. The fact this is colored and not aged stated the cost is just not what I would be willing to pay for this particular whisky.
Do you remember what the name of the blend was? I get what your saying. Everyone has their standards and criteria of what they are going to spend their money on and what they wont. Cheers.
@@whiskeyisajourney I’ll have to get with the guy that brought it he didn’t know it was a scotch. He just liked the bottle.
I would like to order Japanese HIBIKI WHISKY.
I say go for it if you like it. Order away.
you didn´t feel the mizunara taste?
I'm not that familiar with the mizunara taste to say with any amount of certainty that that's the note that I'm getting.
Sounds like a good Whiskey but I get a tick every time you say if ("Hebiki" use Hi-bi-ki") ("get tid of the "e" in the I :P")
I know. Before I shot the video I was saying it correct, but when I started to shot it all went wrong with pronouncing it. Not sure why. It just came out that way. I was wincing as I was editing. Mistakes happen. Cheers!
No offense Mr @@whiskeyisajourney just made my eye go mad :) Well you and Whiskey tribe just made me now order it :D We only got about 50 bottles in Norway. And while sipping on my Dalwhinnie I found one and order it :D Cheers
No offense taken. I hope you enjoy the bottle without your eye going mad while you are drinking it. 👍 Cheers!
@@whiskeyisajourney Yes Sir.. i will 👍
@@whiskeyisajourney Actually I am quite surprised about the price. We in Norway have a huge tax on spirits. And its a state owned "monopoly" But I only had to pay $30 more for the bottle. usually it's almost the double of the US marked.
Hibiki 21 y/o is the best whiskey. To bad is 1k a bottle now x.x
Ouch! 1K! It better be the best! 😉 Cheers!
@whiskeyisajourney use to be 300 a long time ago.
It's amazing! I have 2 bottles of it and one remains unopened to save for a special time!
I bought some bottles at my store and grabbed this one but didnt buy it. The girl at the counter still packed it in even though i didnt purchase it. Best mistake made in years. Its a 130 USD in my country and i had it for free. Havent tried it yet. First i wanted to find out if it was worth drinking or better selling but you are convincing me to open it lol
In my opinion it's definitely worth drinking. Let me know if you do and what you think of it. Cheers!
Hibiki is 💯🦸♂️♨️🔥 and it's truly 😋😋😋
Nice. I have a bottle battle coming up Friday with Hibiki and Yoichi. Should be interesting. Cheers!
If you’re going to use a 5 star rating system commit to 3 or 4 and don’t fence sit with a 3.75
I can't rate everything as a whole number. It's just the way I do things.
Bad bunny rompió con ese nombre
I don't understand.
I wish I could buy this and enjoy it but I know I’d drink too much at once and waste it. It’s just too expensive. Maybe one day.
Everything in moderation. Cheers!
Cuantos vienen por el tema de Bad Bunny?
I'm not understanding what you mean.
Bad Bunny recently posted his album, and there's a song with a name like 'HABIKI,' so it's very likely that more people will be commenting the same@@whiskeyisajourney
@@tarikproduce good to know. Thanks!
How difficult izzit to say Hibiki lol how did all three “i”s get pronounced differently
I know. I botched it every time.
it's pronounced, "he" as in he-she, "bee" as in honeybee, and "key" as in house key, "he-bee-key" 😉
Got it. That's a great breakdown on the pronunciation. Thanks.
after 30 years living in Japan my Japanese wife still busts my balls for even the slightest pronunciational discretions!
This is a 300 dollar bottle in auatralia lol
Ouch! That is a hefty price tag.
of note hibiki is pronounced he-be-key
Noted. I few people have mentioned that. Thanks.
Kindly note that Japanese whisky is not spelt W H I S K E Y.
Jack the Japan Alps Brit , 40 years and counting
Just checking, but did I indicate in the video someplace that it was spelled whiskey?
Pretty sure it's spelt Hibiki, not Hibeki? 😂
I know. I messed that up the entire video. Botched it every time.
@@whiskeyisajourney 😄
Pronounced hee-bee-kee
I know...I totally botched the pronunciation the entire video. ☹️
@@whiskeyisajourneyand comes from the diaphram
Jack Daniels. It’s American.
Correct. Jack Daniels is an American whiskey.
There is no e in Hibiki!!!!!
I know. I messed it up all the way through the video. ☹️