Suntory 12 Years Hibiki
Average tasting notes Tasting notes |
Calculated from 14
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Nosing
Fruit:
Sweet:
Plum:
Vanilla:
Honey:
Pear:
Zitrus:
Floral:
Herbs:
Clove:
Dark Chocolate:
Oak:
Spices:
Ginger:
Grape:
Lemon:
Malt:
Nuts:
Orange:
Wheat:
Herb:
Almonds:
Pineapple:
Apple:
Banana:
Barley:
Cherry:
Chocolate:
Cinnamon:
Tasting
Fruit:
Oak:
Sweet:
Zitrus:
Herb:
Coffee:
Tropical Fruit:
Spices:
Honey:
Malt:
Nuts:
Sherry:
Apple:
Oil:
Peat Smoke:
Pepper:
Vanilla:
Alcohol:
Pineapple:
Banana:
Pear:
Caramel:
Clove:
Floral:
Lemon Peel:
Orange:
Plum:
Raisin:
Tobacco:
Wheat:
Herbs:
Finish
Spices:
Nuts:
Oil:
Fruit:
Malt:
Sweet:
Zitrus:
Almonds:
Pear:
Chocolate:
Coffee:
Oak:
Lemon Peel:
Orange:
Peat Smoke:
Plum:
Vanilla:
Herb:
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Quality rating of this bottle
Quality comparison of bottles
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All tasting notes

The old NAS version were much darker, woodier, showing a lot more Sherry cask and Yamazaki character - not unlike what the modern Hibiki 21Y tastes like. Almost more brandy-like, but almost impossible to find internationally.
This new 12Y focuses a lot more on the bright, floral grain notes that were always present in the blend, making it a lighter, spicier and more citrusy spirit nowadays. The great, grainy structure on the palate has remained, even though caramel was dialed back and perceived alcohol bite has increased.
Peat is only noticeable in the finish, and beautifully integrated.
An exceptional blend and magnificent ringer in any Scotch tasting. More widely available now and often very reasonably priced.
A perfectly unique and distinctive blend that can rival many comparable Scotch Blends.