Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master’s Select
43% ABV - Japan
Nose: Light and floral, with distinct citrus peel, cherry blossom, and lemon zest (a tad into the polish).
Taste: Delicate flavours of creamed honey, lemon peel, and maraschino cherry syrup. Nothing is particularly leading the way—it’s well-blended.
Finish: With white fruits, nearing tropical, the finish is short and sweet.
This bottle was gifted to me as a double-high heel (my made-up on-the-spot term for about one-third of a bottle). I almost feel a love-hate relationship with it because it’s not the style of whisky I prefer. Still, it was a good opportunity to challenge my palate and search for flavours in something I am unfamiliar with.
I haven’t had too many whiskeys by Hibiki. Their flavour profile, or house style, is very floral and delicate. A decent sipping whisky that I imagine would be completely lost in a cocktail. I thought the aromas wafting from the glass was the best part.
Details: Travel Retail Exclusive. Master's Select is suggested to be a blend of 10 different malt and grain whiskies from Chita, Hakushu, and Yamazaki distilleries.
Tasted 17 August 2024. (Posted 4 October 2024.)
83/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
