Suntory Hibiki 17 Year Old

Tasting Notes by Mark Gillespie, World Whiskies Awards 2012

• Mild smokiness and toasted oak with hints of nutmeg. Lemon-lime citrus at first, followed by a strong cinnamon blast that fades slowly into the finish as the citrus note returns. Hints of hazelnut, and fading cinnamon.

Tasting Notes by Robin Laing, World Whiskies Awards 2012

• The nose gives tempura cooking oil, donuts, candyfloss and coconut fudge. A warm, pleasant taste of fruity toffee, barley sugar sticks dipped in chocolate and marron glacés, with an attractive heat playing around the mouth.

Producer's Note

• Hibiki, which means harmony, is a master blend of carefully selected full-bodied malt and grain whiskies. This multi award winning blend creates a profound aroma with an elegant and mellow woody richness, accompanied by sweet long-lasting citrus flavour.

Tasting Notes by Dave Broom

• Nose

  Ripe soft and pillow like with hints of smoke and toasty wood. Citrus leaf, cocoa, cooked apricot, ripe banana, hazelnut giving a crunch.

• Palate

  Toffee sweetness stretches along the palate. Very clean and clear. Sweet with sultana and cherry.

• Finish

  Long and silky.

• Comment

  Relaxed and laid back. This is excellent blending.

• Score

  8.5 / 10

These tasting notes are reproduced from Whisky Magazine Issue 64

Tasting notes by Martine Nouet

• Nose

  Bee wax, polished floor, church bench, candle wax. A tar hint in the back. When aerated, opens up on citrussy notes and barley sugar before a wave of vanilla brings in a sweet brine.

• Palate

  Smooth, mellow. Velvety. Oak and citrus fruit are intertwined in an elegant two step dance.

• Finish

  Medium, smooth, hardening up on a more assertive oaky note. Touch of bitter chocolate.

• Comments

  An elegant and satisfying dram. Well educated, in good quality casks for sure.

• Score

  8.25 / 10.

These tasting notes are reproduced from Whisky Magazine Issue 64