Where Is the Largest Hibiki Suntory Whisky Inventory in San Diego?

Whisky is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages around the globe. This beverage is created from the distillation of grain products. This intoxicant has managed to infuse itself into the culture of many nations around the world. Whisky originated over a century ago when Europe introduced distillation to Ireland and Scotland via traveling monks. 

During the 1920s, whisky was introduced to Japan. The Japanese whisky is similar to Scottish whisky because the Japanese whisky pioneers learned distillation from Scottish whisky malt masters. Despite its comparably short history, Japanese whisky, like the Hibiki Suntory Whisky, can now be compared to some of the finest Scottish whiskies. Luckily, Big Time Market & Liquor has the largest Hibiki Suntory Whisky inventory in San Diego.

Hibiki Suntory Whisky

Hibiki was launched in 1989 by Suntory to commemorate their 90th anniversary. Ever since, it has been embraced as the paragon of Japanese Whisky.

The Hibiki Suntory Whisky is Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky. In addition, it is the most prestigious and honored whisky in the world and the most luxurious Suntory whisky happens to be the most Japanese, too. It was designed to be a more palatable alternative to blended scotch. Also, it is meant to be sipped neat or over ice.

Each Hibiki expression is a blend of over a dozen of whiskies. These whiskies are all produced at the three Suntory whisky-making facilities. These spirits may be aged in American oak barrels, Spanish Olorosso, sherry casks, ex-bourbon barrels, ex-wine casks, and the legendary Japanese Mizunara oak barrel. 

Hibiki size and variability are what separates it from other whiskies. It’s the only whisky that contains parts from every Suntory distillery and is aged in every wood type and every barrel in its repertoire. Due to these factors, Hibiki tastes intensely floral and fruity. Moreover, as its ages in the barrel, it presents more depth, citrus notes, and tannic twists.

Due to its excellent taste, Hibiki became one of the most sought after whiskies around the globe. 

Hibiki Suntory Whisky Expressions

Hibiki is made with malts from Yamazaki and Hakushu as well as grain whisky from Chita drawn from five different barrel types. Its taste generally has a fruity character composed of orange, marmalade, plum, apple, pear, and citrus. Hibiki Suntory Whisky has four expressions—Japanese Harmony, 12 Years Old, 17 Years Old, and 21 Years Old.

Hibiki Japanese Harmony

Japanese Harmony is a mixture of Chita grain whisky as well as Yamazaki and Hakushu single malt whiskies. No one really knows any age information regarding the whiskies in the Japanese Harmony blend. However, some speculate that it is likely younger offerings under the Hibiki umbrella. Japanese Harmony boasts its springiness. It is heavily floral and citrusy on the nose and palate but lacks barrel flavors like vanilla, maple, and wood spice.

Hibiki Suntory 12

Just like Japanese Harmony, Hibiki 12 is a composite of Yamazaki and Hakushu single malts and Chita grain. The whisky starts its aging process in ex-bourbon barrels. Later, the whisky spends its time maturing in plum liqueur barrels. For this reason, Hibiki 12 has plum notes that are a unique characteristic. On the palate, Hibiki 12 tastes like caramel, malt, dark fruit, almonds, bananas, and wood — all of which fight for dominance.

Unfortunately, the Suntory distillery no longer makes Hibiki 12. They replaced it with Japanese Harmony. However, Hibiki 12 is still relatively easy to find on the market.

Hibiki Suntory 17

What’s interesting about this Hibiki expression is that it does not really taste like a whisky blend. Hibiki 17 is a kind of whisky that you can confuse for single malt due to its taste. This whisky has a solid complex aroma of toffee, malt, orange peel, and smokey char. Additionally, it tastes like a bit of oil, nut, and dark fruit on the palate. It has a remarkably long-lasting finish with an after-glow sweetness from caramel and butterscotch. Additionally, it has a taste of slightly bitter oak and a touch of cinnamon all to round it off. 

Hibiki Suntory 21

Hibiki 21 is everything you could want in a dram from Japan. Made using Yamazaki and Hakushu single malts and Chita grains – it is aged in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and Mizunara oak barrels. Each component of Hibiki 21 is aged for 21 years before being selected and blended to create a lovely whisky. On the palate, it evokes wood, toffee, nut, malt, Sauternes, candied citrus peel, spice, and a touch of smoke.

Big Time Market & Liquor: The House of Bourbon and Whisky

If you are from San Diego and want a taste of these amazing Japanese whisky blends, Big Time Market & Liquor can offer you just that. Being the house of bourbon and whisky, Big Time Market & Liquor holds the largest Hibiki Suntory inventory in San Diego. 

Don’t wait — contact Big Time Market & Liquor to taste a Japanese Whisky blend that everyone craves. Visit us at https://www.bigtimemarketandliquor.com/ to know more.