Suntory Hibiki Japanese Harmony Blended Japanese Whisky (700ml)

Launched in March 2015 as the fifth addition to Suntory's celebrated "Hibiki"collection, "Harmony" follows on from Yamazaki and Hakushu Distiller's Reserve which are also younger, NAS (no age statement) whiskies, aimed at maintaining sales due to the scarcity of older whisky stocks. (Several years ago, Nikka decided to discontinue a large number of their whiskies due to increased demand and a decrease in supply).

Details of the composition of Japanese Harmony haven’t been revealed, but, like the Distiller’s Reserve, it's likely a blend of young and old material. Single malts entering in the blend come from Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, while grain whisky comes from Chita. The whisky resounds with calm complexity and “Wa,” oneness - at least that's how the producers like to describe it. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Poised and complex, with typically lifted fruitiness: strawberry ice cream, pineapple, peach, balanced by delicate oak, bamboo shoot-like delicacy, then lemon. The palate is more rounded than that very forward nose, with toffee notes adding some weight. A touch of smoke comes along in the mid-palate, before fruits and caramelized coffee biscuits. Water allows the flavors to flood the palate. Exemplary blending skills and classically Hibiki.
90 points - whiskyadvocate.com, Reviewed by: Dave Broom (Winter 2015)