Hibiki 17Y

The Hibiki 17-year-old whisky is one of the most beloved and renowned Japanese whiskies in the world. The Hibiki brand, owned by the Japanese whisky producer Suntory, symbolizes the elegance and refinement of Japan's approach to whisky production. In this 2000-word blog, we will delve into the world of Hibiki 17, exploring its history, production, flavor profile, and why this whisky has become such an icon.

History of Hibiki

The story of Hibiki begins with Suntory, founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1899. Suntory is a pioneer in the Japanese whisky industry and is credited with introducing Japanese whisky to the world. The Hibiki range was first launched in 1989 to commemorate Suntory's 90th anniversary. It was an attempt to create a blend that would express the complexity and balance of Japanese whiskies in an unparalleled way. "Hibiki," which means "resonance," embodies Suntory's philosophy: a harmonious and balanced whisky.

The 17-year-old expression quickly became one of Suntory's most celebrated blends, earning international recognition and awards. This whisky is composed of carefully selected malt and grain whiskies from both Suntory's Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries. The introduction of Hibiki 17 coincided with the rise of Japanese whisky on the global stage. By the 2000s, Japanese whisky was gaining popularity, and Hibiki 17 soon became a cult classic among whisky connoisseurs and enthusiasts.

The Production Process

What makes Hibiki 17 so unique is the artisanal production process and attention to detail. As a blend, it is a mixture of various malt and grain whiskies, all aged for at least 17 years. One of the distinguishing elements of Hibiki is the use of Mizunara oak casks for part of the maturation. Mizunara is a rare Japanese oak known for imparting delicate and complex aromas, such as sandalwood and incense.

The production of Hibiki 17 starts at the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries, where the base whiskies are crafted. The malt whisky from Yamazaki is known for its rich and fruity character, while the whisky from Hakushu has a fresher, more herbal tone. These whiskies are then combined with grain whisky produced at the Chita distillery. The mix of these three distilleries creates a complex and layered tasting experience.

A key aspect of the maturation process is Japan's climate, which, due to seasonal temperature fluctuations, affects the whisky in a unique way. This variation in temperature causes the whisky to interact more with the wood of the casks, contributing to the depth and complexity of the flavor.

Flavor Profile of Hibiki 17

One of the reasons Hibiki 17 is so beloved is its refined and balanced flavor profile. It is a whisky that is both accessible to beginners and deep enough for experienced whisky drinkers. Upon pouring a glass of Hibiki 17, the rich amber color immediately stands out, foreshadowing the complexity to come.

On the nose, Hibiki 17 is a masterpiece. It offers a harmonious blend of dried fruit, caramel, honey, and a hint of orange peel. The delicate floral presence, especially rose and lilac, adds a refined layer to the aroma. Additionally, there are undertones of oak and spices, signaling the influence of Mizunara wood.

The taste of Hibiki 17 is rich and complex, yet silky smooth. It begins with notes of dried fruits like plums and figs, followed by caramel, honey, and vanilla. There is a subtle influence of spices like cinnamon and ginger, providing warmth without overpowering the palate. As the whisky opens up, more floral tones emerge, along with a hint of dark chocolate and orange zest.

The finish is long and refined, with lingering sweetness and soft spiciness. The influence of Mizunara wood is evident here, with hints of sandalwood and incense that stay long after the last sip.

Awards and Recognition

Over the years, Hibiki 17 has won numerous awards, including multiple gold medals at international competitions. One of the most prestigious accolades this whisky has received is the gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge and the World Whiskies Awards. This recognition has solidified Hibiki's reputation as one of the best blended whiskies in the world.

However, the rising popularity of Japanese whisky, and Hibiki in particular, has led to another development: scarcity. The demand for premium Japanese whiskies like Hibiki 17 has put a strain on Suntory's production capacity. As a result, Suntory announced in 2018 that Hibiki 17, along with some other older expressions, would be discontinued due to a shortage of aged stock.

Collectability and Price Surge

Since the announcement of its discontinuation, demand for Hibiki 17 has skyrocketed. This has led to significant price increases on the secondary market. Where a bottle of Hibiki 17 was once reasonably affordable, it now often commands prices in the hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Collectors and whisky enthusiasts view Hibiki 17 as a valuable addition to their collection, not only for the quality of the whisky but also for its limited availability.

For many fans, however, Hibiki 17 is more than just a collector's item; it is a symbol of a peak moment in Japanese whisky history. The whisky represents an era when Japanese distilleries gained worldwide recognition for their craftsmanship and innovation. The fact that Hibiki 17 is becoming increasingly hard to find makes each bottle all the more valuable—not just in monetary terms, but also in symbolic value.

Hibiki 17 and Japanese Culture

What also makes Hibiki 17 special is its close connection to Japanese culture and aesthetics. The bottle itself is a work of art, with 24 facets representing each of the seasons in the traditional Japanese calendar. This attention to detail and symbolism is typical of the Japanese approach to craftsmanship. Just as with other traditional Japanese art forms, such as calligraphy and tea ceremonies, the production of Hibiki seeks harmony, balance, and a deep connection with nature.

This philosophy is also reflected in the name "Hibiki," which, as mentioned earlier, means "resonance." The name reflects the idea that each component of the whisky must be in harmony with the others, and that the whisky should resonate with the drinker on an emotional level.

Conclusion

The Hibiki 17-year-old whisky is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Japanese whiskies ever produced. With its rich history, refined production process, and unparalleled flavor profile, this whisky has left a lasting mark on the world of spirits. Although Hibiki 17 is now difficult to obtain, it remains a symbol of the craftsmanship and dedication of Suntory and the Japanese whisky industry as a whole.

For those lucky enough to own a bottle of Hibiki 17, it is a whisky to savor and treasure. It is a reminder of a golden era of Japanese whisky and an example of how tradition and innovation can come together to create something truly extraordinary.