The Whisk(e)y Vault - Episode 72 - Hibiki Harmony Japanese Whiskey Review and Tasting

An episode of The Whisk(e)y Vault hosted at Whisky Marketing School in Austin, TX.
Today we do a review and taste test Hibiki Harmony from the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery.

[@VijayArora90]

Have just started drinking again after 13 years, and trying to really appreciate the tastes and histories. Fallen in love with your channel and you guys are absolutely awesome. Had the pleasure of trying the Habiki this evening, toasting with my dad who had it unopened in his collection and didn't know what it was! Was my first drink with him, and what an amazing drink it was! Thanks for letting me lay down some knowledge and sound like a cool snob!

[@aR0ttenBANANA]

A tear rolled down my cheek. Dalmore, Jura, Glenfiddich, Hibiki and Yamakazi are probably my go to's and seeing them in the same vid is special.

[@WhiskeyVault]

The three whiskies in this are Yamazki, Hakushu, and Chita!

[@JoeyRhubarb]

Do you actually drink whiskey or are you having a midlife crisis?

[@rikardlinder2562]

its not pronounced "saan-toree" its more like "santorii"

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

@Richard Driskill douche bag

[@biffii5568]

@Richard Driskill at least your not pretentious about it

[@rikard92]

Richard Driskill SANTO-RII

[@thomasgraves1332]

I'm happy to say that I've mooched this one, and can confirm that it's excellent. Rex proved his master level by mooching that Yamazaki.

[@davidjoseph8295]

I have a bottle of this...best whiskey I've ever had

[@tahsinthoughts]

Just tried it right now after watching this video. I agree. My fave thus far.

[@Hydrospx]

Yeah, I agree. I tried this whiskey a couple weeks ago. Very very smooth whiskey.

[@rockinapril1850]

My favorite whiskey by a landslide! So good, and I'm glad you guys like it!!!

[@dan5087]

Had some of this last night from a friend and can say with confidence, it's the best whiskey I've ever had! I'm more of a bourbon drinker, but goddamn this stuff is so good.

[@justinhelsper3072]

I'll be the first to admit I am so novice in my whiskey experience, however these videos inspire me to branch out an try whatever I can get my hands on. Thank you both for allowing me to broaden my horizons.

[@JFomo]

The Mooch has no respect for Whisky history. I enjoyed that story. Just looked up that award winning Yamazaki and god damn its expensive.

[@Bwa3]

$350 here in va lol

[@adamdanni2299]

@@Bwa3 for the 12 year sherry finish? I was looking it up and its like $6k plus lol

[@kylecyrek7327]

Adam Danni yeah $5,399. Powerball bucket list for me

[@ragnvald687]

@@kylecyrek7327 I'd say maybe by the time I'm able to comfortably retire in 30+ years, but fingers crossed that our whiskey friend of the Orient is able to correct the oversight and share more of their aged expressions at a reasonable price with us. Lol I have more faith in Japanese whiskey than I do those managing the future of the West's Middle Class, so cheers to you and our hunt.

[@alexandersze49]

Yeah same, because when you think of whiskey the first to mind is always scotch, so by learning the story and history you can really understand why another country can produce something equivalent in quality or even better to some. Quite annoyed by the guy just trying to drink and not listening at all... it's not only about the taste man

[@luiswells2419]

"Do you want to try it?" And Rex's face lit up as if Scarlett had just entered the vault.

[@cqstle-]

We bought the $100 bottle and it was the best tasting whiskey I've ever had. I can only imagine how the older barrels taste.

[@coldbrew69]

Thank you!!!! I found this at my local Costco today for $58.99!!!! Crazy!!!! This whisky is absolutely phenomenal!!!

[@2friendstoking]

Wow thats amazing. I wish my Costco had good whisky :(

[@b.whisky9438]

The Costco I go to, had the Hibiki Harmony, Hibiki Harmony 30th anniversary, and whisky of the year by whiskey advocate-Nikka whisky from the barrel. Now I recently were able to score 6 Hibiki Harmony at several Safeway for $62 each. Costco right now has Nikka Whisky Coffey Grain. Excellent whisky!!

[@rdavis719]

Just opened a bottle of this my son got me for my birthday last year. I had to watch the video as I tried it. I’m sorry I let it sit on the shelf for so long. This was very good.

[@MarkusxJxKeetz]

The Hibiki is some of the best whiskey I ever had. Still got the same bottle, almost 2 years later! $65 a bottle, that isn’t the kind you drink in one week, it’s stuff you enjoy over time

[@MarkusxJxKeetz]

Silver Spoon ah. Well, if you get the chance to get some, go for it. It’s worth it.

[@davidmcguire6043]

You haven't finished it in 2 years because it cost $65? Finish the damn whiskey it's not that much. Since it has Has taken you two years so far that translates to about 62 to 63 cents a week surely you can save up that much a week for a while and get yourself another bottle at the very least.

[@vigneshvc91]

I just bought this bad boy yesterday after you guys review.. absolutely spot on.. the blend is sensational, it is now on my top 10!

[@eehuffman54]

This is an exquisite whisky. I love the subtle and varied tasting notes. I've bought it again, which is saying something at that price. I want to try more Japanese blends and perhaps a single malt (if I can afford it).

[@jashayou]

Daniel, I love your stories. They add depth to my appreciation of the whiskies! Thanks And the Hibiki Harmony is one I love. (not to insult my favorite Isla's)

[@Natkonichiwa]

Having had a glass of the Yamazaki 12 year sherry finish a little over a year ago I can confidently say it is mind blowing. Sometimes a whisk(e)y bar in Montana pays off on occasion.

[@xBOOMSHLANGx]

After watching Pewdiepie's vid, my friend and I picked up a bottle of Hibiki Harmony. By chance I happened upon your channel, and have now basically watched every single video! I used to hate the taste of whiskey, but now I'm really beginning to appreciate the complexity, and more importantly, the amount of fun it is to drink whiskey!

[@WhiskeyVault]

Welcome to the journey!

[@beepIL]

I just bought my 3rd bottle of Hibiki Harmony, love this whiskey

[@TheXnyu]

i like watching your videos while drinking a glass of the whiskey you review, its kinda like drinking together and also learing something about the whiskey im drinking at the same time

[@nate5182]

My business partner bought me a bottle of Hibiki Japaneese Harmony Master Select from duty free while traveling. I'm really enjoying it. I don't have a great vocabulary for describing tasting notes, but my imediate reaction upon nosing it was Wham-O Plastic Bubbles. I was transported back to when I was 10 years on a family camping trip. Good stuff, love the channel.

[@WhiskeyVault]

I freaking love that whisky. We got the Harmony in the vault, but not the master select. I'll see if I can get another for us. I love that you ended up with Wham-O. That actually means you're doing exactly what you should be when tasting, which is listening to the reaction of your right brain without editing. Next step is to try to figure out why your right brain said plastic bubbles. Look for the details.

[@philipsagra4242]

Mr Somm and Mr Mooch - I finally picked up the Hibiki Harmony. It is a damn fine whiskey! Poured myself a little over a dram. I wanted to really hunt for the notes and flavour. Practice makes perfect. My wife thinks I'm turning into an alcoholic, LOL. She see's me whiskey tasking by myself. I told her it's for research. These 2 guys on KZbin is showing me some "whiskeyperiments". Keep up the great work!

[@WhiskeyVault]

Glad you're watching! It's all for science.

[@matthewtom5200]

Finally got a bottle of Hibiki Harmony. Even with the hype, I wasn't disappointed. Amazing stuff.

[@MrSodaBelly]

Can I drink it with coke?

[@davidmcguire6043]

@@MrSodaBelly no and you should be ashamed for even considering it.

[@Deimnos]

I love Daniel telling stories about whisky! :)

[@chacehawkins4708]

Great whiskey, great commentary, great fun.

[@Grumptr0nix]

Just came back from Japan and brought back a Hibiki 17 year and a Nikka 12 year. I don't pretend to be a whisky connoisseur, but the 17 year is by far the best whisky I've ever tasted. It's absolutely stunning... Can you guys do a show on what you think of the 17 and 21 year Hibiki's (seems to be only available in Japan, but I'm sure you have your private importers)?

[@WhiskeyVault]

I'll see what we have in the vault! I absolutely love Japanese whisky. any excuse to drink it is fine with me.

[@bradl2636]

If you happen to be in the Kansai area (Kyoto/Osaka) it is worth visiting the Yamazaki distillery. You can see it on the mountainside from the shinkansen line that runs between Osaka and Kyoto.

[@aframs-cctaf-rams-cct6424]

I am in Oahu, I’ve only seen this bottle a handful of times and always over $100. I finally got miself one

[@jackzhang631]

just realized the redbreast 12 and hibiki 17 smells pretty familiar. both have a very soft creamy candy like character to them. drank these two back to back one day and thought I picked up the wrong glass.

[@TimIsABat]

Complete Whiskey noob as I went through college just trying to get drunk, but I got a bottle of this as a random gift from a family friend and agree with every single thing you guys said. Hibiki Harmony is definitely in my goto so far. I like Dalmore, and it's one of my gotos as well, but Hibiki is so smooth, delicious, and easy to drink that I can see myself drinking it more often.

[@adrianoeliezer123]

Let him tell the stories! I love the stories sprinkled here and there :)

[@mattrisen6694]

My family gifted me a bottle of this recently and I absolutely love it. I think I like it more every time I pour a glass.

[@jamesyamamoto5155]

Finally managed to grab a bottle of this for a decent price!!!!!! So excited!!!!!!

[@d8o8m8]

I would be interested in what you paid? I bought a bottle for myself a couple of weeks ago and it was £65 GBP.

[@paullaviera4747]

how much?

[@jamesyamamoto5155]

@@paullaviera4747 $75

[@smzig]

I love Hibiki. It makes an amazing penicillin cocktail as well.

[@jackjordan4832]

Im trying out the Hibiki right now. Its so good.

[@AnthonySforza]

Admittedly, I had both Yamazaki 18 and Hibiki 21 imported to me some years ago (Holiday season 2013, I think). I was naturally elated and tried them. I know I may get some heresy flack for this, but the Hibiki 21 was actually a lot like the Yamazaki 18. As though it was a Yamazaki 19, if that makes any sense. Admittedly, I'm not super keen or well versed on picking out subtle nuances and notes, so that probably says a lot.

[@schawnfleites1555]

Just got this and man, when it hits the tongue it’s almost like liquid hot butter. It’s just a bit smoother then regular suntory. Really do love it even if it was a 100 bucks

[@weaverjones6808]

One of my all time favorite drams!!!

[@69CamaroSS]

*JUUUUSSSSTTTTTT* managed to get a damn bottle of this.....after an exceedingly long quest (too long to bother describing here). Pulled up this video again to watch with my first dram of it. It *IS DAMN DAMN GOOD!!!!*

[@Sean5150b]

great channel, love the stories behind the whiskey, thanks

[@WhiskeyVault]

Thanks for watching!

[@GunnySGT1911]

Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Great story about one of Japan's Living Treasures.

[@WhiskeyVault]

Such a great movie.

[@LandisStokes]

Hibiki IS "gateway whiskey"!! My brother in-law introduced me four years ago and I have never looked at Jack Daniels the same... Got Hibiki 12 & 17 before they were discontinued, tried Hibiki 21 & 30 and now hoard Harmony whenever it is available. Question: For an equivalent Hibiki 17 flavor/taste, what would you suggest? Taketsuru? (F.Y.I. Thanks to your channel I have tried Taketsuru Pure Malt, Redbreast 12, Balvenie Double Barrel 12, Oban 14 and love them all. I dig some Dalwhinnie 15, too.) Old Suntory, Yamazaki, and Hakushu single malt are dope, too. Thanks for living your best life and sharing your whiskey enthusiasm... and shenanigans.

[@bigbiscuit4968]

Just bought this whiskey...holy shit it's so god damn delicious!

[@BradLeclerc]

Daniel pouring me some Hibiki 17 a couple months back was the catalyst that got me exploring the world of whisk(e)y and now my tastebuds (and bank account) will never be the same. I still need to try some of the Harmony to compare, but even that is hard to find where I am, so who knows when that might happen...

[@tyf4432]

Wow. I can't believe how good this is. Bought it randomly because I never had Japanese whisky before and this was only $60. Hibiki Harmony is strikingly similar to Compass Box Hedonism, which is $100, but maybe even tastier. Both whiskies show how grain whisky can be fantastic when well matured.

[@Maatson_]

Lol now it’s 100 for hibiki

[@TexasBourbonKing]

An amazing gentleman at Total Wine and More recommended I buy this bottle that was hidden in the shelf with no price label. I took his advise and I’m so glad I did! He said apparently the Texas crowd hasn’t discovered this amazing whisky yet and I should grab it while I can.

[@Spillkongen]

My favorite blended

[@raymondosceola2765]

I ain’t no master level “ whiskey drinker” but I’m definitely up there !😂😂😂 idc hibiki is so fire . it’s so smoothe its deceiving

[@-Banoffee]

"Gateway whisky" For over $100? Jesus. I give friends Woodford and they get wide-eyed over that.

[@Snowfire6916]

I can't wait to try the Hibiki Harmony. I had the local liquor store set aside one for me the next time I get a paycheck (90 bucks here). Gonna save it for Christmas to share with my family.

[@ras1011]

Hibiki harmony is good, but the Hibiki 12 year was better. My absolute favorite is the Hibiki 17 year. I bought it a couple years ago as a birthday gift to myself when it was roughly $100. Man, if you buy that now.....watch out.

[@richardgaray8630]

I just realized I was not subscribed! WTH.... I've been watching your videos for over a year!

[@gigawarp2260]

They have this at the only local whiskey specialized bar. Tried it the other day and now I don't want to drink anything else.

[@mehrdaddwarves3001]

We have a whisk(e)y bar in my town. Drinks from all around the world. I think that is my only hope of ever tasting this :)

[@jonathanford8217]

I picked this up yesterday and WOW. SO GOOD. It is not going to last long.

[@CGMan6]

Tried some when i was in japan last week. Was slightly underwhelmed, mostly because it cost so much. Solid whiskey definitely, but had several other ones which were just as good for far less.

[@TheRealRRDemon]

Oh, and try Toki (which is great for a blend!)

[@jayr1014]

I need a bottle of the yamazaki 12… must try.

[@superhumanben]

My wife's always been willing to try every whisky I've ever bought. Usually the tasting was followed by a look of disdain or disgust. Recently I picked up some Harmony and she liked it. Knowing the notes of Harmony, what are some others that I can get her to try to encourage her further along so I won't feel as guilty the next time I come home with 3 new bottles for "myself"?

[@wingracer1614]

Yamazaki 12 and Green Spot.

[@sirscootscoot]

That bottle is beautiful. I'm really considering steaming the labels off of mine and using it as a decanter after the Harmony is gone.

[@davidmcguire6043]

It's glass if you want to take the labels off use a razor blade but it would be much better if you made some sort of label because the parts under the label aren't faceted

[@AP-py4sv]

the Hibiki becomes truly magical when its components are aged to 21 years

[@limejuice9483]

I'm feeling a Kavalan review coming up soon.

[@suitablefortreatment]

My only problem with Japanese whisky is that for how subtle and nuanced (and amazing) the flavors are, they are all GODDAMN expensive where I live, and I have a very hard time justifying spending so much when I could get just as subtle a nuanced and friendly whiskies for half the price or less. Rex would probably say I just have to find friends who are willing to fork over the cash and then level up my mooching game...

[@orion2250]

Yamazaki 12, Hibiki then the Toki in order and price here and by preference. My taste buds dont distinguish all the flavors. All i know is the Yamazaki straight or lightly watered is good Toki..is best mixed as intended The Hibiki...its hotter on My palate, a peppery higher octaine seeming with not as a lingering as the 12, and longer than Toki. Cant wait to try the other Suntory line!

[@Toggingdave]

I recently tried this particular dram, and it is glorious.

[@bobklee2397]

This is a great whisky. Have you tried the Taiwanese whisky Kavalan ?

[@louiejones4092]

I bought a bottle sometime last year it was very nice.

[@JimAtHome]

Ha ha, sweetbreads are balls in UK English and by balls I mean swing low balls LoL, love your descriptions of the many Whisky types you've tried, I'm a big fan of Talisker but I love some highlands too like Glenmorangie or The Glenlivet etc and Makers Mark is probably my favorite bourbon. I must confess I've never tried Japanese whisky but I was chatting with a German mate of mine who recently bought a couple of bottles of Japanese single malts which he highly recommends so maybe it's time to give them a try, they are however very expensive in comparison with Scotch or Bourbon, Greetings from Liverpool

[@crippling-d9645]

Defiantly on my list to buy now

[@LordSparkleBottom]

Crippling-D did u buy it 8 months later?

[@Ichibuns]

Japanese whiskeys are often great gateways into Scotch. I made the mistake of trying Laphroaig 10 first. I dipped my toes with Monkey Shoulder and got my foot in the water with Hibiki Harmony

[@travispeltier443]

I like the stories

[@k00patr00pa1]

I think the key thing about Hibiki is balance. Its probably the most balanced whiskey I've ever had.

[@lynnhixon4332]

Yet again another great review of Japanese whisky! Like you said thanks to Jim Murray and his Whisky Bible you can not find any Hibiki or Yamazaki. Lol And, if you do they want any where from 10-40% more for it. Get stuff though. Any suggestions for the one who cannot find Hibiki or Yamazaki? Something that is a similar taste like a scotch that is close in tasting profile? Thanks gentleman.

[@JS3248]

Can't wait to try those two! :)

[@jackyblake4309]

Have you guys ever tried whiskys from the Arran distillery? Founders reserve is pretty damn good

[@dand8538]

Hi guys i saw a news article about a barrel of whiskey 105 years old selling at £870,000 a bottle. Since have seen articles saying it was true and some saying it was false. If it is true what would a whiskey aged that long be like, would you try it.

[@thebus9185]

Literally my favorite whiskey - any recommendations of something similar? Or just as good an cheaper? Lol

[@jedbaiawub2]

Chita Single Grain! Within the blend, but holding the buttery sweetness :)

[@MrSodaBelly]

Do u mix it with anything?

[@davidmcguire6043]

@@MrSodaBelly never mix your whiskey. Either drink it neat or with ice but never mix it.

[@MrSodaBelly]

@@davidmcguire6043 u sound like a guy who slept with less than. 10 girls in his life

[@davidmcguire6043]

@@MrSodaBelly that's an incredibly strange response to what I said and why are you even trying (and failing) to insult me just because I said you should never mix whiskey? You are an odd little man.

[@poliander]

Funny story when you go to Santori factory, you can buy only 2 bottles of whiskey per person because they can't make enough of it. And you have randoms approach you and in whispers go : "bro you buying some whiskey? if not can you grab me couple bottles heres the cash !" :)

[@greenlit802]

I want to try a Japanese whisky but I don't want to drive 100 miles to get a bottle and shipping from outside the US is to much.

[@RayW808]

1:39 "Yamazaki and uh... Hubu uh... Hubuku and Chita" nailed it :-) Have you done a stand alone episode on Nikka Pure Malt, I enjoyed the Coffey Malt Episode.

[@davidb_bitsbobs]

Have you chaps tried the Chita single grain yet? It's quite new, and could be an airport exclusive. Hoping to pick it up when I'm flying next week. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts when you get a chance to try it.

[@WhiskeyVault]

Not yet! I've heard of it, but can't seem to find it.

[@davidb_bitsbobs]

I'm sure you will. If it's a 'travel retail exclusive' that usually means it will be available everywhere within a month or two.

[@Urartus]

David B I just Got mine in a duty free, on my way back from a trip to Warsaw. Didnt get the chance to try it yet, hope it doesnt disaapoint. also got Nikka All Malt and Hakushu 12, your thoughts on these ?

[@GentlemanMasterclass]

It's Japan only.

[@nzglegoli]

I'm drinking the Chita Single Grain at the moment. I got it as present bought from the local Japanese food/liquor import store for way more than it costs in Japan. I prefer Yamazaki 12 and Hibiki 21 to it. It has a really light flavour and a smell that reminds me of liquid correction pen. I'm still a noob at whisky though. It would go down easily in a humid Japanese summer.

[@jdion79]

can you recommend a japanese whiskey that won't break the bank??? love the show, guys!

[@J_JetClips]

NiceGuy Jo-El this one lol

[@gaelpache6776]

Hello guys. First thank you for sharing all this. But wild as you are about flavor and tastes, next time either of you win the lottery you will start à cognac and then an Armagnac channel. Cheers

[@boomanh63]

Daniel has earned his Sainthood ... there has to be some days he would like to bust a bottle ... empty of course ... over Rex's head for his Moochiness LOL

[@ShredZ23]

For a relaxing time . . . .make it . . . .suntory time

[@wolferine6466]

of all japanese whiskeys, if you could only pick one, which best reperesents japanese style whiskey?

[@WhiskeyVault]

I would likely pick a hibiki, even though I tend to prefer Nikka

[@JonathanSantos-gw6hk]

The bottle is already worth the money.

[@anxiousone891]

i have found 9 bottles of this stuff...Bought one...the bottle is so pretty I may have to buy another one. Just to pretty to open.

[@martinszoke8558]

Is there a blended whiskey that uses one whiskey from every country?

[@corymerle2256]

Would you recommend this as a first Japanese purchase? I'm new to scotch and sofar have a bottle of lagavullin 16 (way too peaty for me) and glenmorangie 10 original (enjoyable to drink). I'm wanting to branch out and this looks interesting.

[@WhiskeyVault]

If you can find one, absolutely. It's amazing.

[@corymerle2256]

Whiskey Vault OK, thanks for the reply.

[@stephenkrus]

I thought whiskey is just older old people then... I took a sip of #Hibiki in last year's Christmas Party... it may have been HibikiNo12... I'm not sure but... by the #WhiskeyGods! I saw the light! That shit was #good! 👌 So good that I threw up but I didn't make a mess of myself. I also tasted Glenfiddich and other brand of whiskeys... They all tasted like shit metaphorically compared to #Hibiki 👑 #Hibiki is the gateway drug to #Whiskeys. THE best introduction to #whiskeyvirgins! 👌😁

[@gustavjansson6499]

To those of you who have tried or tasted this one, is the marzipan taste very strong and forward in this whisky?

[@TheRealRRDemon]

Yamazaki is a single malt... and not sold out instantly. Just saying. Amazing Japanese whiskey (I go for the 12 year on affordability).

[@wT88]

Have you tried Hibiki Master's Select? I am wondering what's the difference between the regular Hibiki Japanese Harmony and the Master's Select. Both are non-aged statement.

[@Cristian-pj7ro]

Is this worth the price tag? Or is there some thing better for this price? Thanks for sharing

[@CaptnBeeBop]

Bought my boss a bottle of this for going to my wedding and was hoping he’d offer some but he never did so I never got to try it haha. Had to look up a video because the guy in the store who sold me on it seemed to be in love with it almost 😂

[@davidmcguire6043]

You had to get your boss a present to go to your wedding? Aren't the wedding guests supposed to be the ones that bring gifts? And he didn't even share. You need to find a new place to work dude.

[@bestofdragoncon]

Do you have any plans to review Kaiyo in the near future?

[@cody3335]

Holy shit just bought my first bottle of this. God damn it’s good!

[@petedupuy7271]

I love Japanese Whiskeys. Great matches with raw fish.