What do you think of the Hibiki 12?

[Doug1937]

I tried my first Japanese whiskey, the Yamazaki 12, a year or two ago and loved it. So when I recently saw the Hibiki 12 in my local Total Wine & More I took notice. It was the last bottle they had, too, which was all the prompting I needed to make the purchase (I never know when any particular line might be discontinued, and I hate to miss out on any of them). More, the bottle was gorgeous, looking almost like a decanter.

I'm happy I bought it, but now that I've tried it I'm confess I'm a bit disappointed. It reminds me too much of Crown Royal. Probably because it's a blend, I suppose, but I'm not a blend-basher. I've had plenty of blends that I enjoyed.

What do you think of the Hibiki 12? I won't be buying it again, even though I rarely buy any expression a second time. Nah, this time I'll keep my eye out for a Nikka.

[dramtastic]

Give it time, my bottle has only came good towards the last quarter. I will say that compared to a number of Japanese blends I've had including other Suntorys it's nice but not great. The Hibiki 21YO however(which has spoiled me) is outstanding and should be in every whisky cabinet.

[Ganga]

I think it is a decent standard whisky. As Dram points out, it does get quite a bit better after time. And yes the 21 (and the 17) are much, much better.

[Novice Scotch Fan]

The 17 is incredible and lightyears better than the 12. Trouble is sourcing it in the US is very difficult. Last time (about a month ago) I looked into it, the 17 was not being distributed at all in the US.

[tempwave]

I just ordered the Hibiki 12 as it is getting difficult to find around here and I really want a taste. The local store sells out really fast and the other place in town has it $20 higher than anywhere else. Hoping to pick it up friday.

I'll post what I think, but I am a novice at this kind of thing.