Hibiki 12 Years old: A stunning 12 year–old blend from Hibiki, some of the whisky has been part-matured in plum liqueur casks. Lovely malt from Hakushu and Yamazaki, plus some aged grain from Chita, this terrific Japanese blend picked up the top prize in its category at the World Whisky Awards 2010.
Tasting Notes
NOSE
Very fruity, with ripe oranges, apple pie, marmalade and plums (would I have still got those plums if I didn’t know about the plum liqueur maturation? I’d like to hope so). Fresh honeysuckle and nougat aromas, sugared almonds, sponge cake, icing sugar. Expressive and exciting.
PALATE
Smooth as a snooker ball, with delicious fresh grain, oak tannins and delicately sherried malt. Some clove, pepper and mixed peel as the sherry comes forward. The citrus is here as well, if slightly more tart like lemon or grapefruit.
FINISH
Spices, apple peel and the last remnants of the finely-tuned grain. Nothing dominates, everything in place – the integration and balance are quite remarkable. The spices seem to build in intensity at the finale.
COMMENTS
Slips down easier than a greased eel in an oilslick. This is tremendous. A hugely impressive feat of blending that proves, if there were any remaining doubt, that Japanese whisky can equal or beat anything produced in Scotland at this moment in time. Bravo.
20 reviews for Hibiki 12 Year Old
Add a review
Related products
Rare Whiskey
Rare Whiskey
Rare Whiskey
Popular Bourbon
Popular Bourbon
Rare Whiskey
Quang Huwang –
I bought a bottle of Hibiki 12 and it was the last one when I was in a Vail, Colorado liquor store on Sept 2019. The staff said this bottle has been discontinued and he even suggested that the price will go higher. As a precious metals investor, I immediately thought of limited supplies and higher demand. A few days later, I did additional research and found liquor collections online so I’ve purchased a few more bottles for collection. Liquor collections has great services and they even call my on my cell phone to confirm one of my orders. Thank you.
Wintavious Ray –
Very good blended whiskey. In my opinion the flavor has multiple levels. This is my whiskey of choice even though it is not single malt.
Kelvin –
These bottles are getting really hard to find, almost everywhere is sold out. Even in Japan you can no longer find Hibiki 12. Was glad to see liquor collections still has stock. Delivery took about 6 business days to my home. Everything was packed really well. Bottle and box were in pristine condition.
Nathanael –
A classic Hibiki whiskey that doesn’t disappoint. A great treat for anyone who enjoys high quality blended whisky. Bottle arrived in excellent packing and only took 3 days to deliver to my home.
Damien from Chicago –
Unique sweet and flowery aroma and the taste of this whisky is on the next level. Deep and complex. Beautiful bottle.
Tom Chi –
I bought this bottle as a gift. The staff at liquor collections is very nice and keep me updated.
The next goal is the Hibiki 30yrs …
Josh –
A wonderful whisky that has become my favorite— had a chance to buy several bottles before they are gone forever. It’s now the highlight of my collection. Upon opening, the nose is the first tipoff that you are about to experience something special. Its aromatic quality is sustained on the palette in a unique and ever so satisfying way. I love this whisky. Now if only I could afford the Yamazaki 25.
RajiveDiwan –
I love the hibiki brand. Very smooth
Service of Liquor Collections is near perfect
They keep u so updated in yr order
Love Liquor Collections
Aaron –
Ordered this bottle after I saw all the awards it had won. Not disappointed, it’s now one of my favorites. Nose is lovely plummy, woody and sweet. Nice orange marmalade at end. I brought a bottle to Chirstmas party and it was everyone’s favorite. Would be a excellent gift for both the novice and seasoned whisky fan alike.
Clifford –
All the Japanese Whisky reviews don’t do this one justice. It deserves every award that it’s won, one of the best bottles to come from Japan. Hibiki 12 is the smoothest whisky I’ve ever tasted. Can’t wait to try Hibiki 17 and 21!
Stephen –
I’ve converted to Japanese Whisky. This is the first bottle I ever tasted and while I’ve tasted better since (Yamazaki 12, Yamazaki 18), this one still ranks high on my all-time favs. If you haven’t tried Hibiki whiskey or Yamazaki single malt, you are missing out.
Michael –
Don’t let the fact that it’s a blended whisky fool you, Hibiki is amazing. This 12 year old bottle is now discontinued, but it’s one you must have on your shelf. With the rising trend towards non-age-statement bottles, I’m happy that I stocked up. These bottles are growing increasingly rare!
Louis –
When I heard this bottle was discontinued at my local shop I thought my days of drinking this fabulous whisky were over. Thankfully, liquor collections is still able to obtain stock of this remarkable whiskey. It took a little longer than local delivery, but I had the bottle in about a week. Not bad for shipment that came from Japan! Also, loved the orgami cranes and white gloves they included in the box. These guys are my new goto for Japanese Whisky!
Daisuke –
Anyone who loves good whisky simply must have Hibiki on their shelf. These bottles are beautiful with a really unique design. Out of all the bottles I own, everyone always comments on the Hibiki ones. And it doesn’t stop with outward appearances, the whisky itself is amazing. Even people who don’t normally like whisky are pleasantly surprised by Hibiki 12, it’s one of the smoothest whiskies you’ll ever taste. Now I’m saving up for the Hibiki 21!
Jason –
Top choice of whiskey. I’ve missed this whiskey every since they removed it from the shelves of my local spirit shops. I’ve been urged to give the Japanese Harmony a chance but I enjoy the Hibiki 12 so much that I don’t want to feel the disappointment if I don’t like it as much. Please bring Hibiki 12 back to me!
Chris –
An elegant and perfect dram, a really high-quality Hibiki whisky. Shiny amber color blended with sweet sour and complex finish. Every sip of this whisky will leave you wanting more.
Gordon from Los Angeles –
Another pain free delivery from liquor collections. I’ve become a huge fan of the entire Hibiki line and have started trying to collect them all. This Hibiki 12 release was nowhere to be found in my area so I was excited when liquor collections had it in stock. Now I have Hibiki Harmony, Hibiki Masters Select, Hibiki 17 and Hibiki 21. Hoping to one day add Hibiki 30 to the collection as well!
Daryl from Las Vegas –
Think Japanese Whisky is inferior to Scotch? Then you haven’t tasted this bottle! The entire Hibiki line offers the smoothest whisky on the planet. Nothing is dominating or overpowering, each flavor fits perfectly into place. The spices build in intensity but never to point that they become unpleasant.
John Tran –
So this was my first time purchasing whiskey through liquor collections and from the day 1 the customer service staff was amazing! They definitely will keep you updated with your order, ship and package your whiskey bottle safely. So I just started to getting into Japanese whiskey last year and just return from my first trip from Japan recently. Japan your culture is amazing! I been to like 50 liquors store and could not find Hibiki 12. When I got back to states my friend told me about you guys and bam! now I have Hibiki 12 and Hibiki 17 in my collection. Thanks Liquor Collections!
Josh –
This is a stunning whisky, a must have for any collector. So glad to have gotten several bottles before it’s all gone forever. Several levels of notes, it hits every part of your palette.