For many of us, the first thing we visualize when it comes to whisky is the design of our favorite bottle. Bottles that sit on modern bar shelves must capture the attention of drinkers with an increasingly dizzying array of options. Higher end whiskies of […]

Hibiki Blender’s Choice was probably the most controversial Japanese whisky of 2018. For many, it’s yet another manifestation of the sad reality of Japanese whisky these days. To explain the background a bit for those who may have missed the trend, Japan’s biggest whisky producers–including […]

The day that absolutely nobody was waiting for is here: Nikkei brings word (paywall) that Suntory will indeed officially be halting sales of Hakushu 12 and Hibiki 17 this year. Hakushu 12 is expected to be suspended from June, and Hibiki 17 from September. This confirms […]

Suntory’s Hakushu Distillery is an easy day trip from Tokyo. In celebration of Hakushu 25 being named the World’s Best Single Malt Whisky at WWA2018, this past weekend I paid the distillery another much-overdo visit. About the Hakushu Distillery In 1973, the 50th anniversary of the […]

Though not yet announced to the general public, word has gotten out via a wholesaler seminar put on by Suntory that they’ll be releasing a whisky called “Hibiki Blender’s Choice” on September 4, 2018. Hibiki Blender’s Choice will use a variety of maturities from different […]

The results of the International Spirits Challenge 2017 are in! As though you needed another reminder of how good Japanese whisky is, Hibiki 21 has been named the Supreme Champion Spirit at International Spirits Challenge 2017. What does that mean, you ask? International Spirits Challenge […]