Hibiki Japanese Harmony (Worth the price?) | No Nonsense Whisky Reviews #40

Рет қаралды 65,249

7 жыл бұрын

The Hibiki 12 was so popular it sold out across the world. Suntory didn't seem to predict it so stocks of matured spirit ran low. Now we have a collection of No Age Statements to replace the previous offerings.
Japanese Harmony is a blend of up to 10 malts from the Suntory distilleries and is supposed to represent what Japanese whisky aspires to be. Although not quite as good as its discontinued brother, it still packs plenty of interest for your money. Thankfully, it is mass produced so there isn't too much worry about another shortage while casks are being laid.
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No Nonsense Whisky is an independent whisky review channel that provides unbiased whisky reviews (and other related spirits).
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Пікірлер: 157

@kevind4064 3 жыл бұрын

I made this whisky when I lived in Japan for 7 years. Amazing product.

@jondotdrinks6952 2 жыл бұрын

oh that is awesome! how was working at suntory?

@xiRePeNTx 2 жыл бұрын

You made this whiskey?, thanks for your massive contribution to Suntory

@schawnfleites1555 5 жыл бұрын

I just got it for 95 buck in new jersey, I’m not upset with it. Super smooth butter texture and on my first glass got a hint of chocolate at the end. Had regular suntory a few times but this is gonna be my favorite.

@NoNonsenseWhisky 5 жыл бұрын

Its definitely still creeping up in price which is a shame but I guess it's good that its still available

@TheWhiskeyDude 6 жыл бұрын

Good evening Vin, Is that a huge Ti-Fighter on your shelf. Awesome dude! I see Oban 14 Did you review that one too. Great Review Brother!

@TheWhiskeyDude 6 жыл бұрын

Awesome legos! That’s weird because Oban is really good in my opinion. They have quite a few editions.

@mattblom3990 3 жыл бұрын

Just bought a bottle for $160.00 CAD. It's very, very good Scotch derivative. Drinking it as I watch this, smooth with a sweet flavour.

@neilramjee 5 жыл бұрын

Just spotted this is reduced in Waitrose to clear for £40 from £62.50. Heading over there to get my bottle. Always wanted to try this one.

@NoNonsenseWhisky 5 жыл бұрын

That's a great price. I really enjoyed it, hopefully you will too

@Aqvavitae 7 жыл бұрын

I've dipped out of the Japanese scene for now, quality vs.price as you seem to be picking up. Shame, as I was enjoying them. Still, if Scotch was delivering this experience at these prices, I think all the toys would be out the pushchair. Glad you're exploring these Vin. Cheers.

@rickbotha69 4 жыл бұрын

I bought two bottle of this today at £60 a pop... absolutely amaaaazing!

@NoNonsenseWhisky 4 жыл бұрын

That's a pretty good price all things considered!

@rickbotha69 4 жыл бұрын

@@NoNonsenseWhisky Yep, not bad at all mate! Merry Christmas to you and your family.

@socancerous 4 жыл бұрын

Very informal and we'll spoken my man. I just had yamazaki for the first time because I'm a fan of whiskey and my buddy brought it over. Definitely one of the best whiskeys I've ever had. Then randomly I bought Hibiki and I was really impressed.

@NoNonsenseWhisky 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It's definitely a quality dram!

@garyrobinson8665 6 жыл бұрын

Hi vin I nearly bought this today for £65 I'm so pleased I didn't now. The Yamazaki was also there for a similar price. I ended up buying a bottle of Glen scotia double cask for £29 in marks and spencer which is incredible value. It's 46% abv.

@gazebo2012 6 жыл бұрын

No Nonsense Whisky I do like the bottle design. My local m&s only have the Elijah Craig. Think I'm going to hold off on the bourbon for a little while I've got an unopened bottle of Noahs mill waiting to be opened. Plus I've just bought my first rye the rittenhouse. I'm really looking forward to trying it.

@gazebo2012 6 жыл бұрын

No Nonsense Whisky oh well I want to try it anyway. Maybe I should have got a mini bottle first. I also have my own home blend.

@joshman113 5 жыл бұрын

Just picked up a bottle in Indiana for $98. Incredible whiskey. Japanese whiskey is just amazing, and in my opinion this is one of the best

@NoNonsenseWhisky 5 жыл бұрын

I agree, what they are doing is real quality. I just wish it was a little cheaper!

@jdg6336 5 жыл бұрын

I own 6 bottles. 1 of Hibiki 17.

@prophesier3065 3 жыл бұрын

@@jdg6336 How's the 17 compared to the Harmony?

@jdg6336 3 жыл бұрын

@@prophesier3065 I always drank the 17 year Hibiki as I lived im Japan and it was regular. But I havent drank any in a while since its so expensive now. I cant remember so well but I liked it a lot back when it was everywhere. The NAS is fine but too expensive now. I like it mixed with soda water. I got hooked on Highballs. So I have one bottle of 17 year Hibiki and a few bottles of regular Hibiki. I can plow through a bottle of Hibiki pretty quickly. I love the 24 year Hibiki thats some special stuff. Tickles your tummy and makes you feel warm and fuzzy. Not sure what to do with my collection. I stopped drinking a few months ago. I may start again. But its worth so much now.

@prophesier3065 3 жыл бұрын

@@jdg6336 Oh wow... yeah definitely worth tons now, wow. I might even be interested in buying haha (depending on where you live). I will try the regular Hibiki tonight!

@havokun4785 Жыл бұрын

in Poland Harmony cost right now(07.12.2022) from 80 to 100 £ :/

@karlthelord 7 жыл бұрын

The best video yet. The best bit was @7:20

@ronaldtheriot 5 жыл бұрын

I tried it, this week, and I thought it was most excellent.

@NoNonsenseWhisky 5 жыл бұрын

It's been a long while since I tried this so I hope the price is still good!

@anjayl 2 жыл бұрын

@@NoNonsenseWhisky I find it in France at around 100 euros nowadays.

@welshtoro3256 7 жыл бұрын

Great review Vin. It's the usual problem. The age statement Suntory range has a personality which none of the NAS range does and they are too expensive. I just bought a Clynelish 14 for £33 which is, in my opinion, much better than any of them.

@welshtoro3256 7 жыл бұрын

It's a shame Vin because I am actually a fan of Japanese whisky. Luckily I stocked up on some of the old stuff. I think the distilleries have become greedy and uncompetitive following the ridiculous hype after some high profile reviews. Just bought myself a Nikka Pure Malt Black which I gather is also due to join the scrapheap.

@ChristopherOSU 5 жыл бұрын

When talking about the best of the (older) Japanese whiskeys I have to say that there is no such thing as "better", just different. It may not be your favorite pour, that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with it, it's just not your preference. Some people will prefer a Mustang over an NSX, that doesn't make the mustang "better". Granted, you won't see me paying $1,000 to buy a bottle, which is what much of it costs these days!

@groberti 2 жыл бұрын

@@ChristopherOSU I guess the only objectivity we can get here is how complex it is, how thick of a body it has etc. I guess this NASS whisky is thinner, not complex, more like a cheaper NAS scotch. I guess this is the problem with it for this kind of money :D

@rickjordan5654 5 ай бұрын

I tried at a local bar in Houston for $11 a pour. Enjoyed it thoroughly! Couldn’t find it for purchase for months after, but when I did, I paid right at $95 @ Specs Liquor.

@ChristopherOSU 5 жыл бұрын

So, I was a little disappointed with this one.... UNTIL I tried it on the rocks. I suggest you do the same - it gets rid of that hot/zing and actually expands the complexity rather than diminish it, which surprised me.

@NoNonsenseWhisky 5 жыл бұрын

Usually I'd be more than happy to take a suggestion. But, unfortunately, this bottle is long gone now. If I ever get another bottle, I'll give it a go for sure!

@jccautodetails 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing whisky 🥃

@jondotdrinks6952 2 жыл бұрын

nice review! I just got a hold of this bottle this weekend cant wait to also give it a review :) cheers!

@tsavonglah52922 4 жыл бұрын

Paid about 80 as a gift for Fathers' Day. Normally 100, but got a good sale for it.

@w0bbl 2 жыл бұрын

Sleeper whisky if you ask me. I have yet to find a better combination of toffee, sweetness and smoke. Is there anything else quite like this?

@NoNonsenseWhisky 2 жыл бұрын

As long as the price stays good, I'm happy with it!

@lehuananichai3947 Жыл бұрын

Redbreast 12

@DO-fo5pm 4 жыл бұрын

Just paid $100 in NY I split it 3-way with some friends. We were pleased Nice video

@NoNonsenseWhisky 4 жыл бұрын

A split is a great way to enjoy a bottle. I often do the same!

@KawasakiKiteh 5 жыл бұрын

Hard to find. Hard to get. Harder to forget. #GetSome

@NoNonsenseWhisky 5 жыл бұрын

Agreed

@lilbigmac1349 3 жыл бұрын

Lol i still have one

@MaltMondays 7 жыл бұрын

Although I think the 12 is definitely better, this is still good whisky in its own right, but yes Japanese whiskies are always a bit too expensive. Good video Vin!

@MikeWolfs93 2 жыл бұрын

Thats a sick tie fighter man

@NoNonsenseWhisky 2 жыл бұрын

I need to rebuild that bad boy

@Christians-hu1pk 4 жыл бұрын

literally finished a bottle off this evening ... found it pleasant for a blend but like you said expensive for what it is and I have noticed it creeping up and for like 60 quid you can get a decent aged single malt like glenlivet 15 or dalmore 15 for that price but if it's on sale I will buy again.

@NoNonsenseWhisky 4 жыл бұрын

It's crazy. The price seems to be rising just because its a Japanese Whisky that's still available. Nikka From The Barrel is a far superior whisky and has remained pretty consistent in price

@Christians-hu1pk 4 жыл бұрын

cheers for the info that's another whisky I want to try .. also your no nonsense hat is nice I really like it . kinda roadman but stylish I will be getting one of them soon

@TheReal_DeanD 5 жыл бұрын

Man how prices have changed. Where I am in the US the Hibiki tested here goes for $76 to $100 per bottle.

@NoNonsenseWhisky 5 жыл бұрын

Japanese whisky is insane at the moment.

@ChristopherOSU 5 жыл бұрын

Just picked up a bottle at Total Wine in San Mateo for $59.

@ChristopherOSU 5 жыл бұрын

@@NoNonsenseWhisky I used to pickup flasks of Burai-Ha (by Suntory) at convenience stores in Tokyo for about $2 US and that stuff was delicious! I recently saw one sell online for $500!

@ff8masterc Жыл бұрын

Hibiki 21 is one of the finest whiskeys I’ve ever tasted.

@NoNonsenseWhisky Жыл бұрын

They know their craft that's for sure!

@gouldie3636 5 жыл бұрын

you can get this in Aus still for $100 the 12 are about $600 17s 1k 21 $1600 - can only get the 12 and 17 really on ebay if you are lucky

@geraldn.6871 3 жыл бұрын

Hibiki is $89.00, on sale from $119.00, in Hawaii

@EDHBlvd 3 жыл бұрын

$73 at Total Wine in CA.

@jdg6336 3 жыл бұрын

thats cheaper than in japan nowadays.

@smashexentertainment676 3 жыл бұрын

For high prices and still crawling north say thanks to your import taxes. This bottle is still way under $50 in Japan. I picked a Nikka From the Barrel from 7/11 in Chiba for $28 couple of years ago xD

@jdg6336 3 жыл бұрын

Not any more. Hibiki NAS is over ¥10.000 in Tokyo now. Suntory AOI I think its called is cheaper. Dont think Hibiki is being made at the moment. AOI and Toki and the newer brands.

@jeffmill999 2 жыл бұрын

My market has a ton of 'Japanese whisky' gathering dust on the shelves ...I see no reason to buy it when I can get an age statement Scotch single malt... You are so right about this...

@NoNonsenseWhisky 2 жыл бұрын

Maybe buy some and sell it to Europe for mega profits 🤣

@jeffmill999 2 жыл бұрын

@@NoNonsenseWhisky Cambodia is the first place I have lived without proper postal service. Filling out a immigration card is a joke since you really just put the neighborhood..Sankat.. I do keep buying up Billy Walker Glendronachs and any discontinued scotches and Elijah Craig old red 12 bourbon...I think I saw one behind you on a vid once...But, any thought of selling vanishes once I open a bottle and have a dram. I need to research the prices of the Japanese bottles. They have a lot, but, some are $300+...There was a time when hundreds of thousands of Japanese came here on vacation to visit Angkor Wat and surrounding temples and ruins.. He probably got those in thinking the tourists would snatch them up...The airport has been closed for almost two years...I tell my Buddhist/Cambodian wife they are a great investment. I can get Clynelish 14 for $45us tax included...I may have to spend a few quid and stock up in speculation of rising prices. Cheers!

@paulcaswell2813 3 жыл бұрын

Do ANY Japanese whiskies have the character of a Springbank or similar?

@NoNonsenseWhisky 3 жыл бұрын

There was a couple of Nikkas a few years ago that has a slightly smokey taste. But I haven't tried any that have earthiness thats Springbank has

@manlikegus238 4 жыл бұрын

As a man part of the working class, I'll need to save for this!

@NoNonsenseWhisky 4 жыл бұрын

I hear that! The price of this thing has skyrocketed

@manlikegus238 4 жыл бұрын

@@NoNonsenseWhisky I'm sure it's a lovely drop!

@MrChollerboy 4 жыл бұрын

I really want to try japanese whisky, since I have tried many different scotches, I am deciding on either getting the hibiki harmony for 90 euros or the yamazaki 12 for 130 euros. What are your thoughts?

@NoNonsenseWhisky 4 жыл бұрын

In my opinion, the best value for money Japanese whisky is still Nikka From The Barrel. The two you mentioned are both very good but the prices are shocking these days

@MrChollerboy 4 жыл бұрын

@@NoNonsenseWhisky thanks you for your insight, I am aware that the mentioned whiskys have outrageous prices, however I would still like to buy either for my collection, since they will only get more expensive (yamazaki 12 even being discontinued). So which of the two would you recommend for the better japanese whisky experience taking cost, scarcity and the typical japanese flavor profile into account?

@NoNonsenseWhisky 4 жыл бұрын

The Harmony is good enough but the Yama 12 is better, especially if the cost is no bother

@MrChollerboy 4 жыл бұрын

@@NoNonsenseWhisky thanks for your opinion! :)

@VuNguyen-mh4oo 3 жыл бұрын

I saw a bottle of 17YEAR Hibiki for 999$, kindly tell me if this is too high for a 17Y compared to a 12Y at 110$ ? Thks

@NoNonsenseWhisky 3 жыл бұрын

For a drinking whisky it's too high. But this isn't about drinking any more, it's collecting and investing. It's still too high mind

@jdg6336 3 жыл бұрын

The 17 year is going for ¥60.000 in Tokyo nowadays.

@achie517 2 жыл бұрын

Any oaky afterbirth??

@Lukas-kh5gu 4 жыл бұрын

I love this whisky as well, one thing though: HOW ON EARTH are you able to actually smell the nuances with a stupidly wide glass like that? I got to say I tried a lot of Islays, Highlanders and some Japanese ones next to each other with a proper normal nosing glass and a tumbler - the differences are RIDICULOUS. Basically a different whisky all together depending on the glass. Just as severe if not more so than with wines.

@NoNonsenseWhisky 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Lukas, when I started this channel I went with the ethos of a more relaxed vibe on screen. So I would assess the whisky in a nosing glass off screen then drink from a tumbler on screen. In the years since this video I've made the switch to a Glencairn glass on screen

@jarvy251 Жыл бұрын

Sadly, in the years since this video, the price has more than doubled. It's a great whisky, certainly very enjoyable, but for the price you can get a truly fantastic bourbon or scotch you'd enjoy much more. It's in a puzzling spot where I really quite like it, but I wouldn't buy it again.

@NoNonsenseWhisky Жыл бұрын

It's shocking isn't. I've been watching it go up and up and up. Going from just a little too much to so overpriced it's insane

@DoeShow Жыл бұрын

This is currently at Costco in Southern California for $74.99. Limit 2 per.

@NoNonsenseWhisky Жыл бұрын

I'd buy at that price...two of them 🤣

@TonyValens562 Жыл бұрын

I never seen them at Costco. I’m in Los Angeles

@biffii5568 5 жыл бұрын

85 e in Finland... Still amazing

@NoNonsenseWhisky 5 жыл бұрын

That is a lot! Now I've had a bottle I don't think I'd pay that much for it, but if I'd not had it already then I might

@M.i.m.u.r.a Жыл бұрын

Just bought a bottle. 99€ in finland. 🫠

@thespiritsafe 7 жыл бұрын

$120 Canadian plus vat here!!

@thespiritsafe 7 жыл бұрын

Foodquig got to it first

@funkyjeff77 3 жыл бұрын

If I dont like scotch should I pass on this one?

@NoNonsenseWhisky 3 жыл бұрын

I'd try it first and see what you think. You can always give it to someone if you don't like it

@funkyjeff77 3 жыл бұрын

@@NoNonsenseWhisky hi thsnks for your snswer mate! Itz just that anything smokey isnt my cup of tea I prefer whisky like Powers & Bushmills usually.

@ThoughtsfromaCloud Жыл бұрын

130 now in 2022

@NoNonsenseWhisky Жыл бұрын

Climbing up!

@foodquig 7 жыл бұрын

I have seen this on the shelf... It's $120 plus 15% tax. Right next to it on the same shelf is Amrut Fusion bottled at 50% and costing $25 less... That's a no-brainer.

@welshtoro3256 7 жыл бұрын

I completely agree. It is a no-brainer. Even if I decided to buy something other than the Fusion, which I think is a fantastic dram, it wouldn't be the Harmony which I think is overpriced and therefore below par.

@foodquig 7 жыл бұрын

Still, I won't let that stop me from buying it once just to find out what it smells and tastes like...

@jdg6336 3 жыл бұрын

It was a 40 dollar bottle a few years back. 17 year Hibiki used to be $80 five years ago. Not anymore.

@foodquig 3 жыл бұрын

@@jdg6336 Now they have priced even the sub-par entry-level juice out of range. I have been put off of Japanese whisky for the foreseeable future.

@jdg6336 3 жыл бұрын

@@foodquig yeah Toki seems like the only cheaper variety. I switched to Blantons for a while but that also got more expensive now.

@2010ColinF 5 жыл бұрын

If drank properly you will taste Enticing notes of orange peel and white chocolate An elegant expression, with wafts of honey, orange, a herbaceous touch or two and light oak

@mattblom3990 3 жыл бұрын

Drinking it literally this moment. The white chocolate I definitely taste.

@raheemtheinvestor 4 жыл бұрын

It’s $80 now in the USA🇺🇸

@NoNonsenseWhisky 4 жыл бұрын

Prices going up!

@raheemtheinvestor 4 жыл бұрын

No Nonsense Whisky is that good or really bad?

@NoNonsenseWhisky 4 жыл бұрын

It's pretty good stuff, but what you're paying for is the rarity of it. Their stocks are dwindling and what few bottles get released go to the highest bidder. In my opinion, it's best to forget about Japanese whisky right now.

@raheemtheinvestor 4 жыл бұрын

No Nonsense Whisky awesome thanks I brought a bottle from “BINNY” didn’t open it yet. But I will for the New Years.

@orion2250 2 жыл бұрын

Better than toki, but the lesser of a Yamazaki 12 in order of smoothness imho.

@NoNonsenseWhisky 2 жыл бұрын

100% agree

@TheWhiskyFamily 7 жыл бұрын

Jesus wept...the Tie Fighter!

@ironmantooltime 3 жыл бұрын

I miss the jazz. It was smoooooth 😎

@NoNonsenseWhisky 3 жыл бұрын

😂 I miss it too. But it's forever getting targeted by fraudsters trying to claim it's their track (I have a licence for it) so it's easier without

@ironmantooltime 3 жыл бұрын

@@NoNonsenseWhisky is that why? Shame! I'll have to remember to queue up some smooth tunes on the sonos next time I kick back for a dram review 😄

@ironmantooltime 3 жыл бұрын

By the way this is selling for £85 + £15 postage on Amazon. I took ur recommendation it was good for fifty and won't be buying any cheers!

@KillerDoc42 5 жыл бұрын

Give me that tie fighter

@NoNonsenseWhisky 5 жыл бұрын

😂 I'm never dismantling that again. Took me forever to build the damn thing

@jf7910 4 жыл бұрын

Just picked up 3 at $60 each.

@labalo5 4 жыл бұрын

Jin Feng costco?

@jf7910 4 жыл бұрын

lowell wine.com

@nickyamertil9458 Жыл бұрын

$200 a bottle in the Caribbean

@nanno9502 2 жыл бұрын

Koe durong tau ngombe Minuman Khas SEMARANG A.O / Coyang..... sekali coba Iso Wasalam koe Mas🤣🤣

@jorgeaguiar6481 3 жыл бұрын

The best.....hibiki...$90 dls los angeles california

@kongyang9035 Жыл бұрын

Use to buy this hibiki for 60 bucks now its selling 200+

@NoNonsenseWhisky Жыл бұрын

I was literally thinking this today. There was me saying £60 was expensive and now look at it!

@warlordofvideogameglitches 3 жыл бұрын

80 dollars for a bottle of this in the us

@NoNonsenseWhisky 3 жыл бұрын

Not too bad! Seems stable at least

@warlordofvideogameglitches 3 жыл бұрын

@@NoNonsenseWhisky it seems very steep for me unlike the american drink jack daniels whisky.

@jdg6336 5 жыл бұрын

Its discontinued now.

@NoNonsenseWhisky 5 жыл бұрын

That’s very sad news indeed. But it’s the way of the whisky world right now I guess

@FoMobileGaming 5 жыл бұрын

Harmony? My local place here in NJ, USA just got it in this week, $70

@jdg6336 3 жыл бұрын

@@FoMobileGaming Yeah I have seen it in the USA but I worked with Suntory in Japan and they told me its not made anymore. Seems strange as Ive seen it in the USA for cheaper than Japan. 🤷🏼‍♂️ Enjoy it while you can.

@FoMobileGaming 3 жыл бұрын

@@jdg6336 hibiki 17 and 12 are discontinued. Harmony is a blend with no age statement and is still being produced. They may have temporarily halted production as many of the whiskies in the blend ran out due to high demand for Japanese whisky over the past few years.

@jdg6336 3 жыл бұрын

@@FoMobileGaming yep. Ive seen Harmony but Im in Japan and I think it was maybe for Duty Free markets? I forget. I used to drink with people from Suntory a lot. I dont see Harmony anywhere lately in Japan. I saw it in the store where I can find stuff a while back. Its too bad prices are so high now. Supply not good.

@dealzguyYT 4 жыл бұрын

Honestly does not live up to the hype. Not at all. At best a $30 whiskey. At 85 bucks in Costco had high hopes for it. Better off with a Macallan 12 year or even any of the 18 year old Scotches you can find around this price honestly. I am no novice and this seriously ain’t the hype folks

@NoNonsenseWhisky 4 жыл бұрын

I didn't mind it when it was £50. But the constant increases makes it more and more irrelevant as time goes on