it's Japanese, blended malt and grain, and it's rather tasty too. To comply with Google Adsense policy this video is an independent non-profit review and is not selling or linking to a site that sells the product being reviewed.
Пікірлер: 149
@fdota7 жыл бұрын
Your analysis of not only whiskey, but your perception of the mentality of its makers, and by extension an entire nation of people is very entertaining and thought provoking. I love it, Ralphy
@ralfydotcom7 жыл бұрын
. . . happy to help with the malt-moments !
@munckeysuncle7 жыл бұрын
Dear Ralfy, It is always a complete pleasure to watch your reviews. You are a man that takes ego out of the equation and shares his immense experience with grace and love. It is GREATLY appreciated. The tasting of whisky is a great pleasure in life and to have a man, such like yourself, to add to the joy is a true pleasure. Much love to you great man and long may we have the absolute pleasure to hear from you. A big hug from an Australian of Scot heritage x
@mrpconk11 жыл бұрын
For relaxing times... Make it Suntory time
@gengaartist196 жыл бұрын
Your review, and informative delivery on the process of Japanese ingenuity has made me rethink my entire understanding of how different cultures have a way or practice that give reason or honorable acknowledgment, that makes their way amazing or in the very least notable. Thank you sir, I wish you were my father. Sincerely.
@Stampistuta7 жыл бұрын
It's a great dram with a beautiful bottle. My favourite Japanese Whisky is Nikka from the Barrel, it's outstanding.
@EmilioCasavegas8 жыл бұрын
I love how this bottle mimics the appearance of a whisky decanter.
@bozosaurus6669 жыл бұрын
Having a dram while watching this. Great stuff Ralphy =)
@Snikkari12 жыл бұрын
The bottle is lovely and the contents are even better .. I love this stuff.
@e.p.1659 жыл бұрын
Thanks for all your whisky review Ralfy! enjoy it big time here in Rotterdam Holland
@Ahskev11 жыл бұрын
Your video inspired me to buy Hibiki 17. Thanks to you now i know what means "really good blended whisky".
@woodenmothink93989 жыл бұрын
You look wrecked in this review Ralfy. Thanks for all the information and effort you put into your videos. Cheers
@redslate3 жыл бұрын
"Be very careful with water in this whiskey! It drowns fast." [As he adds a THIRD TABLESPOON!!] (Nevermind the price-jump that has occurred in the 8 years since this video was posted.)
@OscarSJF3 жыл бұрын
How much was it then?
@seansrecords3 жыл бұрын
I used to buy this for about £60 a bottle , it’s about £500 if you can find it now
@aframs-cctaf-rams-cct64243 жыл бұрын
It’s the NAS Hibiki Harmony is $110 in Hawaii’ …
@VehementDenial12 жыл бұрын
You're a damned blessing, Ralfy. You have turned me away from swill and towards the light, ahahaha. Happy holidays, and note your viewers are loyal and fanatic!
@someonesdad59866 жыл бұрын
The BEST blended whisky I have ever tasted ever. Better than many single malts!
@GuitarBassCigar9 жыл бұрын
I got a bottle of this today and its quite enjoyable indeed. The hint of banana in the finish was quite different for me. A nicely done whiskey.
@ethanoyamawang9 жыл бұрын
Ralfy! I was at Yamazaki Distillery last week. Very very good experience! This is the bottle I took home from Narita airport. Wish I bought the 25 years Yamazaki but too risky lol
@cairey12 жыл бұрын
I am looking forward to tasting this at WhiskyFest New York in a few days. You did a great job, as always. Thank you Ralfy and keep up the good work!!
@mapleleafpiper24848 жыл бұрын
really enjoy your reviews as a new whiskey drinker they have helped me out on what to look for to add to my collection I have been wanting to try Japanese whiskey but it's hard to find in my area
@auspolk8 жыл бұрын
I love Japanese whisky. Yamazaki in particular. Hibiki is wonderful, but I prefer the Yamazaki. Hakushu is quite good as well. I've had some nice Nikka as well. If you've never tried a Japanese whisky, I suggest a 12 year old Yamazaki to start with. Can be found pretty easily, not too expensive, and just gorgeous.
@sync2329 жыл бұрын
Thats a gorgeous bottle.
@MrVuHNguyen12 жыл бұрын
Very detailed review, thank you.
@xxLiquidxxSnakExx11 жыл бұрын
Great review! I'm not a whisky aficionado like yourself by any means, but when I first tried Hibiki (12 y.o., later 17 y.o., the 21 and 30 y.o. are pretty much unavailable in my country, so I have yet to try them), I instantly fell in love with it. Hibiki 17 y.o. my favorite blended whisky nowadays. "Hibiki" means "harmony", and I think Suntory really does the name justice, judging by how smooth, delicate and balanced their blend is. Can't recommend it enough.
@davidvega19787 жыл бұрын
Well done sir!
@UrbanCohort11 жыл бұрын
Well, I'm happy I picked it up. I saw it on a shelf when I was looking to pick up a Glenfiddich, saw the Hibiki bottle there and after a 5 minute inner debate, decided that I'd regret it if I didn't try the Hibiki. I'm not an aficionado on Whiskey by any stretch, but I know I like Whiskey/Scotch Whiskey. Looking forward to trying this.
@netsurferx18 жыл бұрын
Love this stuff! Tastes a bit peppercorny...Which is a good thing!
@nathansimpson58817 жыл бұрын
Think this may be due a re-review if you've got a bottle in your archive Ralfy. ✌🏾
@blahblah5523711 жыл бұрын
I just bought this here in the US for $76. It's amazing.
@terrylandis86678 жыл бұрын
very nice thanks ralfy
@caseyhooper47798 жыл бұрын
Ralfy you're great!
@clementafonso11 жыл бұрын
Hi Andrew, I'm not an expert, but I've just tried the Hibiki 17 y.o. in a restaurant yesterday night, and at home I've both Yamazaki 12 and Hibiki 12 (lucky me !). H17 and Y12 are great. H17 is more than twice the price of Y12 (in France). - With the H17 you can really feel the age of the differents whiskies involves, and it's super-duper-smooth (vanilla, honey...) without being too sweet. - With the Y12 I found more spice and heat, with a younger-whisky taste. Cheers malt-mate !
@RadioLaboratory12 жыл бұрын
Ralfy,u spoke of yor Triumph Bike, n I kno yor luvN it! 4me, its the older Leyland products, did I mention my 74TR6?! wow evry morn @ 9AM, conv down, wind whislin thru the hair! ahh gota Luv it...my1st luv. SMS a close 2nd, but unlike great blends, they NEVER mix well!! Gospel g'buddy. Stay safe maltmate! Rob-o
@frejon8712 жыл бұрын
Fun Fact About the bottle is that if you count the sides around the bottle you will get 24 of them, each representing a month in the old japaneese calendar. Ralfy! Have you've tried any Octomore lately? From the worlds best Fredrik!
@MrJoris012312 жыл бұрын
very very interesting video Ralfy ! I might consider this one, if it's not very overpriced due transport. We'll see for how much it comes. Could be a nice newyear's present for myself. Greetings.
@RocasThePenguin10 жыл бұрын
Picked up Nikka Taketsuru 12, and this one will be my next Japanese whisky. I am really enjoying the experience of it so far.
@lionelbautista42825 жыл бұрын
i am selling all this great stuff
@subnoisenj9 жыл бұрын
I just had the Hibiki 12 AND THE 17 side by side it was so irresistible I just had to mix them and oh what a beautiful menage a trios! Ralfy thats a malt mention… MALTY MENAGE A TRIOS!!!
@stinkydubs12 жыл бұрын
Great review! I'd love to see you do Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon. I know you did a bourbon set, but I'd really like to hear your review on this particular bourbon.
@MrTakohara12 жыл бұрын
@bassicperson Visited the Suntory Whisky distillery near Kyoto last year. Definitely go there... The Whisky archive is gorgeous.
@Andrew-lb1up9 жыл бұрын
I guess they might have done some chilled filtration after the blend was made. But other sources online do not confirm this.
@bp744348 жыл бұрын
Ralfy - Have you tried the Yamazaki 2015? Hibiki 17? Or the cask strength 'Nikka from the barrell' whisky? Would love to hear your thoughts. All of them worth the money.
@Andrew-lb1up9 жыл бұрын
Both YAmazaki and Hakushu whiskies are not chilled filter, but are put through a charcoal bamboo filtration. My Hakushu 12yo gets a bit of mist after adding a bit water and waiting 10 + minutes. Love the 12yo! Wish you would do a review of that one soon Ralfy!
@drumminham6 жыл бұрын
Tried it, delicious!!
@pennfootball716 жыл бұрын
This is one of my favorites as well as Balvenie 21 year old port wood. This is a great bang per buck!!
@pennfootball714 жыл бұрын
@Moose Soup no but i must try it now! It is my destiny!!!
@pennfootball714 жыл бұрын
@Moose Soup yes in the usa
@Dotsirammi12 жыл бұрын
Ah,that is one of my fav whiskey too...Cheers!
@MrMuffin2426 жыл бұрын
Watching this makes me want to drink the bottle ive been saving.
@nickyang11438 жыл бұрын
in a word, polished.
@doctorphibes6013 жыл бұрын
I've tasted 3 japanese whiskies so far..Keyword for me is "balanced" I totally agree with the motorcycle comparison. Where it lacks charactre (maybe) it makes up in quality and balance in spades. Methodical japanese craft
@twenty5charlie4 жыл бұрын
I don’t think he realizes that he put in 3 tsp of water.
@mentalistp.s.99158 жыл бұрын
There is a new brand under the suntory distillery it's called Chita, I went to Japan recently and got one bottle for myself, it's very impressive, you should try and do a review on it.
@paullynch40217 жыл бұрын
Chita is a weak effort, amongst some great Japanese whiskey.
@pierremadani72818 жыл бұрын
How about a review for the NAS Hibiki Japanese Harmony ...
@foxtenz63467 жыл бұрын
He said no more NAS whisky reviews on his channel
@biffii55685 жыл бұрын
Oh you mean this same whiskey but more expensive, and no agestatement..
@grimarkraka77848 жыл бұрын
japanese whiskys are really good the bad thing is most of japan whiskyes are on just 40% would like to see more cask strenght types.like the amazing karuizawa and hanyu my all times favourites.but the chichibu do seriously stuff on cask strenght just som more years on them will be lovely
@WalterVojta10 жыл бұрын
Hello Ralfy! Have you tasted the HIBIKI 17 also? I would be very interested in your opinion. Best greetings from Austria - love your vlog!
@abergirl129 жыл бұрын
Hi Ralfy, if you want to try a Japanese grain whisky, look for Nikka Coffey grain whisky. I found it very enjoyable.
@greenblaze66028 жыл бұрын
excellent
@ToonandBBfan8 жыл бұрын
I got my Dad a bottle of Yamazaki single reserve last Christmas. I cant decide wether to get him another Yamazaki this year or try Hibiki?
@mu99ins12 жыл бұрын
Ralfy is right. This is good whisky. It's on the high side price-wise, but I feel it's worth it. This is the sort of whisky to impress a date on how sophisticated you (and her) hope you were.
@aframs-cctaf-rams-cct64243 жыл бұрын
Wish you had a Hibiki Harmony review. I’d love to know what your thoughts are on it
@mrdubachery11 жыл бұрын
Check out Crown Royal Maple (if you can find it). It's finished in maple-toasted oak. I enjoy it, though it is quite sweet.
@pociesznyPCS12 жыл бұрын
Dear Ralfy, Greetings from Poland. Maybe after this series you would consider making series about wood finishes. It is a hard topic and mamy whisky conservatists dont believe in wood finishing. I know that there were few reviews in the past but mini series would be nice. Im curious about your recomendations.
@clcarlso19 жыл бұрын
Ralfy, have you tried the Yamazaki 18 yo? If you haven't, I highly recommend it.
@MrSupplementScene11 жыл бұрын
Hi Ralphy, I just tried Yamazaki 12 and was blown away at what I was getting from a 12yo, I think my new fave malt over anything I've tasted, better than many older Scotches I tried. But no review from you, are you not a fan our WW2 adversaries? I can't complain my grandad fought in the navy against them. Anyway aside from him turning in his grave at my love for their drink, I wondered how the 18yo Yam is compared to it's 12, and how this and the 17yo Hibiki compares to the Yamazaki? Cheers
@MaddAddamx11 жыл бұрын
Got a bottle of this for my birthday and I'm rather enjoying it. Really nice all round, especially the finish. Which Triumph model do you have?
@ErnestoJSilva8 жыл бұрын
Hello Ralfy! have you tasted the Hibiki 17 yr old? its quite good, balanced but strong.
@ushbag10 жыл бұрын
Suntory Whisky always reminds me of the movie Lost in Translation. If anything, that movie did make me want a glass of Suntory, lol. For relaxing times, make it Suntory time.
@litigati12 жыл бұрын
Hi ralfy! Am living in japan now and recently tried the hibiki 17 and liked iit a lot! Do you have a favorite japanese whisky?
@WarTheory9 жыл бұрын
What's the deal with the two spoons of water I guess?
@ryanbanks42655 жыл бұрын
Lol. Try getting any of these whiskys he mentions in this video presently!
@Odseus11 жыл бұрын
Will you be doing a review anytime soon of the Yamazaki 18 year old? Just received it as a Christmas present and I'd like to know how it stacks up.
@theelderscrollsnerd32466 жыл бұрын
Any chance of seeing Kikori Japanese Rice Whiskey?
@JoeDawg1512 жыл бұрын
ralfy - I have a bottle of this tasty whisky and I would like to use it as a decanter after finishing it off. Will the cork diminish the usefulness of the bottle as a decanter?
@TheEpoxyExperts11 жыл бұрын
Found it, I guess this typing-thing requires me to put the Glencairn down to attain efficiency in my search. Do you have a chapter on the Hibiki 15 and the 18 yo?
@Seanus3211 жыл бұрын
Hibiki ha nomitai dayo :) Nihon ni, Suntory Zen ha nonda/nomimashita. Ok, given that I'm a Scotsman, I'll henceforth revert back to English. I tried Suntory Zen (950Y, just under a fiver back then) in Japan. The price put me off as I thought I'd get a nasty headache but I was pleasantly surprised. I've just finished reading an article on the 2013 World Whisky Awards. Japanese whiskies fared well :) Just type the above into Google and Bob's your uncle, ralfy :)
@geGNOME11 жыл бұрын
This is a thought that has occurred to me of late. What would a whisky be like if aged in a non-oak barrel? Let's say for instance, maple.
@sunzeneise5 жыл бұрын
Ralfy, please care for yourself, because you are a prize, and will be missed by many, yet always toasted.
@Nazanden12 жыл бұрын
Ralfy, could you review alot more Canadian whiskeys? I find Canadian whiskey is a favorite choice for alot people, not just Canadians!
@chrish1234512 жыл бұрын
Ralfy have you ever had a French whisky or plan to review one? I see they make some peated malts, I just wondered if they're any good.
@inuyashaspet12 жыл бұрын
@whoijacket I don't really get it. The meaning must have been lost in translation.
@ROMANTIKILLER210 жыл бұрын
hi Ralfy! speaking of Japanes whiskies, have you ever tasted the Karuizawa Spirit of Asama? As a lover of sherried stuff (although with little experience :-( ) I got the cask strength version and I was pleasantly impressed with it!
@ralfydotcom10 жыл бұрын
I will look out for this one.
@chasemusashi78477 жыл бұрын
I have the Hakushu 12 ... Wish I could find Hibiki
@Dotsirammi12 жыл бұрын
And that quality of the price is right..!
@420HEADY10 жыл бұрын
great stuff man ! Is that the Sicilian flag logo in brass behind you ?
@GuitarBassCigar9 жыл бұрын
Its on the coat of arms for the the Isle of Man
@shuboy0512 жыл бұрын
Hey Ralfy, any plans to do a food and whisky pairing video in the future (something besides the stereotypical haggis)?
@knarfzxc12 жыл бұрын
Most Japanese whiskies, especially Hibiki are like a beautifully composed Symphony, whereas the craft whiskies from Scotland and some other countries too are like Jazz. Very astute comment, this whisky is made and marketed for the "western palate". I'm sure the Japanese have a distinctive profile or signature, that I've yet to taste. Mind, I've not had a lot of Japanese whisky and certainly not my area of expertise. I'm still trying to leave Islay, seemingly chained to the shore or magnetised.
@constablecomfortable12 жыл бұрын
Hi Ralfy. I was waiting for the mention that Hibiki 12 is part-matured in Plum Liqueur casks, but it never came. Is this still the case?
@philxray6666 жыл бұрын
Wow! Whisky drinkers have gone totally nuts with the price of this one in Australia now! What happened in the past few years? It's AU$650 for any 700 ml bottles that are left and I can get 17 yo Hibiki for the same price! I'm suspecting this 12 yo became the quaffing drink leaving the 17 yo as the collector's version, totally distorting the market. Having said that, I've got four bottles of this stashed away for a rainy day that I'd gladly swap for 80% of their value in Talisker 10 or Talisker 57' North!
@ralfydotcom6 жыл бұрын
. . . all Japanese whisky is now over priced !
@Peavey31112 жыл бұрын
Try the 17 year Hibiki, it's honeyed delightfulness :)
@unctarheels56128 жыл бұрын
Hey Ralfy, have you found one video online that has shown any of the Japanese distilleries making a barrel from their Japanese oak? I'd really like to watch something like a cooper making a Japanese oak into a barrel,, thanks again!
@ralfydotcom8 жыл бұрын
+UNC Tarheels . . . never seen any of those videos.
@unctarheels56128 жыл бұрын
+ralfystuff emailed the company and thought I would relay this to you and anyone else interested in Japanese oak: whisky.suntory.com/philosophy/
@ralfydotcom8 жыл бұрын
. . . entertaining marketing, some truth, some spin.
@novaduh7 жыл бұрын
Would it be a bad idea to throw a ball of ice in or drink it strictly warm?
@ralfydotcom7 жыл бұрын
. . . have it both ways and see what works best for you.
@Marcus895810 жыл бұрын
What is wrong with chill filtration?
@unctarheels56128 жыл бұрын
Hey Ralfy, I have been looking for this bottle for a long time and finally found a small liquor store that has it for sale for 89$, should I buy it? The only places I see it online they sell it for nearly 200$... Didn't know if it was rare or not,...?
@AJ-bi6ns8 жыл бұрын
+UNC Tarheels True price for Hibiki 12 was $60-75 until it began to receive "hype" in the US which has made it hard to find. $89 is a reasonable price considering demand, I would say anything under $100 is an alright price. However, the if it is comparable to other whiskeys of the $80-100 range is a different argument. This truly is a good whiskey at a $70ish price.
@bradl26366 жыл бұрын
Nikka Coffey Grain...?
@MrMillez2 жыл бұрын
Great review. However the current value of this whisky is bonkers.
@premier19753 жыл бұрын
16:30 with that being said....what does whisky taste like that caters to the japanese palate?
@robfut99545 ай бұрын
Whatever mixes in a high ball, they’re obcessed
@knarfzxc12 жыл бұрын
@ralfystuff Malt March : )
@andreasfelikskrutzemcewen18048 жыл бұрын
when are you going to review Icelandic or Norwegian whisky.?
@ralfydotcom8 жыл бұрын
+Andrew McEwen . . . when I can buy it in the UK
@andreasfelikskrutzemcewen18048 жыл бұрын
i thought you where from scottland
@Benji30068 жыл бұрын
+AndreasFeliks KrutzeMcEwen The United Kindom is England + Scotland + Whales + Northern Ireland
@TheJusnic829 жыл бұрын
I just cannot bring myself to really enjoy Japanese whisky or Indian whisky. When I drink a glass of whisky im not only drinking for flavour and smell im drinking equally for the mental and emotional aspect of a fine Scottish whisky.
@Tremulousnut8 жыл бұрын
However, if I remember correctly the grains used for Japanese whiskey is from Scotland.
@Theman266429 жыл бұрын
Has this been discontinued and replaced by Hibiki Harmony?
@Flaplo8 жыл бұрын
+Daniel Feldman The 12 year is still around, but demand has exceeded supply quite a bit.
@ihenrynl12 жыл бұрын
@HarveyGrass i think it would be fair to look back the 2011 vlogs and list the highest ratings haha good luck harvey. no seriously, there must be some surprise's left. ;)
@thomasguitartube9 жыл бұрын
A more accurate translation of the nuance for HIBIKI may be RESONANCE