Hibiki 30: A Masterpiece in the World of Whisky

Hibiki 30: A Masterpiece in the World of Whisky

Hibiki 30, an epitome of luxury in the realm of Japanese whisky, stands as a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and dedication of Suntory's master blenders.

Originally released in November 1997, this exquisite blend comes in a distinctive bottle with 30 facets, symbolizing its 30 years of meticulous aging.

Unlike other Hibiki expressions, which feature 24 facets representing the 24 small seasons and the 24 hours in a day, Hibiki 30 elevates the experience to a new level of sophistication.

A Journey Through Time

Hibiki 30 is more than just a whisky; it's a journey through time. The initial release price was 80,000 yen—a nod to the good old days when this masterpiece first graced the shelves.
Today, it carries a hefty price tag, reflecting its rarity and the unparalleled experience it offers. Blind tasting this gem, one would scarcely believe it's a blended whisky; its complex profile often leads enthusiasts to mistake it for a superb old single cask bottled at cask strength.

A Symphony of Aromas

Upon the first encounter, Hibiki 30 greets the senses with a captivating blend of rancio charentais—a term from the cognac world describing the complex aromas and flavors resulting from long oak aging.

Expect notes of old leather, overripe banana, mushrooms, soy sauce, walnut oil, dried fruits, and more. As it opens up, the whisky reveals layers of gingerbread, mincemeat, balsamic glaze, green apple peel, horseradish, and a hint of thyme. Given time, a delightful strawberry milkshake note emerges, adding a playful twist to the sophisticated profile.

A Dance on the Palate

The taste journey of Hibiki 30 is beautifully dynamic. It transitions seamlessly from sweet fruit candy to the dry nuances of aged wood. Mid-palate, bitter and sour elements intertwine, showcasing fresh citrus, citrus peel, grape skins, and burnt caramel in perfect harmony.

As the flavors evolve, the palate becomes progressively spicier, with hints of white pepper and aniseed making a bold statement.

A Memorable Finish

The finish of Hibiki 30 is long and woody, leaving an indelible mark with notes of candied orange peel, roasted chestnuts, prune jam, dark chocolate, and a touch of mint. As the flavors slowly fade, a surprising yet subtle afterglow of white grapes emerges, offering a delicate conclusion to this extraordinary experience.

A Collector’s Dream

Some enthusiasts might prefer Hibiki 21 over the 30, but with whisky this old, batch variations are inevitable. Each batch of Hibiki 30 has its own unique charm, so don't write it off too quickly.
There's likely a batch with your liking somewhere, just waiting to be discovered. As someone who has had the pleasure of experiencing several batches, I can attest to the diverse and delightful journey each one offers.

Accolades and Recognition

Hibiki 30 has garnered prestigious awards on the global stage, a testament to its exceptional quality. It was awarded at the International Spirits Challenge in 2004, 2006, and 2008, and received the coveted title of “World’s Best Blended Whisky” at the World Whiskies Award in 2007 and 2008.
These accolades underscore the whisky’s unparalleled craftsmanship and the masterful blending that defines Hibiki 30.

Product Details

Product Name: Hibiki 30
Producer: Suntory
Alcohol Content: 43%
Color: Amber
Aroma: Rancio charentais, old leather, overripe banana, mushrooms, soy sauce, walnut oil, dried fruits, gingerbread, mincemeat, balsamic glaze, green apple peel, horseradish, thyme, strawberry milkshake
Taste: Fruit candy, aged wood, fresh citrus, citrus peel, grape skins, burnt caramel, white pepper, aniseed
Finish: Candied orange peel, roasted chestnuts, prune jam, dark chocolate, mint, white grapes

Ending off…

Hibiki 30 is a celebration of Suntory’s century-old spirit-making craft, a blend that transcends time and tradition. As you savor each sip, you’ll experience the harmonious interplay of flavors and the meticulous artistry that defines this remarkable whisky.

Here's the link to our Hibiki 30, if you wish to purchase one with our help simply reach out to us via whatsapp, email or instagram direct messaging!

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Signing off,
Sin Hai
(Owner of Japanwhisky, a Japanese Whisky Enthusiast)