By Kenrick Thurston-Wilcox
Rating: A-
Suntory operates with a philosophy of melding 2 different “art types:” the Art of Nature (the soul and character that resides in all natural things) and the Art of People (artisans that take what is found in nature and elevate it, yet do not add nor take away, elevating the unique characteristics that make nature beautiful). The company further elevated this idea in 1989 by releasing Hibiki (Harmony in Japanese), a 90 year commemoration of the company’s founding, and dedicated to the showing of Suntory’s techniques and philosophies. The bottle itself is a reflection of the Japanese people living in harmony with nature, with the 24 facets that surround the bottle representing the 24 hours in a day, as well as representing the 24 ‘micro-seasons’ (Sekki) that Japan recognizes. This release of Blossom Harmony brings these ideas even further together.
Following the base recipe of blending malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries, and being aged in oak casks, the grain whiskies in the blend are then finished in Sakura (cherry blossom) casks. This wood is uniquely Japanese and infrequently used to age whiskies, as the wood source can quickly overwhelm a distillate, and requires careful monitoring of the process. Sakura have a lot of meaning to the Japanese, with people gathering to see them flower in early spring for over 1000 years. Death and the fleeting nature of life is represented in the short-lived flowers, which start dropping after only about two weeks; yet beauty is found as well, reminding us to live in the moment and to find the harmony that exists within everything around us.
The Whisky
Once poured in the glass, the color is a pale straw color, very similar to the original Hibiki. The nose shines, inviting you in with a beautiful bouquet of white flowers, lavender, some cocoa, a nice hint of smoke, and pear coming in the very back. Overall, its very enticing.
On the palate the floral qualities take a back seat, with orange now coming out, cocoa and vanilla flavors, with a noticeable spice once the liquid hits your lips. A subtle hint of smoke dances around the tongue, with the floral aspects trailing along near the end. It feels a little tannic in the mouth, and just slightly too watery for what i would prefer.
Once swallowed the smokiness comes forth, cooling your tongue as you breathe in fresh air and with a rich taste of cocoa. It stays around a good long while, though does have a slight bitter taste. Overtime the flavors develop and the flowers come back out, wrapping up the whole experience.
By adding a finishing stage in casks made from one of Japan’s national flowers, Suntory brings the representation of the Sakura trees to whisky. Beautiful and layered on the nose, it invites you in to it’s bouquet, giving you a different experience but one that is welcome. The finish stays with you, leaving you wanting even more with each sip. The wood adds a beautiful elegance to the product, yet also reminds us of the beauty of what nature offers, and the many hours that the craftsmen poured into making such an excellent product.
The Price
Suntory suggest a retail price of $160 USD for a bottle. Yet a quick google search reveals most listings starting between $700-$800 and only going up from there.