
A whisky of impeccable balance and depth, Hibiki 12 is a masterful blend that showcases the artistry of Japanese whisky-making. As part of Suntory’s revered Hibiki range, it stands as a beautifully orchestrated expression of malt and grain whiskies, carefully selected to embody the essence of harmony—both in flavor and philosophy.
Hibiki 12 is crafted from a selection of malted barley and grain whiskies, sourced primarily from Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries. These whiskies are blended with precision to create a profile that is smooth, delicate, and deeply expressive.
Like all Suntory whiskies, Hibiki 12 benefits from the pure, soft waters of Japan’s Southern Alps and Kyoto’s underground springs, which contribute to its gentle, refined character. This pristine water enhances the whisky’s delicate sweetness and smooth mouthfeel.
Each component whisky is distilled using a variety of pot and column stills, allowing for a wide range of flavors to be woven together. The result is a symphony of textures and aromas, with layers of fruit, oak, and Japanese refinement at its core.
Hibiki 12 is matured in a combination of American oak, sherry casks, and rare Mizunara oak, each bringing its own depth to the blend. However, what sets this whisky apart is the inclusion of whiskies finished in Umeshu (Japanese plum liqueur) casks—an innovative touch that imparts a delicate sweetness and a subtle, floral complexity.
The word Hibiki means "resonance" in Japanese, reflecting Suntory’s commitment to harmony—not just in blending but in the way whisky connects people, nature, and time. Hibiki 12 represents a balance of tradition and creativity, making it both an accessible introduction to the range and a cherished collector’s piece.
A whisky that is both refined and inviting, Hibiki 12 is the perfect introduction to Japan’s most celebrated blended whisky range.
Tasting Notes
On the Nose
Light and floral with hints of honey, orange blossom, and soft pear. Touches of almond and subtle oak spice.
On the Palate
Silky and mellow, showing layers of apricot, toffee, and a touch of cinnamon. Balanced and harmonious.
The Finish
Smooth and graceful, with lingering fruit sweetness, sandalwood, and a faint wisp of smoke.
Globally Acclaimed
- Gold Award (International Spirits Challenge, 2010, 2013, 2015)
- Trophy (International Spirits Challenge, 2014)
- Double Gold Medal Award (International Spirits Challenge, 2014)
- Double Gold (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2012)
About Hibiki
Hibiki, created by Suntory in 1989, is a masterful expression of blending artistry. Crafted to embody the harmony of Japan’s nature, culture, and whisky-making traditions, Hibiki brings together the finest malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s distilleries—Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. With a focus on the delicate balance between each component, Hibiki reveals a whisky that is both complex and refined. Layers of rich fruit, subtle floral notes, honeyed sweetness, and a whisper of smoke come together in perfect unison in every expression it creates.
Customer reviews
4.9 out of 5 · 21 reviews
Ordered this bottle after I saw all the awards it had won. Not disappointed, it’s now one of my favorites. Nose is lovely plummy, woody and sweet. Nice orange marmalade at end. I brought a bottle to Chirstmas party and it was everyone’s favorite. Would be a excellent gift for both the novice and seasoned whisky fan alike.
All the Japanese Whisky reviews don’t do this one justice. It deserves every award that it’s won, one of the best bottles to come from Japan. Hibiki 12 is the smoothest whisky I’ve ever tasted. Can’t wait to try Hibiki 17 and 21!
I’ve converted to Japanese Whisky. This is the first bottle I ever tasted and while I’ve tasted better since (Yamazaki 12, Yamazaki 18), this one still ranks high on my all-time favs. If you haven’t tried Hibiki whiskey or Yamazaki single malt, you are missing out.
Don’t let the fact that it’s a blended whisky fool you, Hibiki is amazing. This 12 year old bottle is now discontinued, but it’s one you must have on your shelf. With the rising trend towards non-age-statement bottles, I’m happy that I stocked up. These bottles are growing increasingly rare!
When I heard this bottle was discontinued at my local shop I thought my days of drinking this fabulous whisky were over. Thankfully, dekanta is still able to obtain stock of this remarkable whiskey. It took a little longer than local delivery, but I had the bottle in about a week. Not bad for shipment that came from Japan! Also, loved the orgami cranes and white gloves they included in the box. These guys are my new goto for Japanese Whisky!
Very good blended whiskey. In my opinion the flavor has multiple levels. This is my whiskey of choice even though it is not single malt.
Anyone who loves good whisky simply must have Hibiki on their shelf. These bottles are beautiful with a really unique design. Out of all the bottles I own, everyone always comments on the Hibiki ones. And it doesn’t stop with outward appearances, the whisky itself is amazing. Even people who don’t normally like whisky are pleasantly surprised by Hibiki 12, it’s one of the smoothest whiskies you’ll ever taste. Now I’m saving up for the Hibiki 21!
Top choice of whiskey. I’ve missed this whiskey every since they removed it from the shelves of my local spirit shops. I’ve been urged to give the Japanese Harmony a chance but I enjoy the Hibiki 12 so much that I don’t want to feel the disappointment if I don’t like it as much. Please bring Hibiki 12 back to me!
An elegant and perfect dram, a really high-quality Hibiki whisky. Shiny amber color blended with sweet sour and complex finish. Every sip of this whisky will leave you wanting more.
These bottles are getting really hard to find, almost everywhere is sold out. Even in Japan you can no longer find Hibiki 12. Was glad to see dekanta still has stock. Delivery took about 6 business days to my home. Everything was packed really well. Bottle and box were in pristine condition.
A classic Hibiki whiskey that doesn’t disappoint. A great treat for anyone who enjoys high quality blended whisky. Bottle arrived in excellent packing and only took 5 days to deliver to my home.
Another pain free delivery from dekanta. I’ve become a huge fan of the entire Hibiki line and have started trying to collect them all. This Hibiki 12 release was nowhere to be found in my area so I was excited when dekanta had it in stock. Now I have Hibiki Harmony, Hibiki Masters Select, Hibiki 17 and Hibiki 21. Hoping to one day add Hibiki 30 to the collection as well!
Think Japanese Whisky is inferior to Scotch? Then you haven’t tasted this bottle! The entire Hibiki line offers the smoothest whisky on the planet. Nothing is dominating or overpowering, each flavor fits perfectly into place. The spices build in intensity but never to point that they become unpleasant.
Unique sweet and flowery aroma and the taste of this whisky is on the next level. Deep and complex. Beautiful bottle.
This is a stunning whisky, a must have for any collector. So glad to have gotten several bottles before it’s all gone forever. Several levels of notes, it hits every part of your palette.
A wonderful whisky that has become my favorite— had a chance to buy several bottles before they are gone forever. It’s now the highlight of my collection. Upon opening, the nose is the first tipoff that you are about to experience something special. Its aromatic quality is sustained on the palette in a unique and ever so satisfying way. I love this whisky. Now if only I could afford the Yamazaki 25.
I love the hibiki brand. Very smooth Service of Dekanta is near perfect They keep u so updated in yr order Love Dekanta
So this was my first time purchasing whiskey through Dekanta and from the day 1 the customer service staff was amazing! They definitely will keep you updated with your order, ship and package your whiskey bottle safely. So I just started to getting into Japanese whiskey last year and just return from my first trip from Japan recently. Japan your culture is amazing! I been to like 50 liquors store and could not find Hibiki 12. When I got back to states my friend told me about you guys and bam! now I have Hibiki 12 and Hibiki 17 in my collection. Thanks Dekanta!
I bought a bottle of Hibiki 12 and it was the last one when I was in a Vail, Colorado liquor store on Sept 2019. The staff said this bottle has been discontinued and he even suggested that the price will go higher. As a precious metals investor, I immediately thought of limited supplies and higher demand. A few days later, I did additional research and found Dekanta online so I’ve purchased a few more bottles for collection. Dekanta has great services and they even call my on my cell phone to confirm one of my orders. Thank you.
I bought this bottle as a gift. The staff at Dekanta is very nice and keep me updated. The next goal is the Hibiki 30yrs …
Bought this bottle and could not be happier. The Process is simple Dekanta keeps you updated throughout. Great customer service. Dekanta is my goto for bottles that I can’t find in my normal network.
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日本の蒸留酒
Japanese Spirits
ウイスキー樽