Hibiki 12 Years Old Japanese Blended Whisky (70cl, 43%)

Hibiki 12 Years Old is a Japanese blended whisky from Suntory, in a 70cl bottle at 43% ABV. The bottle is cut in the 24 facets of the Hibiki range, which represent the 24 seasonal divisions of the Japanese year, and it carries a washi paper label with the name in gold calligraphy. The box has a purple-red holographic finish. The nose is fresh, with white peach, green apple and citrus, then honey, vanilla and delicate white flowers, over soft mizunara wood. The palate is light and smooth, with mandarin, ripe pear and toffee, a touch of almond and mild spice from the mizunara. The finish fades slowly from light fruit to faint wood and roasted tea.