Suntory – Hibiki Master's Select

This is Hibiki Master's Select, a Japanese blended whisky from Suntory. Hibiki was launched in 1989 for Suntory's 90th anniversary, and the blend draws on the Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. The name refers to the five types of cask chosen by Suntory's master distiller for the blend. These include American oak used for bourbon and sherry barrels, as well as Japanese Mizunara oak. The nose combines wood, pepper, caramelised orange peel, coffee, oven-baked ripe fruit and cinnamon. The palate is soft and balanced, with gentle spice, ripe grapes and citrus, and light herbal notes, leading to a tannic, nutty finish.