Hibiki Blender's Choice Blended Japanese Whisky

Brand: Hibiki (House of Suntory)

Release Name: Blender's Choice

Whisky Style / Type: Blended Japanese Whisky, Wine Cask Matured

Composition: Blend of Malt and Grain Whiskies (Whisky Aged Roughly 12–30+ Years)

Age: No Age Statement (Japan-Only Release, First Released 2018)

Volume: 700ml Bottle

Alc / Vol (%): 43.0%

Country: Japan

Region: Blended from Suntory's Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita Distilleries

Cask Type: American White Oak, Sherry, Mizunara and Red Wine Casks

Limited Edition: Yes (Japan-Only Release, No Longer in Continuous Wide Production)

Award Winner: Not independently confirmed for this specific release — Hibiki as a brand is Japan's most highly awarded blended whisky

Hibiki is a premium Japanese whisky brand known for its smooth, balanced blends and rich, layered flavors crafted from carefully matured malt and grain whiskies.

Blender's Choice was created specifically to fill the gap left when Suntory discontinued the well-regarded Hibiki 17 Year Old, at a time when ageing whisky stock across the Japanese whisky industry was running short. Rather than simply removing an age statement, Suntory's blenders leaned into red wine cask maturation to give this expression its own distinct identity — a vinous, fruit-driven character that sets it apart from both the standard Japanese Harmony and the aged 17, 21 and 30 Year Old releases. Originally intended mainly for bar and on-trade sale in Japan before reaching retail shelves, it remains one of the harder Hibiki expressions to find outside Japan, making it an interesting pick for anyone who's already tried the standard Harmony and wants to explore how far the range can flex stylistically. It's a strong option for whisky drinkers who enjoy sherry- or wine-cask-influenced spirits generally, not just traditional Japanese whisky styles.