Hibiki, 21 Year Old

A truly exceptional blended whisky. The balance on display here is nothing short of staggering. Deep, rich, and mesmerizing, it typifies the inherent care and attention with which the blending team has approached the task of assembling something with such precision. Masterful and delicious to the last drop. On the nose, a detailed and highly complex array of stone fruit, swathes of creamy oak and bright orange zest. Dig deeper, and you'll find Japanese incense notes, some delicate spices, and a distinct creamy vanilla note. On the palate, the detail and precision of this blend are astonishing. There are bursts of fresh fruit (think raspberries, persimmon, and bold orange) which develop into dried fruit apricots and juicy raisins. A touch of vanilla-led smoke comes next, with a satisfying vanilla creaminess and a dark chocolate-covered caramel arriving a little later. The finish is very lengthy, with an abundance of rich texture, some oiliness, and a coating of drying oak.