Hibiki Whiskey portrays artistry and craftsmanship. A blend from the Japanese house of Suntory, Hibiki is gaining a cult following from whiskey drinkers across the globe, including India.
If you are a sipper or a collector, this article is everything you need to know about Hibiki Whiskey in India. From history and pricing, tasting notes and purchasing advice.
Table of Contents
Hibiki Whiskey India: History
Suntory launched Hibiki in 1989 as a mark of celebration for the company’s 90th anniversary. Released as a blend of various aged malts and grains, the name Hibiki resonates with people and nature symbolizing harmony which is the blend’s defining feature.
In India, Hibiki is marketed as a luxury spirit, mostly available at duty-free shops, premium liquor stores, and fine-dining bars. Collectors admire it for its craftsmanship, packaging, and scarce availability.
Hibiki Whiskey Tasting Notes
| Expression | Nose | Palate | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hibiki Japanese Harmony | Rose, lychee, rosemary, sandalwood | Honey-like sweetness, candied orange peel, white chocolate | Subtle and tender, with Mizunara oak |
| Hibiki 17 Year Old (discontinued but still found in India) | Plum, dried fruits, maple syrup | Rich, fruity, velvety | Long, complex, and elegant |
| Hibiki 21 Year Old | Dark cherry, leather, sweet smoke | Deep oak, spices, toffee | Luxurious and lasting |
Note: all sip and mix with ease of balance and smoothness, a hallmark of the expressions.
Whiskey Variants Available in India
| Variant | Type | ABV | Availability in India |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hibiki Japanese Harmony | Blended Whisky | 43% | Widely available |
| Hibiki Blossom Harmony | Seasonal Release | 43% | Limited editions only |
| Hibiki 17 Year Old | Blended Whisky | 43% | Rare (Discontinued) |
| Hibiki 21 Year Old | Blended Whisky | 43% | Ultra-premium segmen |
Hibiki Whiskey Price in India by State
| Variant | Bottle Size | Delhi | Mumbai | Hyderabad | Bangalore |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hibiki Japanese Harmony | 700ml | ₹13,500 | ₹14,000 | ₹14,500 | ₹13,800 |
| Hibiki Blossom Harmony | 700ml | ₹17,500 | ₹18,000 | ₹18,200 | ₹17,700 |
| Hibiki 21 Year Old | 700ml | ₹58,000 | ₹62,000 | ₹65,000 | ₹60,000 |
Availability at retail or e-commerce stores may be influenced by local taxes or shipping costs. Many items may also be available at duty-free shops.
Hibiki Whiskey Price by Country
| Country | Hibiki Harmony (700ml) | Hibiki 21 YO (700ml) |
|---|---|---|
| India | ₹13,500 – ₹14,500 | ₹58,000 – ₹65,000 |
| USA | $95 – $120 | $850 – $1,200 |
| UK | £85 – £100 | £700 – £900 |
| Japan | ¥8,000 – ¥10,000 | ¥70,000+ (if found) |
| UAE (Dubai Duty Free) | AED 400 – 500 | AED 2,800+ |
Hibiki Whiskey Cocktails Recipes
Despite Hibiki being mostly served neat, his whiskey can be elegantly used in cocktails:
Hibiki Highball
- 50ml Hibiki Harmony
- Chilled soda water
- Serve in highball glass with ice and citrus peel.
Tokyo Old Fashioned
- 60ml Hibiki
- 5ml sugar syrup
- 2 dashes bitters
- Stir with ice and garnish with orange twist.
Yuzu Harmony
- 45ml Hibiki
- 15ml yuzu juice
- 10ml honey syrup
- Shake and strain over ice.
Where to Purchase Hibiki Whiskey from India
Offline
- Tonique, Hyderabad
- The Wine Company, Delhi NCR
- Nature’s Basket & Living Liquidz, Mumbai
- Drops Total Spirits, Bangalore
Online
- DelhiExciseOnline (Delhi Only)
- Livingliquidz.com (Mumbai & Pan India)
- Tonique.in (Hyderabad)
Always check the legality of online liquor delivery in your state.
Why Hibiki Whiskey is Gaining Popularity in India
- Its distinct taste stems from Japanese blending methods.
- Its premium design and packaging make it an excellent gift.
- The rarity and perceived collectibility increase its esteem.
- It’s ideal for sophisticated sipping and for use in Japanese cocktails.
- It’s a symbol of wealth for whiskey enthusiasts.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best way to drink Hibiki?
Best enjoyed neat or as a highball. Heavy mixers that conceal its subtle flavors should be avoided.
Q2. Which Hibiki variant is best?
The first choice is Japanese Harmony for the novices. And for the collectors, it’s Hibiki 21 Year Old.