95

Score

Hibiki 30 year old, 43%

Price: $5,000 Issue: Spring 2023 Reviewer: Jonny McCormick

The aromas are a thing of beauty, with notes of oiled wood, neroli, mushroom, sandalwood, mizunara, vanilla extract, honeycomb, florals, caramelized pear, and hazelnut fondant. The palate is supple yet dense, with brown sugar, marron glacé, dried orange disc, pineapple, pepper, and crystalized ginger. The oily mouthfeel adds flavors of chocolate milk, leather, heather honey, and creamed coconut, leaving a long finish of complex wood notes.