Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select Blended Japanese Whisky 700ml

Hibiki Japanese Harmony Master's Select is a distinct travel retail exclusive expression from The House of Suntory, the founding house of Japanese whisky, and a different blend from the standard Hibiki Japanese Harmony rather than simply a relabeled version. Released in late 2015 for the global travel retail (duty free) market, the Master's Select was specially selected for complexity and richness, with the Yamazaki sherry cask character given greater emphasis to set it apart from the core Harmony. Like the standard Harmony, it is a meticulous blend of more than 10 malt and grain whiskies drawn from Suntory's three distilleries (malt from Yamazaki and Hakushu, grain from Chita) and aged across five different cask types, including American white oak, sherry casks (notably Yamazaki sherry oak), and the rare Japanese Mizunara oak. The result is a fuller, more sherry forward and richly woody interpretation of the Hibiki house style, with a good kick of fruity sherry notes layered over the brand's signature harmony. Presented in the iconic 24 faceted Hibiki decanter with washi paper labeling, distinguished by its purple Master's Select banner. As a discontinued travel exclusive, it has become increasingly difficult to find and is sought after by Hibiki collectors. ABV / Proof Brand Hibiki Producer The House of Suntory, Japan Brand Created 1989 (to commemorate Suntory's 90th anniversary) Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo Category Blended Japanese Whisky Expression Japanese Harmony Master's Select (travel retail / duty free exclusive; distinct blend from standard Harmony) Released Late 2015 (global travel retail exclusive) Age Statement None (NAS) Composition Blend of 10+ malt and grain whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita distilleries Maturation Five cask types including American white oak, sherry casks (notably Yamazaki sherry oak), and rare Japanese Mizunara oak Distinguishing Feature Greater Yamazaki sherry cask emphasis for added complexity and richness vs standard Harmony Bottle Design Iconic 24 faceted decanter with washi paper labeling and purple Master's Select banner ABV 43% Proof 86 Bottle Size 700ml Country Japan Tasting Notes Color: Bright amber gold. Nose: Citrus blossom, mango, juicy raisins, and a slight touch of vanilla rich oak, with cherry blossom and the fuller sherry influence of the Master's Select blend. Palate: Chocolate orange, creamy wood notes, dried apricot, sultanas, and cinnamon, with a good kick of fruity sherry from the Yamazaki sherry casks and a touch of spice and oak. Finish: Plum and ginger, brown sugar, and milk chocolate, with woody edges and a layered, richer fade than the standard Harmony. FAQ How is Master's Select different from standard Hibiki Harmony? Despite nearly identical packaging, the Master's Select is a genuinely different blend, not just a relabeled travel version. It was specially selected to emphasize complexity and richness, with greater Yamazaki sherry cask character giving it a fuller, more sherry forward, and woodier profile than the standard Japanese Harmony. The two are distinguished visually by the purple Master's Select banner on the label and box. What is "travel retail exclusive"? Travel retail (also called duty free or global travel retail) refers to products sold exclusively through airport and travel duty free shops rather than standard domestic retail. The Master's Select was released in late 2015 as a travel exclusive, which is part of why it is harder to find through normal retail channels and carries collector appeal. What is the 24 faceted bottle? Both the standard Harmony and Master's Select use the iconic Hibiki decanter with 24 facets, symbolizing the 24 sekki, the traditional Japanese seasons. The Master's Select shares this design with washi paper labeling, distinguished by its purple banner and "Specially selected for complexity and richness" wording. Is this still in production? The Master's Select was a travel retail release and is no longer in regular production, though bottles continue to circulate on the secondary market. Its discontinued exclusive status adds to its collectibility among Hibiki enthusiasts. How should I drink it? Best enjoyed neat or with a dash of water to open the sherry and Mizunara character, or as a Japanese highball over ice with sparkling water, the traditional Japanese serve. The richer sherry profile pairs well with dark chocolate, dried fruit, and richer dishes. Where can I buy Hibiki Master's Select online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.