Hibiki is a Japanese blended whisky made by Suntory, known for its soft, layered style and its 24-faceted bottle. CBC Liquors carries Hibiki, including HIBIKI 21 Year, at 142 Littleton Rd in Westford. Below is what the whisky is, how it tastes, how to serve it and how to pick it up or have it delivered.
What is Hibiki whiskey?
Hibiki is a Japanese blended whisky from Suntory. The name means "resonance" in Japanese, and the idea behind it is a blend where many different whiskies sound as one. It is sold under an age statement or a name, such as Harmony, 17 Year, 21 Year and 30 Year, depending on the release.
Most people in the United States spell it "whiskey" and Hibiki's own labels say "whisky", as Japanese and Scotch producers do. They are the same thing in the glass. If you searched "hibiki whiskey", you are in the right place either way.
The bottle is easy to spot. It has 24 facets, which Suntory says reflect the 24 divisions of the traditional Japanese calendar year. It is a bottle people notice on a shelf and often keep after it is empty.
If you are browsing Japanese whisky at CBC Liquors, start with the Hibiki brand page and see what is there today.
Which Hibiki does CBC Liquors carry?
The Hibiki bottle we carry for this search is HIBIKI 21 Year. It is the 21-year age statement, which means the youngest whisky in the blend has been aged at least 21 years.
Other Hibiki expressions exist, and the lineup changes over time. If you are looking for a particular one, check the brand page first. If you do not see it, call the shop or come in and ask. We would rather tell you straight what is on the shelf than have you drive over for a bottle that is not there.
All of our whiskey sits under the whiskey category if you want to see what else is next to it.
Hibiki we stock
In stock now, at today’s prices. Order online for pickup, delivery or shipping.
What does Hibiki taste like?
Hibiki is built to be smooth and rounded rather than smoky or sharp. Descriptions of the house style usually mention honey, orange peel, dried fruit and a gentle floral note, with a long, soft finish. A touch of sandalwood or incense is often attributed to Japanese mizunara oak, which Suntory uses in some of its casks.
The older age statements tend to be described as deeper and more layered than the younger ones, with more dried fruit and wood on the palate. That is general to the style. Your own palate will have the final say, and it is worth tasting it slowly and without hurry.
If you usually drink bold, peated Scotch, Hibiki will feel quieter. If you like a balanced, gentle pour, it often fits well.
How is Hibiki made?
Hibiki is a blend of malt whisky and grain whisky. Suntory blends whiskies from its distilleries and ages them in a range of casks, which gives the blender a wide palette of flavors to work with. The goal is balance, so no single note should dominate.
Blending is the heart of Japanese whisky. A malt whisky is made from malted barley in pot stills. A grain whisky is made from grains such as corn in a continuous still and is usually lighter. Putting them together, in the right proportions and ages, is the craft that gives a blend like Hibiki its smooth character.
That is also why a bottle with a high age statement is a long-term investment of the producer's time. The whisky has to rest in wood for the full number of years on the label before it can be bottled.
How should you serve Hibiki?
Neat is the simplest way to start. Use a tulip-shaped glass or a small snifter if you have one, pour a modest measure and let it sit for a minute before the first sip. A few drops of room-temperature water can open up the aroma.
On the rocks is fine too, especially on a warm evening, though a large single cube melts more slowly than a handful of small ones. Whisky highballs are also a common Japanese serve. If you want to try one, our mixers include sparkling options to pair with it, although with an older bottle many people prefer to keep it simple and enjoy it as it is.
For food, Hibiki sits well beside lightly seasoned dishes, grilled fish, mild cheese or dark chocolate. A rich, bold meal can overpower it.
As with any spirit, enjoy it in moderation and never drive after drinking.
How does Hibiki compare with Scotch, bourbon and Irish whiskey?
Hibiki is closest in structure to a Scotch blend, because both marry malt and grain whiskies. Scotch can range from light and floral to heavily peated. Hibiki sits on the gentler side of that range, with fruit and honey leading.
Bourbon is different. By law it is made in the United States mostly from corn and aged in new charred oak, which gives it vanilla, caramel and baking-spice notes, usually with more sweetness and punch. If you like bourbon and want to try something softer, Hibiki is a natural step sideways.
Irish whiskey is often triple-distilled and known for its smooth, light style, so it may feel familiar to anyone who enjoys Hibiki. Rye is the spicier, drier relative and sits at the other end of the shelf.
None of these is better than another. They are simply different, and having a few of them at home lets you pour what fits the evening.
Is HIBIKI 21 Year a good gift?
A bottle with a 21-year age statement and a 24-faceted shape is an easy gift for someone who enjoys whisky. It suits a milestone, a retirement, a promotion or a thank-you that deserves more than a card.
If you are not sure about their taste, tell us what they usually drink. We can point you toward something in the same spirit, whether that is Hibiki or another whiskey from the shelf. If you would rather let them choose, a gift card is available too.
Gifts of alcohol are for adults aged 21 and over only, and we will ask for identification at pickup and delivery.
How do you get Hibiki from CBC Liquors in Westford?
You can walk into the shop at 142 Littleton Rd, Westford, MA 01886. We are open Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Pickup runs on the same hours.
CBC Liquors also offers delivery and shipping. Delivery hours are Monday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM. We serve Chelmsford, Carlisle, Littleton, Acton, Tyngsborough, Lowell, Billerica, Boxborough and Dunstable, and you can see the details on our delivery pages for Chelmsford, Acton and Lowell.
Our customers rate us 4.7 out of 5 across 339 Google reviews. If you want a specific Hibiki bottle held, call ahead and ask.
Common questions
Is Hibiki whiskey or whisky?
Hibiki is a Japanese whisky, spelled without the e on the label. In the United States many people write whiskey, and both refer to the same drink.
Who makes Hibiki?
Hibiki is made by Suntory, a Japanese producer. It is a blend of malt and grain whiskies.
Does CBC Liquors carry Hibiki?
Yes. CBC Liquors carries HIBIKI 21 Year, and you can find Hibiki on its brand page on our website. Call the shop to ask about a specific bottle.
How should I drink Hibiki?
Many people sip it neat or with a few drops of water to open up the aroma. It also works on the rocks or in a highball.
Can I have Hibiki delivered or picked up?
CBC Liquors offers pickup, delivery and shipping. Pickup hours match our store hours, and delivery covers Chelmsford, Carlisle, Littleton, Acton, Tyngsborough, Lowell, Billerica, Boxborough and Dunstable.
