Yamazaki is Japan's oldest single malt distillery, producing whisky using several different sizes and shapes of stills, and aging in three varieties of wood barrels. This bottling gets its influence primarily from American ex-Bourbon barrels, but ex Spanish Oloroso Sherry and Japanese Mizunara Oak barrels are also in employ. Buttered toast and cereal with a dollop of honey and vanilla are found here. Hell, there might be some orange notes playing along in the background also with the faintest hint of dried cranberries. There is a subtle smokiness on the finish not really in a peated earthy sense, but more like a just lit incense candle.
Harmony is a blended whisky, utilizing many of the same whiskies from the original Hibiki blend, including whisky from the Chita distillery, along with malt whiskies aged in American white oak, ex-sherry, and Japanese Mizunara, and a small amount of smoky, Islay-style whisky touted as the blend's "hidden player". A light, floral nose, with complex oak notes, an herbal background, and faint Sherry notes. On the palate, you’ll find that Sherry sweetness shining through, with candied fruits and honey, along with a creamy mouthfeel. The whisky is smooth with a medium length finish, backed by lasting notes of oak and more honey.
Set includes one bottle of Yamazaki 12 Year Single Malt Japanese Whisky, and two bottles of Hibiki Harmony Japanese Whisky.
