Hibiki 21 Year Old Japanese Whisky
Japanese Blended Whisky | 750mL | 43% ABV (86 proof) | 21 Years Old — Hibiki 21 Year Old is one of the most decorated blends ever bottled: a 21-year-old Japanese blended whisky from Suntory's Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries, including spirit matured in Mizunara (Japanese oak) alongside sherry and American oak casks. Launched in 1989 for Suntory's 90th anniversary, it has won World's Best Blended Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards five times (2010, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019) and was named Supreme Champion Spirit at the 2017 International Spirits Challenge. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.
Suntory's official profile describes bronze-amber colour, cooked fruit, blackberry, ripe banana and caramel on the nose, with a palate of sandalwood, honeycomb, dried apricot and Mizunara spice closing into a long, rich incense finish — the Mizunara oak giving the Japanese incense-like character collectors chase. The 24-faceted bottle echoes traditional craftsmanship. For whiskey drinkers, it is the benchmark 21-year-old Japanese blend — and one of the few top-shelf bottles whose award record is a matter of public record.
Tasting notes
Nose: cooked fruit, blackberry, ripe banana, caramel (Suntory). Palate: sandalwood, honeycomb, dried apricot, Mizunara spice. Finish: long, rich — Japanese incense. Colour: bronze amber.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- 750mL, 43% ABV — 21 years old; malt and grain whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita
- Mizunara Japanese-oak maturation alongside sherry and American oak casks
- World's Best Blended Whisky — World Whiskies Awards 2010, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019; Supreme Champion Spirit — 2017 International Spirits Challenge
- Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor
How to serve it
Neat or with a few drops of water — the water opens the Mizunara incense character. A whisky this decorated deserves a proper tulip glass and an unhurried pour.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mizunara oak?
Japanese oak — prized for the incense-like, sandalwood character it gives long-matured whisky. Hibiki 21 includes Mizunara-matured spirit in its blend, alongside sherry and American oak casks.
What awards has Hibiki 21 won?
World's Best Blended Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019) and Supreme Champion Spirit at the 2017 International Spirits Challenge — plus many earlier category medals.
Is it different from Hibiki 30?
Yes — the 30 Year Old is a separate, older expression with its own award history. This is the 21-year-old, launched in 1989 for Suntory's 90th anniversary.
Where is it made?
Blended in Japan from malt and grain whiskies distilled at Suntory's Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries.