Suntory Hibiki 30 years old

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This one has already been coined ‘the best blend in the world’ by some Maniacs so we’re very curious now. Colour: Dark gold. Nose: Absolutely stunning. Very complex right at first nosing, starting on a very wide array of various aromas such as marzipan, orange marmalade, nutmeg (a lot, really), apricot jam, quinces (lots), chamomile and many others... The oakiness is just perfect. Then gets quite spicy, with still a lot of nutmeg but also ginger, juniper berries, saffron... Also old Sauterne of the highest grade, vanilla crème, bergamot... Exceptional, certainly the most beautiful blend I have ever nosed, although I must confess I haven’t tried many. Mouth: A little less classic and surprisingly sweetish for a short while (marshmallows and bubblegum) but it’s soon to get back on track, with an excellent oak up front and a spicy cortege progressively joining in (some nutmeg albeit less than on the nose... white pepper, very sweet curry, something like satay...) Also, some spearmint. Gets maybe just a tad drying at the ‘end of the middle’. Finish: Long, certainly oaky but nicely so, still spicy, even a little mustardy (wasabi, of course). Anyway, certainly a blend that will keep most single malts at bay, Scotch included. 91 points

Tasting note by Serge Valentine Whiskyfun