In this video I review Hibiki Japanese Harmony and answer the big question: is this “entry level” Japanese whisky actually worth the eye-watering price we see here in Australia (often $200–$250)? I break down why Japanese whisky has stayed expensive for so long—partly because it’s genuinely good and award-winning, but also because of that under-selling and production slowdown in the late ’90s and early 2000s. We’re still feeling that shortage in 2025, and Harmony exists largely as a non-age-statement replacement for what used to be the more accessible Hibiki 12. I also dig into the story behind the bottle—those 24 sides aren’t just for looks; they represent the 24 micro-seasons in the Japanese lunar calendar, which fits the whole “harmony” theme perfectly. Then I get properly into the glass: to the eye it’s a golden amber, and on the nose it screams Japanese with light sweetness and fruit—lychee and melon—plus a soft oakiness and that telltale sandalwood note. On the palate I get honey and a really delicate white chocolate vibe (which I absolutely love), and the finish leans coconut, sandalwood and even an incense-like character. That combination is a strong hint of Mizunara oak influence—one of the most distinctive cask signatures out there. Overall: balanced, nuanced, and frankly delicious.