As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that the price of Hibiki in the US can vary greatly depending on where you purchase it. Japanese whisky, including Hibiki, has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, leading to increased demand and subsequently higher prices.
One of the reasons for the price increase is the rarity of Japanese whisky. Suntory, the distillery that produces Hibiki, discontinued both their Hibiki 17 and Hakushu 12 expressions in 2018. These were two of their most famous and sought-after whiskies. With their discontinuation, the supply of these expressions has significantly decreased, leading to an increase in price.
Another factor contributing to the high price of Hibiki in the US is the import costs and taxes associated with bringing Japanese whisky into the country. These additional expenses are reflected in the final retail price, making it more expensive for consumers.
Furthermore, the popularity of Japanese whisky has skyrocketed in recent years, with many whisky enthusiasts and collectors seeking out rare and limited editions. This increased demand has further driven up the price of Japanese whiskies, including Hibiki, as sellers take advantage of the market's willingness to pay a premium for these bottles.
Personal experiences have also shown me the impact of this demand on the price of Hibiki in the US. I have witnessed the price of Hibiki steadily rise over the past few years, making it a luxury item that many whisky lovers are willing to splurge on. In some cases, I have seen bottles of Hibiki being sold at two or even three times their original retail price due to their scarcity and high demand.
To summarize, the price of Hibiki in the US has increased due to the rarity of Japanese whisky, the discontinuation of certain expressions, import costs and taxes, and the high demand from whisky enthusiasts and collectors. These factors have all contributed to making Hibiki a highly sought-after and expensive whisky in the US market.