Is Hibiki hard to get?
In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity for Japanese whiskies, and Hibiki has been at the forefront of this trend. As a result, the availability of Hibiki whiskies, especially the older expressions, has become increasingly limited. So, to answer the question, yes, Hibiki can be quite hard to get.
The Hibiki range consists of different expressions, ranging from The Harmony, which was released in 2015, to the 12, 17, 21, and 30-year-old variants. Each of these whiskies has its own distinct character and flavor profile, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
One of the reasons why Hibiki is hard to get is the limited production capacity of the distillery. The demand for Japanese whiskies has skyrocketed in recent years, both domestically and internationally, and many distilleries, including Hibiki, have struggled to keep up with this surge in demand. This results in limited quantities of Hibiki being released into the market, making it challenging for consumers to find bottles.
Furthermore, the popularity of Hibiki has led to increased interest from investors and collectors, who often buy up large quantities of the whisky to hold onto or resell at a higher price. This further exacerbates the scarcity of Hibiki on the market, as these bottles may not make it to the shelves of retail stores or online platforms, instead ending up in private collections or auction houses.
Personal experiences have also shown the difficulty in finding Hibiki whiskies. As a sommelier and whisky enthusiast, I have often found myself searching high and low for a bottle of Hibiki, only to be met with disappointment. Many retailers have waiting lists or limited allocations, and even online platforms may have limited stock or inflated prices due to the high demand.
In addition to the limited availability, the price of Hibiki whiskies has also increased over the years. As the scarcity of these whiskies becomes more apparent, the value of Hibiki bottles in the secondary market has risen significantly. This has led to higher retail prices and a greater challenge for consumers to find Hibiki at a reasonable price.
Despite the difficulty in obtaining Hibiki, it is important to note that there are still opportunities to find this esteemed whisky. Persistence and a bit of luck can sometimes lead to stumbling upon a bottle in a local store or through online platforms. Building relationships with retailers or joining whisky clubs and societies can also provide access to limited releases or exclusive allocations.
Hibiki whiskies, particularly the older expressions, are indeed hard to get. The combination of limited production capacity, high demand, and the influence of collectors and investors has created a scarcity in the market. However, for those willing to put in the effort and perhaps pay a premium, the reward of experiencing the exceptional craftsmanship and flavors of Hibiki can be well worth it.