Hakushu Suntory | Japanese | Single MaltWhisky | Subtle Smoke, Crisp Apple and Mint | Made With The Pure Waters Of The Southern Japanese Alps | 40 Percent ABV | 70 cl

Product Information

Hakushu distillery ( Japanese: 白州蒸溜所, Hepburn: Hakushū jōryūsho) is a Japanese whisky distillery. It is owned by the Suntory group, and situated in the Toribara locality ( 鳥原, also pronounced Torihara) of the former town of Hakushū (now part of Hokuto), in the Yamanashi Prefecture, Chūbu region, Japan. The Hakushu 18 YO Peated Single Malt is comprised of meticulously selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 18 years in various casks, created in honour of House of Suntory’s centenary. On the nose, the whisky offers notes of sage, ripe green apple, and hints of ripe pineapple. The palate brings a ‘complex smoky flavour’ with layers of herbal, grapefruit and acacia honey notes, and a smoky finish with undernotes of green citrus. Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt offers a ‘new angle to the world of peated malt’ All that negativity aside, Hakushu 18 is a spectacular whisky. Getting a good deal requires patience and the ability to walk away from extreme mark-ups.

This Yamazaki Mizunara Single Malt is comprised of meticulously selected malt whiskies all aged for a minimum of 18 years solely in Mizunara (Japanese oak) casks. The expression is a true showcase of the distinctive beauty of Mizunara oak, which is notoriously difficult to master, and considered the signature “enhancer” of Yamazaki - infusing the whisky with one-of-a-kind Japanese character and elegance. With a name meaning “mountain cape” in reference to its secluded location, Yamazaki is Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery, founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii. Presented at 43% abv. Peat is what gives Hakushu it’s distinctive aroma, that soft smoky note which is not overt but definitely present. Whilst on the tour – complete with audio tour for me, the one non-Japanese speaker in the 30-person tour group, and only non-Japanese person taking a tour that day (yes I asked when I saw a pattern) – it was the first time I’ve spent lots of time nosing peated barley and WOW it was lovely. Could nose that for days, and have in fact asked a couple of friends to source me some so I can do just that, and use it as a prop in my whisky tastings going forward. Many people prefer the fruitier whiskies from Yamazaki. I like the herbal and crisp Hakushu malts. But everyone is different, so I encourage you to try them side by side if possible.The wash produced during the fermentation process is distilled twice in rows of pot stills of different shapes and sizes. By using different stills, the distillery is able to produce a variety of whiskies with flavours ranging from light to full-bodied. Direct-fired distillation at a temperature of about 1.200°C creates an even greater range of flavour-contributing substances. Refined and elegant, this centennial Hakushu Peated Malt is a distinctly Japanese take on peated whisky. The smoke is less strong, never dominant and in typical Japanese style, is more complex and gentle. The Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Single Malt is comprised of meticulously selected malt whiskies all aged for a To make the whisky, Suntory used peated malt from the UK, including some that is heavily peated. The distiller used refill American oak casks in four sizes.

The House of Suntory have been pioneers of Japanese whisky since 1923, when founder Shinjiro Torii built Japans first malt distillery. The birthplace of Japanese single malt, Yamazaki is inspired by traditional Scottish whisky making and is influenced by its surrounding nature and climate. Torii believed that the craftsmanship and mastery required to create single malt whisky appropriately reflected the values of the Japanese people and culture, whilst a unique climate, fresh water sources, and natural materials available would combine well in the pursuit of a world-leading whisky. He certainly wasn't wrong! Literally towering above its competitors, Hakushu is the highest operational distillery in Japan, with an altitude of more than 2000 feet above sea level. Rather like its Scottish counterpart, Dalwhinnie (the highest distillery in Scotland), whose altitude is said by some to play a huge part in the character and style of its spirits, Hakushu produces a wonderfully balanced malt of the highest quality. Nose: Woodsmoke and the earthiness of peat hit you in the schnoz as soon as you open the bottle, so there’s no question this is a peated whisky. The magic is in the honeyed essence underneath the smoke and peat, however. This whisky made my mouth water as I thought of a crisp bite of apple on a fall day. Also orange peel and burnt, buttered toast.Hakushu is the verdant single malt Japanese whisky born in Suntory's mountain forest distillery. Made from water with a rare softness and maturing in a lush forested microclimate, Hakushu's renowned single malt Japanese whiskies are blessed by the region's ever-changing seasons—each leaving their own verdant signature. Refreshingly herbal and gently smoky, Hakushu is embraced as the intriguing single malt Japanese whisky from the award-winning House of Suntory Whisky. Where to find Hakushu That’s in part because Suntory is raising the prices of many of its whiskies in the spring of 2022. And the more expensive, the greater the increase. Hakushu 18 will increase 28% to 32,000 yen. And you should expect that price increase to be felt in the US too. Hakushu distillery offers guided tours of its facility. The tours are conducted in Japanese but an audio guide in English, French and Chinese is available. You can reach Hakushu using the following modes of transport: The resulting liquid offers notes of dark cherry and ripe peach on the nose, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The palate is ‘subtly spiced’ with Japanese incense and a long and lingering finish, accentuated with clove, sandalwood, and hints of dried coconut. Car – the distillery is located 15 minutes by car from the Kobuchizawa Interchange on the Chuo Expressway. The car park has a capacity for 200 passenger cars (Large buses can also be accommodated). Please note – Drivers are not permitted to sample whisky as consumption of alcoholic beverages by drivers is prohibited by law. Thank you for your cooperation.