The Hakushu 12 yo

 

 

 

43°

Distillery : Hakushu - Japan 

1st Fill Bourbon Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt

Launched in 1994

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Slightly Peated

 

 

 

This is Suntory's 2nd legendary bottling, after Yamazaki 12 Year Old. They are among the few products that have put Japanese whisky on the map. Over the years, Hakushu 12yo has become so famous that production had to be discontinued due to lack of stock in 2018. But it came back three years later to our great delight. The recipe is simple: first-fill Bourbon casks, pure water, warehouses at an altitude of 700 metres, 12 years of waiting. And the miracle happened.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

First the nose is very fruity, with juicy apples and pears, orchard fruits, it's very herbaceous, cut grass, angelica, and a very light layer of peat, which gives a marshy character to the whole. Forest undergrowth, vegetable moss, pistachio, chlorophyll. It's gourmand on the palate, with icing sugar, lime and candied fruits. Barely noticeable spices. Long, well-crafted finish, vegetal, but also damp earth, holly leaf, green tea, lettuce.

In Short, 

It's obviously very interesting, with the light peat adding depth to this herbaceous, woody whisky. The first-fill casks give a lovely roundness. It's very well made. Of course, the price is very exaggerated, but it's not as crazy as the other bottlings. Absolute fans of the distillery can afford it.

Score : 87

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Iskwé - Caught in the Waves