SOUTHERN / AMERICAN / PACIFIC WINE & SPIRITS® Suntory Whisky Hakushu 12 Years Old Single Malt Whisky (Japan) [WA 91] – 6043441954975

Notes from the Maker:

From Suntory’s mountain distillery, nestled deep in the forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake, Hakushu is the herbal and gently smoky single malt. Straight from the untouched forests, mountains, and pure waters of the Southern Japanese Alps, it is no wonder that Hakushu is a green and fresh whisky, praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy. Its crisp and vibrant feel, unique in a single malt, enlivens and liberates your senses.

Maturation: Non-peated malts in American oak and sherry casks, blended with peated malt and finished in American oak.

Tasting Notes:

NOSE: Kippers, burnt aromatic grasses, cocoa and jellied fruits

PALATE: Smoky red apple, ginger, pepper, orange and mango

FINISH: Writhing smoke and sweet tropical fruits

PROOF: 96 (48% ABV)

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Awards:

Gold – Intl Spirits Challenge 2024

91 Points – Whisky Advocate

“Fragrant and herbal aromas, with pine needles, basil, green bell pepper, pea pod, black truffle, peppercorn, and smoke from smoldering dry mosses and wood shavings. It’s very smooth and refreshing, with pear, peppermint, lemon, lime, green tea, kiwi, and herbal notes, finishing with chopped mint, more herbal layers, and gentle peppery spice. A unique composition and a quintessential Japanese whisky experience.”

“Woodsmoke and the earthiness of peat hit 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. The first taste is easygoing and gentle, dried dates, parmesan cheese with a drizzle of honey, and bacon-wrapped smoked pork. The finish is medium long, which is where the spices come to the fore. The Hakushu eases into a relaxing blend of cinnamon and lemon zest.” – The Whiskey Wash

BEST WORLD WHISKY – IWC 2015

BEST IN CLASS, GOLD – IWSC 2009, 2010