Description
Hakushu 12YO 700ml is a lightly peated Japanese single malt from Suntory’s Hakushu distillery in the Southern Japanese Alps. Aged for at least 12 years, it is known for its fresh, green character and a gentle wisp of smoke, and it is bottled at 43% ABV.
Buy Hakushu 12 Year Old Online in NZ
Suntory began in Osaka in 1899, when Shinjiro Torii opened a shop selling imported wines. Hakushu was built by Suntory in 1973 as its second malt distillery, half a century after Shinjiro Torii opened Yamazaki, Japan’s first malt whisky distillery, in 1923. It sits deep in the forest at the foot of Mt Kaikomagatake in the Southern Japanese Alps and is one of the highest distilleries in the world. Its water comes from rain and snow that filter through ancient granite, which gives it a rare softness.
The distillery runs pot stills of different shapes and sizes, which lets it make a wide range of malt styles on one site. Some of its malt is lightly peated, and that gentle smoke, along with the fresh, green character of the forest setting, has become the signature of Hakushu whisky.
Sip it neat or with a few drops of water to open up the herbal and fruit notes. It also makes an excellent highball with chilled soda water and a sprig of mint, the serve Suntory calls the Hakushu Forest. Pair it with sashimi, grilled fish or a fresh green salad.
- Single malt from the Hakushu distillery, Japan
- Lightly peated, aged 12 years
- Bottled at 43% ABV
Expect fresh basil, pear and green apple on the nose. The palate is sweet and citrusy with a touch of thyme, and the finish is soft and lightly smoky.
A rewarding bottle for single malt drinkers who enjoy fresh, herbal whisky with gentle smoke, and a considered gift for a Japanese whisky fan.
