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This whisky hails from the Japanese distillery of Hakushu set in a forest and was once twice the size with an east and west distillery on the site.
Nose: Toasted barley, seed & nut loaf, chopped almonds and a little bit of barrel char. Hints of milk chocolate and dried grass bring sweetness.
Palate: Much more fruit on the palate, but it's by no means a sweet whisky. Still rich, herbaceous and grassy, with a waft of smoke along the way.
Finish: Quite short, though enjoyable with orange peel and a touch of minerals.
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Hakushu 12, unlike the Yamazaki 12 & discontinued Hibiki & Yoichi 12 yr olds, is still somewhat available in the U.S. (specifically California). Overall, I find the subtle hints of smokiness on the nose & palate (really not a whole lot of smoke) make Hakushu 12 much more interesting and enjoyable than other Japanese whiskies in the same price range. The subtle peat smoke lingers in the background and really enhances all the mostly fruity notes that dominate. Probably a great teaser for the uninitiated of the joys that peated whisky can bring.
3rd March 2018
Given the eye-watering prices these days I sometimes suspect producers are taking the mick. Would have thought this well worth fifty quid, however, but then again it’s more to my taste than Highland Park 18 at a comparable price and not far behind my favourite Balvenie 21 at much more.
20th September 2017
This is a great whisky. The Japaneses oak offers a rich and unique taste that you will not find in other whiskeys. it's something to savor. If your used to Irish, Scotch, American. You will be glad of the experience.
16th August 2017
Intense flavors of forest and spice with a nice subtle smoke lingering. Great stuff but it comes at a price. Is it worth the price of most 18yo bottles out there? Maybe.... worth a try for anyone who likes stuff like glenfiddich. This is my go to when I want a clean fresh scotch. Id give it a 5 but that is reserved for a scotch that makes me want to never drink anything else.
7th July 2017
Nice flavor, very light and smooth compared to some other single malts. I'd say it is a good buy at or around $50. I wouldn't pay higher than that.
2nd June 2017
not bad at allcould be smoothersmells/tastes of oak, clove & honeygot mine for ~$60
17th January 2017
I don't know all of those big words that the experts use, but I save this for special occasions, when the snow is falling and the fire is crackling. Having climbed My Fuji, I'm a big fan of this unbelievably tasty Japanese whiskey!!!! Love it, and distinctly original!
20th November 2016
Cheers
19th November 2016
Got both Yamazaki and Hakushu 12 years. Brilliant whisky. Get it and try before it gets discontinued.
25th July 2016
I just bought a bottle of Hakushu 12 to celebrate the birth of my 2nd child and daughter and decided on this whisky. Man, am I impressed!Probably the freshest nose I've experienced. I always roll my eyes when people nose a whisky and then say something silly like, "smells of a rolling meadow...blah blah blah". But his whisky...wow, consider me a changed man. I actually felt like the nose transported me to a quiet Japanese forest. I found the taste to be clean, just sweet enough and just peaty enough. Kinda like a sweet terpentine (if that sounds good at all to you...which it probably shouldnt?) After a minute or so of airing out, it became an amazingly smooth drink. The harsh edge of the peat rolled off a bit and it transformed into something gulpable - which I wouldnt consider the cost!But all in all, I am impressed and this will for sure be a staple in cabinet.
5th July 2016
I think the Hakushu whiskies have a very distinct and original profile and are the ones that least resemble Scotch of all the Japanese I've tasted so far.At first it was a bit rough but it rally opens up halfway after a few months...
17th June 2016
I did a blind tasting of the distillers reserve, 12 year, and 18 year old Hakushu. The 12 year was the clear winner of the three for me. The 12 year was more delicate and had more subtle under notes and layers than the other two. This will always be a staple in my world whiskey collection.
5th April 2016
There seems to be a lot of reviewers with elementary grammar commenting on these specialized whiskys, the truth is you may spend good money on on a well crafted whisky you simply don't like, it's all it the eye of the taster, but before you tear down a finely crafted product like Hakushu you should take more time to understand the complexity of regional whisky.
4th April 2016
Price point is high due to popularity. But this is my go to 12 year old.
24th March 2016
Very too much expensive for these quality. Of course, a nice product, but not at this price. Yes, it is subtle, fruity...and taste good. But I refuse to buy speculative whiskey.
4th March 2016
This is the first Japanese Wiskey I've tried (but I have lots of experience of Scotch), it's absolutely wonderful! I adore Coal Ila, and Bruichladdich. This is right up their with them. Hard to say it's worth $75 a bottle, but it's definitely a lovely whiskey!
9th January 2016
Too expensive for a 12 year japanese whisky. Not good at all.
8th January 2016
a Bowmore, ehhhhh......... the Hakushu is much more subtle and layered, perfect for a clear, cool day, or a rainy night and you're inclined to calm things down with the essence & aroma of the gentle forest breeze, slightly pear fruity, hints of almond, fresh grass and clean, clear water from the alps. This is refined whisky, not really for those who enjoy their jack daniels with coke.
4th December 2015
Too expensive and it doesn't feel like a 12 yo at all. Get a Bowmore 12 instead. Half the price and you get a well rounded whisky that doesn't taste like alcohol. I have tried plenty of Japanese whisky and this one of the worst.
13th September 2015
Fantastic...but with ice! Its Only then the flavors explode.......
16th August 2015
I received three bottles of the 12 year Hakushu. One of the best gifts I've received by far when it comes to whiskey.
15th August 2015
its sweet with less burn than yamazaki 12. great 12yr and an alternative to yamazaki 12 if u want the same taste with less bite
27th July 2015
I received three bottles of the 12 year old Hakushu and was hesitant on opening it up. it was one of the best decisions I've made.
23rd July 2015
I was a little hesitant when I bought this due to the mixed reviews. I have absolutely no regrets after taking my first sip. It is smokey but light enough to drink without adding any water. It grows on you. The taste & smell gets better with each sip.
31st May 2015
A very fresh whiskey, little gras, gently smoky, with water the tastes comes through and you can almost feel the Alp air.No Scot comes even close. Sorry.
8th May 2015
This is all beach-grass with a bonfire off in the distance. Wish I had a Yamazaki to taste against, but on its own, just terrific. No sherry cloying, smoke only the very faintest, none of the "whiskey distillery" taste that you get in even the lightest Oban and Scapa scotches. Seriously, it's all a day at a secluded beach. Really like nothing I've ever had before. Underappreciated IMO. It's $65 in Texas and well worth it. At $110 I'd still even consider it, just for its simplicity and uniqueness.
20th April 2015
I drank this with Glenlivet 12, Glenfiddich 12 and the winner was Hakushu 12. Cant beleve that this guy s age is only 12 OMG
25th March 2015
I don't believe it! Upon opening the bottle and pouring, two comments from about the room were to the effect "what stinks"? Not only does it have a strong odor, but also really a lot of bite. Might be better at 40% (80 Proof).Texas Single Malt Whisky and inexpensive single malt Irish and Scotch are much more enjoyable.
23rd December 2014
It was a long time ago since I had a really new experience in the malt World....Just trye it and enjoy!
10th August 2014
Brand new to Japanese Whiskey, but a lover of both Irish and Scotch Whiskey, this is very good whiskey. I agree with above review, I would have thought this whiskey would run more than it is. Very good, as mention NO water needed with. Thumbs UP...
6th March 2014
After trying this in a restaurant at the weekend, I genuinely thought this was a whisky worth £100 or more. £55 is a bargain. I can tell you that this whisky compares excellently with the smoother peaty expressions from Islay or Campbeltown. The smell alone is worth the entry fee.
24th February 2014
This is a sweet and smooth whisky with gentle, easy notes. Easy sipping. No water needed. Love it.
What a cracking little malt this is. Very fresh and crisp, the smoke is very subtle and comes to the fore over the time of the drink - it builds and builds but is light and really compliments the lightness of the drink. Lovely thick mouthfeel, and medium finish which is sweet. This is now my top summer whisky and possibly the best 12 year old I've ever had. Complexity of a malt much, much old...maybe up there with 18yo's
15th May 2013