This wonderful peated Japanese single malt whisky hails from Hakushu distillery, owned by Suntory. The distillery resides in the forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake, with the original Hakushu distillery built in 1973. Another building was added in 1981, called Hakushu Higashi. Rather fittingly, it boasts a fresh and foresty flavour profile.
Toasted barley, seed and nut loaf, chopped almonds and a little bit of barrel char. Hints of milk chocolate and dried grass bring sweetness.
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.
Quite short, though enjoyable with orange peel and a touch of minerality.
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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.
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
