From the Hakushu distillery in the foothills of Mount Kaikomagatake comes their Distiller's Reserve single malt whisky, a no-age-statement expression, that captures the smoky, herbaceous characteristics of their whiskies. Both lightly-peated and heavily-peated malts were used for this complex and deeply enjoyable whisky from Suntory.
The herbs are very up front with this one. Peppermint, pine and pleasant grassy notes. Cucumber and melon round out the nose.
All the notes on the nose swim effortlessly through the palate, the mint developing sweeter notes as it goes on. Citrus zest also pops in to say hello.
A waft of smoke appears during the long finish.
This shall make a fantastic Highball. Oh yes it shall.
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But still darn expensive. It definitely pays off shopping around. I bought a bottle for $130 online in Australia. Sweet and delicate. Grass, pine and mellon definitely make an appearance in this medley of aromas. Not as smoky as 12, so you have to concentrate of the peaty subtlety. If you pay what I paid - worth it since it is a quality whisky. Anything above - plenty of better options. 4.2/5
Bought as a gift for Christmas so not able to taste. The recipient has had it before and really liked it so hopefully a good choice
Tasting notes lined up nicely with my experience: Nose - I got peppermint, grass, and pine needles. Palate - Herbacious, slightly resinous, cucumber and mint with the former fading quickly and the latter hanging in longer. Finish - Long with slight smoke, woody to me rather than peat fire. Overall quite to my liking.
Absolutely delicious. 'Like swallowing a spectrum' (Anthony Blanche in *Brideshead Revisited*). Beats even the best Scotch, oh dear.
Yes yes there is better but keep in mind that this is a young whiskey. For this kind of age it's mind-blowing how much complexity and subtility it combines. It feels like this first real spring day of the year that gives you hope. There's just a hint of the beauty in it and the rest is imagination. I got to discover it a decade ago when it was still 20-30$ a bottle, for the actual price it sure is a disappointment
