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.
Having tried both the Distiller's Reserve and the Hakushu 12, I would say that your money is better spent on this expression. Further evidence that age statements aren't necessarily the 'best'... This a really pleasant and enjoyable whisky, and if you tend to prefer mellower flavours (or are averse to peat) then this will be right down your street. It's still got plenty of sophistication and complexity, mind you: just in subtler areas. I'd say that it's perfect for drinking in warmer weather. Lovely stuff.
This whisky was so good I drank two thirds of the bottle in one night (very unlike me), woke up the next morning with a raging hangover and now I can't touch the stuff. Would definitely recommend to anyone who has never had a Japanese whisky but doesn't have the budget for a Yamazaki or the 12 YO, different to any scotch/irish/other single malt. It's also probably worth splashing out on even if it's slightly outside your usual budget (like it was mine) as I can't think of a single scotch in this price range which beats it.
Compared to Yamazaki I would still prefer that though.. you can feel the booze in this bottle a little to much.
Very palatable
Terrible sharpness. I'm not a whisky drinker normally but have recently had some single malts from Scotland. They've been "smooth". This is rough
