Product Information:
The Hakushu Story of the Distillery 2024 Edition is a very limited release. Made of a meticulously selected blend of Hakushu malt whisky, aged in bourbon barrels imparting a delightful vanilla-like sweetness to the whisky, complementing the naturally refreshing and slightly smoky character of Hakushu malt.
The result is a sublime balance of flavours that is as elegant, as it is moreish. This bright amber-hued expression has a typical, creamy Hakushu texture and a mild, sweet smokiness. It emits aromas of roasted green tea, scents of spring, gentle vanilla and building smoke. A whisky that is truly grown in the forest.
Maker:
Suntory's younger sibling, Hakushu distillery is a bit of a hidden gem. Established in 1973 in the town of Hokuto, in the Yamanashi Prefecture, Chūbu region. It's higher elevation at 700 meters above sea level (Scotland's highest distilleries are Dalwhinnie and Braeval, both about 355 meters.) and water source are said to be the key features that distinguish Hakushu, in addition to working with both un-peated and peated malt (sourced from Scotland) at roughly 25ppm, compared to its big sister, Yamazaki, who uses up to 40ppm.
The Hakushu Distillery was founded half a century after Yamazaki. Keizo Saji, the Yamazaki's second Master Blender, inherited his father’s quest to push the boundaries of what a Japanese whisky could be. His epic quest to find pristine water that would produce the most delicately aromatic whisky led him to the heart of rugged mountains and hidden river sources, where he discovered a site worth of the the distillery.
Today, Hakushu Distillery is one of the highest distilleries in the world, built amidst the deepest forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps. The majestic forest that surrounds the Hakushu Distillery shelters an abundance of plant varieties reflecting the many expressions of Japanese nature. The malt whiskies born here are simultaneously blessed with a very particular microclimate, verdant forests, and water offering a rare softness only made possible by filtration of rain and snow through thousand-year-old granite rocks.
Philosophy:
Grown in the untouched forests, soft and crisp waters and mountains of the Southern Japanese Alps, it is no wonder that Hakushu is a "green and crisp" whisky. Created by the dream for a new type of whisky of Keizo Saji, the second master blender, the unique taste made in distinct four seasons in high altitude is praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy. The Hakushu range of whiskies, with their crisp and vibrant feel, each one unique in a single malt whisky, will enliven your palate and liberate your senses. Maturation typically takes place in American oak - both ex-bourbon (180L) and reconstructed hogsheads (230L) - however European oak is also known to be used.
Nose - Pineapple, Vanilla, Green Tea
Captivating aromas of pineapple, vanilla cream, enriched by the earthy depths of roasted green tea.
Palate - Light, Subtle Wasanbon, Moreish Bitters
Delicate with a soft sweetness of wasanbon (a fine Japanese sugar) and a gentle herbal bitterness. A unique play on balance.
Finish - Smoky Embers, Dried Fruits, Oak Spices
The aftertaste is smoky with ember-like smoke, followed by a lingering bitter aftertaste, making each sip a memorable experience.
The Finer Details
Style - Whisky
Country - Japan
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 43%
