{"product_id":"hakushu-story-of-the-distillery-single-malt-japanese-whisky-700ml-2026-release","title":"Hakushu Story Of The Distillery Single Malt Japanese Whisky 700ml (2026 Release)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA forest-born Hakushu with a gentle thread of smoke.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHakushu Story of the Distillery Single Malt Japanese Whisky 2026 Edition is a limited release created to express the distinctive forest-born character of Suntory’s Hakushu Distillery in Yamanashi. The 2026 edition is composed primarily from smoky Hakushu malt whiskies matured in Bourbon barrels, carefully blended to retain the distillery’s signature freshness and delicately smoky personality. Hakushu Distillery sits amid the forests of Hokuto City, where exceptionally pure natural water and the cool mountain environment play an important role in shaping its light and refreshing style. This edition places particular emphasis on the relationship between the distillery and its surrounding forest, with a special label depicting birdlife found around Hakushu’s sanctuary. Bottled at 43% ABV, it combines gentle smoke with fruit, sweetness and subtle bitterness rather than pursuing a heavily peated profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe whisky opens with bright pineapple alongside creamy vanilla and the roasted character of hojicha tea. On the palate, it is light and soft, developing a delicate sweetness reminiscent of wasanbon Japanese sugar with a restrained bitter edge providing balance. The smoky element remains elegant and integrated, complementing the tropical fruit and vanilla tones rather than dominating them. Toward the finish, the fruit and sweetness gradually give way to glowing ember smoke and a pleasant bittersweet quality. The result is a refined and gently smoky Japanese single malt that captures Hakushu’s fresh house style while giving greater prominence to its smoky malt component.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTasting Notes\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOSE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e– Fresh, tropical and gently smoky\u003cbr\u003ePineapple and creamy vanilla are joined by roasted hojicha tea, with delicate smoke emerging underneath the bright fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePALATE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e– Light, soft and delicately sweet\u003cbr\u003eFresh tropical fruit and vanilla lead into gentle wasanbon-like sweetness, subtle roasted notes and a restrained bitter counterpoint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFINISH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e– Smoky, bittersweet and refined\u003cbr\u003eSoft ember smoke develops gradually alongside lingering vanilla, roasted tea and a fine bittersweet edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFiner Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBrand - Hakushu\u003cbr\u003eStyle - Single Malt Whisky\u003cbr\u003eCountry - Japan\u003cbr\u003eRegion - Yamanashi\u003cbr\u003eABV - 43%\u003cbr\u003eSize - 700ml\u003cbr\u003eCask Strength - No\u003cbr\u003ePeat Level - Lightly Peated\u003cbr\u003eMash Bill Type - Malted\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hakushu","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44334414135383,"sku":"HAKUSH-STORY-26","price":599.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0043\/9258\/3217\/files\/0c60d88f-4d4f-432b-98d2-72b1c78c6e4d.webp?v=1790212165","url":"https:\/\/kentstreetcellars.com.au\/products\/hakushu-story-of-the-distillery-single-malt-japanese-whisky-700ml-2026-release","provider":"Kent Street Cellars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}