Hakushu distillery

Region: Japan

Location: Tonhara 2913-1 Hakushu cho

Status: Operational (owned by Suntory)

General whisky characteristics: Toffee and smoked ham

Hakushu, 12y

Typical cost of this bottle; €€€€€

Reviewed as part of MMA 2011

Glass: Classic Malt

Colour: Light sunny cork

Nose: Initially very leafy, then come some herbal overtones, perhaps dandelion? In fact this now reminds me of a fizzy Dandelion & Burdock drink from my childhood. This is indeed now leafy, slightly herbal and occasionally aromatically floral.

Palate: Very creamy vanilla with various summer fruits in the background. Stewed apple?

Finish: Long

Overall Impression: I was quite impressed with this. I don't usually like those very 'leafy' whiskies but the herbs and fruit made this really very good.

Hakushu, 12y, 43.5% ABV

Typical cost of this bottle; €€€€€

An earlier tasting of Hakushu 12y

Nose: Fresh cut hay

Palate: Again fresh hay, but with a disappointingly short finish and the flavours were quite weak.

Overall Impression: Quite disappointing.

Hakushu, Heavily Peated

Typical cost of this bottle; €€€€€ (just! €75)

Reviewed as part of MMA 2011

Glass: Classic Malt

Colour: Sunny hay

Nose: Starts slowly with an almost red wine influence whichexpands with time to include wood and the faintest hint of smoke. Also quite floral after some minutes.

Palate: Rich and creamy mouth-feel with lots of depth, but not overly complex. VAnilla and peach with a light smokiness.

Finish: Long and slightly smoky peat

Overall Impression: A jolly good everyday or anytime whisky.