Description
Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve Single Malt Whisky
Suntory are one of the founding fathers of Japanese whisky, established by Shinjirō Torii in 1899 as a wine store in Osaka. Expansion in the next decade saw the company move its grain production to a new Chita distillery in 1972, and open a second malt distillery, Hakushu, the following year.
Established in 1973, Hakushu Distillery is located in the foothills of Mt. Kaikomagatake in Japan’s Southern Alps, where cool, clear waters flow through a pristine forest environment.
Like the environment in which it is created, the Suntory Hakushu is vibrant and verdant in flavour born of the ideas of second master blender, Keizo Saji.
This Distiller’s Reserve, a no-age-statement expression from Hakushu, captures the smoky, herbaceous characteristics of their whiskies. Both lightly-peated and heavily-peated malts were used for this complex and deeply enjoyable whisky. Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve is smooth in its complex nuances and as vibrant as a fresh green leaf.
Nose: The herbs are very up front with this one. Peppermint, pine and pleasant grassy notes. Cucumber and melon round out the nose.
Taste: 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.
Finish: A waft of smoke appears during the long finish.
