Hakushu 12 years Single Malt Whisky Tasting Miniature.

Hakushu 12 years Single Malt Whisky Tasting Miniature.

Condition: New. 
Fill level: New. In the neck. 

Whisky still produced: Yes.
Category: Single malt. 
Distillery: Still producing. 
Bottler: Atom Brands
Bottling series: tasting miniature.
Vintage/Bottling Year:
Stated Age: 12 years old.
Cask type: 
Strength: 43.0 % Vol.
Size: 30 ml.
Colouring: Unknown.
Chill-filtered: Unknown.
Bottle code: TM003118 Several... PLEASE ASK!
Country Origin: Japan.
Market: Worldwide.

Hakushu is the verdant single malt Japanese whisky born in Suntory's mountain forest distillery. Made from water with a rare softness and maturing in a lush forested microclimate, Hakushu's renowned single malt Japanese whiskies are blessed by the region's ever-changing seasons—each leaving their own verdant signature. Refreshingly herbal and gently smoky, Hakushu is embraced as the intriguing single malt Japanese whisky from the award-winning House of Suntory Whisky.

Tasting notes;
Appearance/colour; Golden and light, reminiscent of wet straw.
Nose; Toasted barley, seed & nut loaf, chopped almonds and a little bit of barrel char. Hints of milk chocolate and dried grass bring sweetness.
Palate; Much more fruit on the palate, but it's by no means a sweet whisky. Still rich, herbaceous and grassy, with a waft of smoke along the way.
Finish: Quite short, though enjoyable with orange peel and a touch of minerals.

Distillery History;

Hakushu Distillery is a renowned Japanese whisky distillery founded in 1973 by Suntory in the forested mountains of Yamanashi Prefecture. Known as the "Forest Distillery," Hakushu is celebrated for its crisp, fresh single malts, which often reflect the clean mountain air, lush surroundings, and soft waters of the Ojira River, a prime water source known for its purity. Hakushu is one of Japan’s major whisky distilleries and has earned a reputation for producing refined, complex, and distinctly Japanese-style whiskies.

Key Points in Hakushu's History:

1. Foundation and Location:

   • Hakushu was established by Suntory, Japan's first whisky company, to meet the increasing demand for Japanese whisky and expand its offerings after the success of the Yamazaki Distillery.
   • The distillery’s location in the Japanese Alps provided a pristine natural environment and access to high-quality water, allowing Hakushu to produce a whisky with a unique, fresh character.

2. Innovative Whisky Production:

   • Unlike many other distilleries, Hakushu has used various still shapes and sizes to create a diverse range of flavour profiles. This flexibility allows Hakushu to produce a wide variety of styles, contributing to both single malts and blends.
   • Hakushu’s single malts are known for their light, grassy, and subtly smoky character, in contrast to the richer, fruit-forward style of Yamazaki. Hakushu whiskies often exhibit herbal and citrus notes that capture the mountain's freshness.

3. Expansions and Global Recognition:

   • In 1981, the distillery expanded with the construction of a second production facility, allowing for increased production and variety in distillation techniques.
   • By the 2000s, Hakushu’s single malts gained international acclaim, contributing to the global recognition of Japanese whisky as a premium spirit. Awards and accolades helped position Hakushu as a leading brand, and its expressions, such as Hakushu 12-Year-Old and Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve, became popular among whisky enthusiasts worldwide.

4. Legacy and Sustainability:

   • Hakushu continues to embody a commitment to environmental stewardship, embracing sustainable practices to preserve its natural surroundings. The distillery’s unique location and approach make it one of the world’s most scenic and ecologically integrated distilleries.

Today, Hakushu Distillery stands as an icon in the Japanese whisky landscape, admired for its refreshing, elegant whiskies that reflect the mountain’s pure environment.

Awards & Accolades

HAKUSHU 12 YEARS

• 2009, 2010 - IWSC GOLD (BEST IN CLASS)
• 2011, 2013 - SWSC DOUBLE GOLD
• 2012 - SWSC GOLD
• 2012 - ISC GOLD
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