Hakushu Single Malt Review
Its hard to resist the charms of the Hakushu’s ‘green and fresh’ signature style. The Hakushu distillery was built by Suntory in 1943 as is known as the ‘Mountain Forest distillery’. It is located at the foot of Japan’s southern alps, surrounded by beautiful, lush mountain forestry. This area is famed for its fresh water quality, and the proof can be noted in the results of this luscious single malt.
The Suntory Hakushu single malt has a slightly different character to its Yamazaki sister. There is a light smoke and peat taste which is usually undetectable in most Japanese whiskies. But the freshness of herb and citrus notes cut through for a clean, refreshing flavour. This complexity is thought to derive from the distillery’s forest microclimate, with ever-changing seasons at a high altitude.
Fun Facts about Hakushu:
• Created by Suntory Second Master Blender, Keizo Saji
• The 12 Year Old Hakushu has won multiple awards, including the WWA 2016 – Japanese Single Malt 12 Years and Under and Best World Whiskey – 2015 – International Whisky Competition
• The Hakushu distillery site at the foot of Mount Kaikoma (甲斐駒ヶ岳). The water here is considered to be so pure, it is the secret ingredient for the legendary Kinseiken Seika Company water cake (or ‘raindrop cake’)
Hakushu – Neat
Nose – Strong peppermint, light floral and watermelon notes with the slightest hint of fennel
Palate – Sharp citrus, some fresh yuzu with a light wisp of smoke
Hakushu – Water Drops
Nose – A little grapefruit fruit amongst the mint fragrance, with a tiny hint of pine forest (real pine, not like a new car air freshener)
Palate – a satisfyingly long finish, with a sweet humbug taste
Hakushu – Half Rock
Nose – The ice bring out more floral notes with a light burst of matcha.
Palate – Clear mint, pear with a slight creamy flavour.
Hakushu – Mizuwari
(A Japanese highball, with 2 parts water)
Nose – The water freshens the scent with clear jasmine notes, with subtle iced green tea
Palate – Mmm. Light and refreshing, the mint and fruit flavours are reduced but the complexity is varied enough to keep things interesting.
Verdict:
Personally, I think the Hakushu single malt was made for mizuwari. A mizuwari is ideal for drinking with meals as it is lighter and more thirst-quenching than a straight scotch. I recommend pairing this with a roast chicken with lemon and thyme to compliment the citrus and herb notes. Alternatively, pair with seafood or to cut through anything soy-sauced or salty based.
Eager to know more about Japanese whisky? Read my other Japanese whisky reviews here, including my notes on Suntory The Chita. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
