Hakushu 12 Year Shelf Review
Shelf Review
Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.
Suntory’s Hakushu distillery is younger than the Yamazaki distillery, and is known for having much slower maturation times. Located in the heart of a bird sanctuary, deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, Hakushu is known as “the forest distillery” for its picturesque views of the surrounding ecology.
The Hakushu 12 year expression, while often compared to Yamazaki’s 12 year, is a very different approach to whisky. Hakushu has always been known for creating green, herbal, and smokey whiskies in Suntory’s portfolio while Yamazaki has produced the sweeter, brighter, and more tropical flavors. The question becomes, between the two, which should you choose?
Age: 12 Year
ABV: 43%
Cask: Ex-Bourbon, ex-sherry, and Mizunara
MSRP: $120
Distillery Name: Suntory’s Hakushu Distillery
Review Date: 12/11/20
Nose: Hakushu 12 starts with a whiff of smoke and some earthy notes, setting itself very much apart from Yamazaki 12. Tree bark, leather, pine, herbs and mint all make an appearance. Vanilla sweetness is also present but is subdued.
Palate: On the first sip this is a rather restrained and darker experience than Yamazaki 12. The Hakushu enjoys notes of smoke, earth, and a strong floral quality. It is darker and deeper with more mint, and pine showing up. There is still some fruit like a green apple, but the sweetness plays in the background. The body is light but retains good balance and a lovely texture.
Finish: Short to medium finish mainly featuring herbals notes alongside straw, light cinnamon, and green tea. Red pepper and cumin add just the faintest amount of heat.
