Whisky: Hakushu 12
Producer: Suntory
Whisky Type: Single Malt (100% malted Barley from one distillery)
Age: 12 years
ABV: 43% ABV
Aged in Cask:American Oak
Price Range: $$

Hakushu is one of three distilleries owned by Suntory. The Chita Distillery specializes in distilling grain whisky, and Yamazaki, the oldest and most famous of all Japanese distilleries focuses on distilling single malts.

Hakushu was founded in 1973, 50 years after the inauguration of Yamazaki. The distillery is in the southern Japanese alps, specifically in the Yamanashi prefecture, surrounded by rivers with sandy riverbeds, from which Hakushu gets its name (Hakushu translates to white sandbank)

Hakushu is known for fermenting the wash (beer) with proprietary yeast strain beyond the typical 3-4 days to allow for the growth of lactic acid bacteria that contribute to the fruit flavors in the whisky.

Tasting notes for Hakushu 12

Nose: Very delicate and sweet aromas of fruit and vanilla. After adding few drops of water, the vanilla comes out a bit more.

Palate: The entry is sweet and creamy with notes of pears and apples, transitioning smoothly to light smoke. There is some herbal flavor as well. After adding five drops of water, the sweet notes become more pronounced.

Finish: As I drink it neat, I noticed the smokey and ashy notes. The finish is short.

Conclusion: A great introduction to Japanese whisky. I personally like this whisky neat or with a few drops of water to bring up the sweetness. I do not think adding ice to this whisky will enhance its delicate flavors.

This whisky has won several awards, including a Double Gold Medal in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2011, 2013, and 2016. A double gold medal is awarded to a whisky when all judges agree unanimously.

Try it and let me know what you think. You’ll find more Japanese whisky reviews here. Check out more of Hakushu 12 here.

Score: 4/5 ⭐

Legend
$50 or less $
$51-$100 $$
$101-$150 $$$
$151 or more $$$$