Hakushu 12 YO

Hakushu 12 YO, 43 %

This is a classic from the Suntory owned forest distillery Hakushu. Over the past few years it has become notoriously hard to get your hands on any of the Suntory whiskies from Yamazaki or Hakushu with an age expression. Well, I finally got my hands on a bottle again, and found that I had never typed up a review, so here goes.

A few bottles of the Hakushu 12 YO will finally find their way to Norway again on December 15, and will be sold at NOK 1000 (1132201). You might get lucky and find bottles elsewhere, but you have to look.

Nose: Relatively light on first approach. Somewhat earthy, there is a solidity here. Distinct notes of vanilla and top notes of strawberries. A bit nutty and a whiff of smoke. After a few minutes I also pick up a light fruitiness - fresh orchard fruits.

Taste: Rich and full-bodied. Very clean and refined in style. More vanilla now, with added spiciness in the form of back peppercorns.

Finish: Medium to long finish. Cream and rich all the way. The light fruits are back - apples and pears. Slightly green and herbal. Whiffs of smoke linger in the background.

Comments: A dram with a rich depth.

Score (87/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas