Hakushu 1998 Single Cask #CL40182

Hakushu 1998 Single Cask #CL40182, ~14 YO, 58 %

Here is a single cask Hakushu whisky, from Suntory, released in Japan. My friend Łukasz Kreft bought this bottle on one of his visits to Japan, and was kind enough to share some with me. Check out his excellent blog Luk Loves Whisky.

The Hakushu 1998 Single Cask #CL40182 was distilled in 1998, matured in an unspecified hogshead, and then bottled exclusively for Isetan in Japan. It is currently priced at around GBP 200 online.

Nose (22/25): Quite fruity, with a bit of oak, and a soft touch of peat. The fruits are the sort to remind you of a summer afternoon, ripe apples and slight touches of citrus. Vanilla appears after a while, and the peat does pick up a little bit - still lingering in the background though. It is slightly rough, with alcohol nibbling at the tip of my nose.

Taste (21/25): Very spicy! Not just soft spices now, but hard, kick-you-in-the-teeth- spices. The peat is more pronounced, almost gritty and chewy, adding it's voice to the spice choir. Lots of peppers, chilies, and herbs. Green notes, grass and hay as well as the herbs. Dry-ish.

Finish (21/25): Fairly long finish. Fruity notes manage to add their voices to the crescendo, adding more body and character. Still very spicy and I would say fiery rather than peaty. Appears very dry now, and there's a fair bit of oakiness. I feel numb after the intensity of the spices and the heat.

Balance (22/25): An odd beast, not for the faint of heart. I am awake now!

Score (86/100)

Images by Łukasz Kreft.

Na Zdrowie, Łukasz!

Sláinte! - Thomas