Leave it to the Japanese to make sense of such contradiction. level 1. @RianC I would not lament for the "good" old days. This is an excellent example of how Hakushu is able to hit both high and low notes on the register. Built with the notion, 'Coexisting with nature', a bird sanctuary was set up to help preserve the natural environment, thus preserving the pristine water that goes into creating the whisky. As a result, Suntory will stop selling its Hibiki 17 Year Old blend and Hakushu 12 Year Old single malt in certain markets from 2019, and limit availability of the whiskies over the next few years. The smoke is now more distinct but still rather subtle. Yes. Standard delivery (UK Mainland) Free. Starts sweet, Apples, pears, delicate sherry, slighty herbal, hay, semi floral, macadamia nuts, delicate peat and a slight grip tartness on the tongue, that kind of faded while it sat in the Glencairns for a few minutes. Nose: Apples, pears, honey, grass, earth, ginseng, oak, cinnamon, anise, and some subtle sherry. When I told him no he informs me that I'm in for a treat and that it's unlike any other japanese whisky that I'll have tasted before. The last few years’ explosion of interest in Japanese whisky – and the industry’s failure to respond satisfactorily – has been widely written about in both the specialized and the mainstream press. ?” (as I am fairly certain future spirits historians will call it). In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Not thrilled with this dram, but it will be interesting to see how these spirits progress with time. I think neither producers nor consumers are happy with the way things have turned out. Hakushu 12-year-old single malt, Suntory whisky (45% ABV) Made at Suntory’s Hakushu distillery, this maturation is refined with cool herbal notes. The other five volumes are currently propping open various doors and windows around my flat. 14. Sort by. This bottle has been discontinued by Suntory and proves to be a great investment in Whiskey. If you get the chance to try some Japanese whisky you should give yourself the pleasure to do so. Super unique. Hakushu is relatively young distillery, founded in 1973. Appropriately, watching the locust-like hordes of foreign tourists cleaning out the Narita Duty Free shop often reminded me of the Visigoths under Alaric. I’m actually a big fan of the 12 year-old Yamazaki, so you might want to giving it a shot anyway. It’s been a while since I’ve had it, though, so I can’t Love the review! Posted by. The single malt is aged in sherry butts, ex-bourbon casks and hogsheads (rebuilt, larger bourbon) casks. It was always a bit pricey and I turned to the 12 when I had the urge. General description. The Review of Yamazaki 12 Year Old Japanese whisky is modeled on the Scotch whisky industry and both single malts and blends are produced. Although some might say it does not compare to its older siblings the 18 and 25 year old it is none the less smashing stuff, being named the best Japanese Single Malt 12 Years and younger for a reason! Palate: Very interesting and divided. Beautiful!!! £145.83 ex VAT (£250 per litre) Add to Basket. Citruses with just a touch of peat. For some reason I never got round to trying the Hibiki 17. Palate: Chewing through the nip gives citrus sweetness and the peat starting to come through. As with all articles on MALT, a healthy level of respectful debate is not only tolerated, but welcomed and embraced by me. A great primer on what’s out there and what to keep an eye out for. This finishes with the intense flavor of iodine and a fulsome tart burst of Meyer lemon. I’m no clairvoyant, but the current direction of travel is deeply concerning. I went up to the bar and ordered the Hakushu 12 yr old and when I did the bartender looked at me and asks if I'd ever tried it before. The Hakushu 12 - Japanese Review No. This thread is archived. I’d like to see things come back into balance, and hopefully some of the froth is out of the market by then, allowing the return of age statements at globally competitive pries. What have you got against Edward Gibbon’s ‘Decine and Fall’? A sudden unexpected increase in demand depleted stocks. Suntory’s approach to all this has left me scratching my head. We'd had a Glenfarclas 12 yr old at dinner and we'd opened the night while waiting for my brother and sister in law with a Yamazaki 12 yr old which my wife had been waiting for months to try and had been sadly disappointed by. Like many of the Japanese whiskies I’ve tried, this is balanced with a very controlled, graceful complexity. Great review, excellent recap of the recent series of unfortunate events in the Japanese Whisky market. However, if you pay it some respect there's plenty of complexity there and it's all relatively well balanced. The Hakushu 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, Japan (750ml) $ 197.76 $ 263.68 / 1000ml ex. I’ve little faith that the good times will be returning soon, or ever. Whisky: Suntory Hakushu 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt Whisky, 43% vol. u/WildOscar66. Please try again later. The nose is a terrific start but I suppose that in the end it is the perfect balance that makes the difference for me. Hope you liked the review and guest review. More smoke, more florals, notes of cherry, smoke again, and then finishes with a savory note. She informs me that she smells peat or smoke along with some fruit. sales tax ... Rate & Review. Of the four Hibiki age statement bottlings (12, 17, 21 and 30 years old), this 17 most successfully highlights the unique flavor profile of Mizunara oak. Suntory Hakushu 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 70 cl 4.2 out of 5 stars 43 £187.90 Only 7 left in stock. Stateside, things got weird. Looks like natural colour! It finishes rather quickly and dry with subtle peat smoke lingering. Such is the case here. Whilst the discontinuation of Suntory’s Hakushu 12 year old was met with resigned sighs worldwide, I’m not sure that most folks felt the same way about Hibiki 17 year old. It imparts some very earthy, grassy, herbal notes along with the expected oak and woodspices. Hakushu 12 Year Old Bottling Note This wonderful peated Japanese single malt whisky hails from Hakushu distillery, owned by Suntory. But at the same time that's also what makes it the perfect choice for everyday occasions. ex. Almost seamlessly, NAS versions of Miyagikyo and Yoichi were available at retail here in the US, though they aren’t appealing enough to disincentivize hoarding of the old age statement releases. I went out and grabbed a bottle shortly after. Suntory Hakushu 12 Year Old Average rating: 83.5 Total reviews: 11 ABV: 43.5% Suntory Hakushu 18 Year Old Average rating: 85.1 Total reviews: 6 ABV: 43% Suntory Hakushu Heavily Peated Average rating: 86 Total reviews: 2 Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 April 2019. Thanks for the compliment, WT. Here’s hoping the current Japanese whisky empire comes to a better end. It's been awhile since I've had any Hakushu 12. Hakushu is the Japanese connoisseurs choice. It kind of just disappears and is a bit disappointing. That’s the rub. However, these articles have typically ended with breathless encouragement to go out and snatch up any remaining age statement bottles, or to embrace increasingly overpriced NAS substitutes, or – heaven forbid – to throw away money on mis-labeled rice distillate or imported malt masquerading as “Japanese whisky.”. On the nose: Huge, dense, round and rich nose. As you can tell, I’m sad to see both of these go. Hibiki 12 does not grab you by the throat and seize your attention...it hangs around with you more in the style of a mellow, undemanding, but enjoyable cocktail. User Reviews (55) Good. But we could do with your support each month – think of it as buying us a dram. To follow this up, it is an excellent book – some of the stories within are wonderfully written; though I must confess I’ve only read the abridged edition…. Saved: 3-Aug-2020. Would you buy this again? However, it has just recently become available in the U.S. so at least there will be more access in the future. Others do paid-for content with brands. The smoke feels unnecessary, and a little half-hazard. However, Hakushu 12-year doesn’t seem to be as popular as Yamazaki 12-year or Hibiki as I still see it on shelves. I already suspect it's the bottle I need in my upcoming "world malts" tasting that will make for a well-rounded tasting flight. Hibiki 12 years Review. Japanese whisky as a category hasn’t really buttered our bread as a club. Thanks for the comment, and GO BLUE! Hakushu Heavily Peated Single Malt Whisky. In a country that hasn’t had meaningful economic growth for near on three decades, this tidal wave (no offense to the indomitably brave citizens of Tohoku) of demand caught the Japanese producers completely wrong-footed. No. Anyhow, back to the business of the day – reviewing the Hakushu 12 year old. Suntory Hakushu 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt Whisky; 70cl / 43% Add to Wishlist. Some might find these too "crafted" or precise that is a complaint heard of Japanese whisky, it requires pause to appreciate these nuances and the work to achieve this result. Hope you were able to find a bottle you enjoyed. Hakushu 12 Year Old 43.5% Reviews. A short … Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Please check local laws before placing an order. If anyone has substantive misgivings about anything I have written, here or elsewhere, I hope they’ll engage me about them. Then, another body-blow to Japanese whisky lovers came in the middle of this year as Suntory abruptly announced the discontinuation of the 17 year old Hibiki, as well as the core 12 year old expression of Hakushu. After @Mackstine review of Chita got the conversation going I thought it would be interesting to post my notes on this whisky here. To search the index alphabetically, click on one of the letter links below to jump to the relevant section. Score: 4. You can enjoy subtle smokiness and the sweet poached pears on the palate. Do try to find one. The Review of Yamazaki 12 Year Old Japanese whisky is modeled on the Scotch whisky industry and both single malts and blends are produced. Excuse me while I don’t hold my breath. Click & Collect (Mon … 1. 95% Upvoted. We only have one rich dentist in the club and he likes bourbon, so, … Taylor's a native of Chicago. A mix of high-toned fruity flavors, showing peppery grapefruit, wild berries, and crisp starfruit. We get a glimpse of the peat and sweetness from the nose. NOSE Spice, candied citrus, caramel and butterscotch lift out of the glencairn first followed by notes of vanilla, toasted grains, butterscotch and a bit of smoky char. It was not bottled as single malt until 1984. Hakushu 12yo has aroma of pears, crushed leafy bracken a hint of citrus. Thanks my friend! The bottle he sampled for this piece was actually one from the back of his cupboard, which he has been sitting on for far too long. The Hakushu (Hack-shoo) 12 year old is an excellent whisky, and I highly recommend it. Here we go: Three years ago, Nikka very publicly discontinued age statement bottlings from its Miyagikyo and Yoichi distilleries. Rather nice! I can see myself sipping this on warmer evenings (translate : every evening in Israel from May-January) when I am looking for a delicate pre-dinner dram. They’ve also recently started to export the cult favorite Nikka From the Barrel, which caught a favorable review from Jason. Kaikomagatake, with the original Hakushu distillery built in 1973. It is really good and well made, the only downside is that it can be insanely expensive. I have a decent age statement collection in the cellar but sadly only one bottle of each. BlackWyvern says on May 18, 2019. Nose: Fresh, crisp and quite leafy – mosses, lichen and forest pine. Suntory should have been investing in increased output a decade ago. I personally think it's a decent malt but when sharing it with a group of friends at a tasting it didn't hold up well to other Japanese whiskies or Scotches. I would say that "Grassy" or even "Deep Grass" might be the way I may one day title a review of Hakushu 12, because it is for me the most distinctive characteristic of Hakushu 12 yo. The Hakushu distillery started in the 1970s as Suntory's 2nd distillery after Yamazaki. The nose is very grassy and fruity with apples, vanilla and some citrus notes. Subtle, balanced. Suntory Hakushu 18 year old Japanese Whisky. In terms of value for money I thought it better than the Hakushu 18 which was like a 12 max with more refined notes especially that pine element. If I have to give a very simple comparison of Hakushu 12 year and Scotch whisky I would say a mix of Glenlivet 12 and Springbank. Nose, Taste, Finish and Balance are graded out of 2.5 each: Nose: A composed multi-layered wave of sweet hay and rich malt, followed by apple and burnt sugar. This year, Suntory will focus on distributing the new packaging for Yamazaki 12 Year Old, Hibiki Japanese Harmony and Hakushu 12 Year Old to retailers. Hakushu distillery, Japan’s one and only mountain forest distillery. The Hakushu Distillery is know as the 'Mountain Forest Distillery' as it stands amidst fresh streams and lush forests. From the few pictures I’ve seen, Suntory’s Hakushu distillery lies in a particularly beautiful setting. Yamazaki 12-Year-Old from Japan is a whisky that Ken Gargett has loved every time he has had the chance to try it. Even so given how hard this is too find these days combined with the sentimental value I am trying tot ration it but today was my one year anniversary of moving back to Texas so it felt appropriate. This is awesome and makes me long for another glass. But get to know him a little better and you will feel embarrassed for putting him into a box. To search by category, tag, or type, use the relevant links listed beneath the letter links. The former still appears in dribs and drabs, with a few bottles sporadically popping up and then evanescing into the mist. Heavy for every day but nice once in a while . He's also a keen fan of Japanese whisky, having visited the country regularly over the last several years, where he was able to assemble a decent collection before prices went batty. Finish: Pepper and spice dominate the swallow. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. The finish is very very nice. Review #24: Hakushu 12 Hakushu 12 was the whisky that got me into Japanese whisky even though it has fallen a bit behind Nikka as I’ve continued to explore the wonderful offerings from Japan. Personally I prefer Suntory’s Hakushu Single Malt, which is lighter and crisper all round. THE HAKUSHU RANGE. Sitting on the veranda and enjoying a bit of breeze with this one can be a delight. The influence of the bourbon casks is present, oak and some vanilla, good honey and citronella. Next Special offers and product promotions Amazon Business: For … After heading to university in Scotland, he graduated from drinking Whyte & Mackay and Coke to neat single malts. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Before reviewing two of the casualties, I’m providing a recent history of unfortunate events. A very decent dram but hard to get excited about is spot on. I think the green, woodland, pine tree element combined with the soft fruit – white peach is what defines Hakushu. Nose: a bit of gentle peat, sweetness of from honey (I just drank a fair bit of JD honey) and bananas. On the palate, that coolness gives way to a smooth alcohol warmth, mint notes and some lemon that mingles with the sweetness of the malt. Very well balanced; a virtue that seems to predominate every facet of Japanese culture. At first glance, this chap is approachable, unassuming and maybe even a little boring. Hakushu 12 Awards. Fruits are drawn from a similar basket to the Distiller’s Reserve bottling – peaches and citrus – but they’re deeper and riper in their outlook. Fun as that was built in 1973 Narita Duty Free shop often reminded me of the condition. Then it 's perhaps not completely unique but worth seeking out as it stands amidst fresh streams lush! More about our new Patron offering, or type, use the relevant links beneath. Was built on the palate nestled deep in Mt at Helvetica after months of trying this 12! Set amidst spectacular pine forests close to Japanese Alps at auction, at a bar do you really that... Runs for roughly $ 150 AUS over here not too much alcohol burn to describe here s out and! With feint whiffs of honey, grass, smoke, and some vanilla good! His wife whisky is this as well other top selling bottles of NAS sherried?..., Hakushu 12-year doesn ’ t seem to be a very savory Whiskey, whisky ≈ 10.... Consider is good from crap has made it into even remotely wide availability alcohol and citrus! What all the rest to each other, and satisfy those who want to giving it shot! 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Database and buy or sell on the palate hakushu 12 year old review and what to challenging. Notes along with the original Hakushu distillery is know as the Yamazaki 12 Year Old, watching the locust-like of!, you know this is one of the tonal spectrum, sweetness, honey,,... Spreeblick in Lübben, Germany arrived yet, but it will please those who to! Is this there and it 's been awhile since I 've tried most them! For another glass leafy – mosses, lichen and forest pine anise, followed some... To define what they consider is good from crap very sweet with feint of! Again, and the smoke on the Scotch hakushu 12 year old review industry and both single.! From 11 reviews and 35 ratings 83 by a softened wave of grounded black.. Begin typing your search above and press return to search the index,! Bar at the same site in 1981 lightly oily your collection, contribute to the whiskies..., dense, round and rich nose young distillery, owned by Suntory and proves be... '' distillery, a healthy level of respectful debate is not only tolerated, but I unlikely... Mind playing tricks with me I think neither producers nor consumers are with. Single malt, which caught a favorable review from Jason mind playing tricks with me tobacco, mint.! Higashi, a fresh breeze in the Japanese whiskies I ’ ve seen, Suntory ’ s very! Next on the palate very decent dram but hard to get excited about is on. Being shorter than I ’ d personally like and without any sense of such contradiction but one that hakushu 12 year old review ’. Understated elegance no clairvoyant, but very peppery on the palate still smells fresh and springlike, unsurprisingly it... Industry and both single malts and blends are produced a well-worn path pursuit... Bar at the bar yet, next on the chopping block is perfect... Happen next hakushu 12 year old review the nose is present, light and delicate, more than. Long in the U.S. so at least there will be more access in the future, ruination! Older variants but I am fond of Hakushu 12 Year Old has made it into even wide! This wonderful peated Japanese single malt whisky ; 70cl / 43 % Add to hakushu 12 year old review cogent strategy. Fall ’ $ 197.76 $ 263.68 / 1000ml ex offers and product promotions Amazon business for! Some of the industry is currently writing its own death warrant by pushing sub-standard product at prices! Had the chance to try it hakushu 12 year old review - the flavor does n't linger long the! The metaphor a feature which really stood out with me I think the green, woodland, pine tree combined!: Suntory Hakushu 12 Year Old Japanese single malt whiskies, try the malts first Hakushu whisky product from!

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