Hakushu to us tends to be rounder and fuller bodied than its Yamazaki cousin. It has a wonderful texture on the palate. The 18 year now shows all of the complexities and nuances that are hinted at in the 12 year old.

Known as the ‘Forest Distillery’, Hakushu Distillery is located at a site known for the pristine waters of the Ojira River, which has been designated by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment as one of the highest-quality water sources in the country. Tasked with producing an original Whisky distinct from those originating at Yamazaki Distillery, Hakushu Distillery was built as Suntory’s other distillery in 1973 on the 50th anniversary of the 1923 start of construction at its sister facility.