A perennial favourite and a must-try for anyone interested in discovering Japanese whisky. Hakushu is owned by Suntory, founders of the first Japanese distillery, Yamazaki. The original Hakushu distillery was built in 1973, with another distillery building called Hakushu Higashi (east) added in 1981.
A massive step up in quality from the standard Hakushu 12 yrs, this 18yo is amazingly well-defined (as we've come to expect from Japanese whisky) with deliciously rounded fruit and cereal flavours, at times surprisingly reminiscent of the finest Irish potstill whisky (eg Redbreast 15yo).
A green and crunchy entry in the Hakushu Range, combining whisky of a wide variety of ages, from across the range of casks used by the distillery to create a gently smoky dram, packed with fruity flavour.
A fantastic Japanese blend, made with aged malt and grain whiskies from Suntory's three distilleries. Spicy and sophisticated, this is great for catching people out at blind tastings. Recently awarded a Gold 'Editor's Choice' award from Whisky Magazine and picked up the top prize in its category at the World Whisky Awards 2010.
Another hit for Suntory, this Hibiki 21 merited 93 points from Jim Murray in 2009, while Dr. Whisky called it 'Unbelievably balanced, and dangerously drinkable.'
Kakubin Yellow Label is Suntory's flagship blended whisky. Produced since 1937, its name means 'square bottle'. A blend of bourbon-cask whisky from Yamazaki and Hakushu, this is a classic example of lighter Japanese whisky and is great in a highball with soda.
Yamazaki 18yo is the multi award winning whisky. It is proudly awarded SWSC Double Gold Medal in 2005, IWSC Trophy in 2006 and ISC Gold in 2007.
The richness of sherry and raisins fill the nose then its dark rich maraschino cherries and finally coffee cream chocolate appear. Full body malt.