Hakushu 18 Year

Some spirits demand a taste due to their renown, devoted following, and considerable buzz. Experiencing them firsthand is essential. Therefore, whenever an opportunity arises to sample a truly celebrated dram, missing out is not an option. With that in mind, I've had the chance to try the legendary Hakushu 18yo, a single malt increasingly difficult to obtain (and afford). Hakushu represents Suntory's "Speyside" style, while I generally view Yamazaki as their "Sherry-Highland" counterpart. I've sampled Hakushus before and enjoyed them, but I held a preconception that I'd encounter intense fruitiness with no particularly remarkable or stunning aromatic or tasting notes. Presented at 43% ABV with a solid, burnished gold hue. On the nose, it's EXTREMELY fruity. Yellow apples; very floral, very fruity. A sophisticated dulce de leche note and elegant vanilla, with subtle citrus undertones emerging. Oranges, hay, fruit salad, fresh fruits. It resembles an aged Speyside; highly aromatic, abundant with fruits. Cranberries. Upon the initial taste, red fruits and lemon appeared. The aroma is delightful. Everything is well-executed, intricate, and inviting. Kiwi. After a second nosing, the aroma was incredible. It's like smelling a bowl filled with fresh, tropical, and classic fruits. While not my preferred aromatic profile, I must acknowledge its excellence. Fruits mingled with toffee and dulce de leche. On the palate, it's much more "grounded" and doesn't fulfill the nose's promise. Apples and spices. It's spicy the moment it hits your tongue. The spiciness is pleasant. Subtle vanilla. It possesses a spicy character but isn't overwhelmingly so; in fact, you could savor it for extended periods. Pears, toffee, and red apples. The finish, as described, should be peaty, but I genuinely didn't detect it. Dry, hay, dried leaf, not very spicy, it leaves your mouth feeling dry, akin to licking an envelope before sealing it. A faint, very subtle ginger is present. There's a ghostly chocolate sensation lingering throughout. I don't perceive it as smoky or peaty, but after three sips, a robust, long-lasting ginger emerged. In summary, this spirit is unmistakably the dominant component in the Hibiki blend; it shares the same essence throughout. It's sophisticated. It's expertly crafted. Only the nose is complex; it certainly functions well and is highly enjoyable, but my personal taste leans away from intensely fruity drams. That said, any score below 90 would be unjust for something this accomplished, yet I also feel a score above 90 would be an overestimation. It's clear why it's so beloved; it's a pleasurable drink, and my score of an accurate 90 out of 100 reflects this. Cheers!

Nose: Melon, lychee, Mizunara oak, ripe berries, cinnamon, rosemary. Palate: Initial juicy berries, green apples, ginger spice, lime juice, Mizunara oak. Finish: A long, juicy finish with green apples, a good amount of spice, and a squeeze of lime juice. Mmm. Wonderful whisky. The nose is superb, with my favorite notes being the green apple and melon. The palate is exquisite, light, floral, and spicy. The green apples are prominent again, alongside ginger spice and zesty lime. The finish is also very good—surprisingly long, which is not typical of my experiences with other Japanese whiskies. I believe I enjoy this more than Yama 18, which is significant. Absolutely delicious, very complex, and easy to drink.

A completely different level from the 12... sweeter and deeper with taste and aroma. I had this side by side with the Hakushu 12 and I neglected the 12, LOL. It made the 12 seem like child's play. Nose: As soon as you open and pour, you can smell the sweet, beautiful honeydew melon and caramel green apple aroma - it fills the room! Taste: Candied citrus hits your tongue. The melon and green apple continue with less burn than the 12 - not alcohol burn but barrel burn. Finish: Honey coating sticks around in your mouth. Had me smacking my tongue and mouth for a minute. Has a sweet aftertaste of tobacco - kind of like after you smoke a really good cigar, but not ash, a honeyed, refreshing smoke.

Suntory's second distillery, found near the Japanese Alps, has consistently lived in Yamazaki's shadow. As expected, Hakushu 18 tries to emulate its well-known sibling. Hints of sherry temper the floral notes and smoky wisps, while the aroma beautifully reveals green papaya, incense, and a subtle plum wine character. The palate is rich and robust, merging fruit, herb, and spice with a slight touch of peat. The semi-dry finish is defined by lingering spices, licorice, and a return of freshness. A commendable silver medal for an excellent pour! RATING: 4.0/5.0 stars ≙ 88 pts → FIRST-CLASS

The brief summary of my notes – "Islay Lite". The detailed version... wafting from my careful pour were hints of bandages and smoke. Sipping it yielded sweetness, peat, almost a spiced rum character. Great smooth finish, long and pleasant, well-balanced and well-rounded. Excellent! If you find Islay scotches to be too intense, this is probably just right.

We've had this bottle for four years. It was acquired due to a miscalculation of currency exchange rates at the airport and was considerably more expensive than anticipated 🤣 Nevertheless, it's delicious, smooth, smoky yet mellow, and among the finest spirits I'm likely to encounter, reserved for special moments. I probably won't purchase another.