Japanese

This single malt whisky features a full and mature nose with an essence of the cask reminiscent of cacao nuts. It is characterized by a deep, mature sweetness and richness that expand softly and fragrantly, and by the soft and smooth tang of its palate.

This single malt whisky from the Yoichi distillery, stored and matured for 12 years or more, is characterized by the aroma of aged casks tinged with gentle peat and a rich and long-lasting taste.

The nose is immediately fruity (peach) and pastry (frangipane) then reveals notes of oak and warm spices (cinnamon). It extends a slight peat. Lively, fresh, it confirms the nose while being more peppery and reveals pleasant shades of walnut. Peat is about it a little more marked return. Right and frank, it extends on salt and oak.

Deep gold in colour. The bouquet shows ripe pear, dried mint, oregano, hint of smoke. The palate is evident of jasmine, mango, quince, menthol. The finish is long, pleasantly smoked, hint of bitterness.

Japan's premier peated whisky distillery, Hakushu, has finally brought their heavily-peated expression to the UK. We're not talking Ardbeg or Laphroaig peat here because “heavy” for the delicate and elegant flavors of Hakushu means a level of smoke more along the lines of Talisker — there's still richness and soft fruit along with the smoke. The balance in the whisky is what stands out the most. The smoke is bright on the entry, but it slowly morphs into a saline and almost minerally white wine flavor (like a Sancerre) as it makes its way to the finish.

It’s a delightful mixture of freshly squeezed oranges, plums, honey and green apples. For the first five sips, a new flavor was revealed on the palate in a distinct way. This spirit has plenty of oranges, peaches, green apple and a hint of coconut. Since the palate was so rich in flavor, the finish left a bit to be desired. Suntory has outdone themselves, this is a truly exquisite whisky.