Hakushu – 12 Year Old Japanese Single Malt Whisky (2018) (70cl)

Hakushu 12 Year Old is a Japanese single malt in a 70cl bottle, from Suntory's distillery in the forests below Mt. Kaikomagatake. The distillery was founded in 1973 in Japan's Southern Alps, at 700 metres above sea level. This is a limited edition. The spirit is peated, then balanced with mountain water. The nose brings toasted barley, a seed and nut loaf, chopped almonds and a little barrel char, with milk chocolate and dried grass adding sweetness. On the palate there is more fruit, though it is not a sweet whisky: rich, herbaceous and grassy, with a waft of smoke. The finish is fairly short, with orange peel and a touch of minerals.