Hakushu – 12 Year Old

This is a 12 year old single malt from Hakushu, the second single malt distillery established by Suntory. It sits in the mountains north-west of Tokyo, on 200 acres of forest the company set aside as a natural sanctuary. The style is lively and grassy, with a subtle hint of smoky peat. The nose shows basil, pine needle and green apple. The palate brings sweet pear, mint and kiwi, and the finish carries green tea and a little smoke.