Hakushu – 18 Year Old Peated Malt 100th Anniversary Edition (48%)

This is an 18 year old peated malt from the Hakushu distillery, released for Suntory's 100th anniversary in 2023. It is bottled at 48% and was made in an edition of 2000 bottles. The whisky was matured in Mizunara oak, the wood that gives this release its character. Hakushu sits in the southern Japanese Alps in Yamanashi. The nose is led by sage and ripe green apples, with a hint of pineapple. On the palate, smoky undertones carry herbs, grapefruit and acacia honey. The finish is clean and smoky, with fresh green citrus.