Hakushu – Distiller's Reserve (70cl, 43%)

Hakushu Distiller's Reserve is a Japanese single malt from the Hakushu distillery, which sits high on Mount Kaikomagatake in the middle of a forest. The surroundings and climate shape the whisky strongly, and it is often called a green whisky. It is bottled at 43% in a 70cl bottle. This expression blends smoky and unsmoky single malts of different vintages, and it carries no age statement. The nose is fruity and herbal, with melon, peppermint and cucumber. On the palate there is tart citrus fruit, a hint of herbs such as thyme and a little smoke. The finish is gently spicy, with fine herbal notes and light smoke.