Suntory The Hakushu Peated Malt 18 Years Old 100th Anniversary Edition (70cl, 48%)

This is an 18 year old peated malt from Hakushu, issued to mark the 100th anniversary of House of Suntory. It is bottled at 48% in a 70cl bottle. The Hakushu blenders work with peat and soften the palate with local mountain water filtered through ancient granite. The smoke is gentle rather than dominant, in a Japanese style that is more complex than forceful. It opens with a spicy, peppery welcome, followed by a slow wave of smoke that deepens to reveal herbaceous notes and green fruity undertones.