Hello, this is the Peaty editorial team.
Hakushu is a single malt whisky produced in Japan.
The Hakushu Distillery is often referred to as the “Forest Distillery” due to its rare natural surroundings in the world.
The whisky produced there has a refreshing aroma reminiscent of mint and young leaves, along with fruity flavors and a hint of smokiness.
Now, let’s take a closer look at Hakushu.
We will provide information that will be helpful for those who want to learn more about Hakushu or for those who are currently contemplating whether to order or buy it!
POINT
- Hakushu is a Japanese whisky produced by Suntory.
- In addition to the standard expression, Hakushu 12-Year and Hakushu 18-Year are also available (though they can be quite difficult to find).
- As the aging period increases with the 12-Year and 18-Year expressions, the aroma and flavor become more complex.
- The barrels used for aging are made of white oak, which imparts a gentle sweetness to Hakushu.
- The distillery was established in 1973 to commemorate Suntory’s 50th anniversary in whisky production.
- It was newly reopened in October 2023.
When to Buy or Order Hakushu
To everyone reading this article who wants to learn more about Hakushu, I believe many of you are unsure whether to buy a bottle or enjoy it now.
To help with that decision, I would like to provide my perspective on when to buy or order Hakushu based on different scenarios!
Here are the representative expressions in the product list.
History of Hakushu
Next, I will introduce the history of the Hakushu Distillery!
While enjoying the taste of whisky, be sure to learn about its history as well. This will enhance your appreciation of the whisky even more.
Establishment of the Hakushu Distillery
The Hakushu Distillery, which produces Hakushu, is located in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
Situated at the foot of the Southern Alps, the distillery is at an elevation of 700 meters and spans approximately 820,000 square meters of lush nature, which is why it is also known as the “Forest Distillery.”
Surrounded by such great nature, the distillery is said to be a rare presence in the world.
Hakushu has won various awards and has now become a representative single malt whisky of Japan, but the journey to reach this point has been long.
The Hakushu Distillery was completed in 1973. It was established as Suntory’s second distillery, following the Yamazaki Distillery, to commemorate Suntory’s 50th anniversary in whisky production. The first whisky produced at the Hakushu Distillery was released 21 years later, in 1994.
Suntory’s second president, Keizo Saji, wanted to create a whisky with a distinct personality, separate from the Yamazaki Distillery, which was already producing whisky.
The first chief blender, Teruhisa Ohnishi, who was also known as the “Water Hunter,” was entrusted by Keizo Saji to search the country for beautiful water ideal for whisky production.
After several years of searching, they finally found the current location of the Hakushu Distillery.
The natural water, formed over many years in the majestic Southern Alps, is soft water containing moderate minerals, which serves as the foundation supporting the aroma and flavor of Hakushu.
Renewal of the Hakushu Distillery
The Hakushu Distillery was reopened in October 2023 after a major renovation.
The visitor center has also been renewed, with the “granite” used for the exterior walls drawing attention. This is the same type of rock that forms the mountains in the northern part of the Southern Alps, blending with the forest while making the building stand out.
One of the highlights of the renovation is the “Tasting Lounge,” where you can sample whisky.
Outside the large windows, you can enjoy the view of the Hakushu forest while savoring whisky at a leisurely pace. However, please note that the lounge is paid, and reservations are prioritized, so if it’s crowded, you may not be able to enter without a reservation. Be mindful of this!
Current Sales and Popularity of Hakushu
Hakushu has become a popular whisky worldwide due to its refreshing qualities and the depth created by blending various whiskies.
Nowadays, it has become one of those rare bottles that are hard to find in supermarkets or liquor stores, and even the non-age statement version is not easy to come by.
Its popularity has been growing year by year, partly due to the various awards it has won, including those at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), where distilleries from around the world participate.
Here are some of the awards Hakushu has won in the past.
2018 ISC – Trophy (Hakushu 25 Years)
※ IWSC = “International Wine & Spirit Competition”
2018 WWA – World’s Best Single Malt Whisky (Hakushu 25 Years)
2017 ISC – Gold Medal (Hakushu 25 Years)
2016 SWSC – Double Gold Medal (Hakushu 18 Years)
2017 ISC – Gold Medal (Hakushu 18 Years)
2009 IWSC – Gold Medal “Best in Class” (Hakushu 12 Years)
2010 IWSC – Gold Medal “Best in Class” (Hakushu 12 Years)
2011 SWSC – Double Gold Medal (Hakushu 12 Years)
2012 SWSC – Gold Medal (Hakushu 12 Years)
2012 ISC – Gold Medal (Hakushu 12 Years)
2013 SWSC – Double Gold Medal (Hakushu 12 Years)
2014 SWSC – Gold Medal (Hakushu 12 Years)
2016 SWSC – Double Gold Medal (Hakushu 12 Years)
SWSC = “San Francisco World Spirits Competition”
ISC = “International Spirits Challenge”
Additionally, with its refreshing and fruity flavor, Hakushu is a popular whisky that is easy to drink for both women and whisky beginners.
Hakushu Suntory Whisky 100th Anniversary Bottle
In 2023, Suntory Whisky celebrated its 100th anniversary. While Hakushu Distillery was established in celebration of Suntory Whisky’s 50th anniversary, it marks the 50th anniversary of the distillery itself.
The bottle in this picture is a limited edition Hakushu released to commemorate the 100th anniversary. It features an illustration of the Hakushu Distillery surrounded by lush forests. There is also a limited edition bottle for Hakushu 12 Years, each with a different label design.
If you happen to see it, be sure to pick one up!
Hakushu’s Distillation Process Features
Next, let’s introduce the key features of Hakushu’s distillation process!
Each stage of the process involves great attention to detail, resulting in the refreshing yet complex flavor of Hakushu.
Hakushu’s Fermentation Features
Hakushu’s malt is fermented in wooden washbacks, a key feature in creating its deep, signature flavor.
Although wooden fermentation tanks are part of a traditional process that requires more effort, they allow for the influence of lactic acid bacteria and microorganisms, contributing to the unique taste of Hakushu.
Hakushu’s Commitment to Pot Stills
Hakushu places great importance on its pot stills.
Hakushu Distillery uses pot stills of various sizes and shapes.
By utilizing the unique characteristics of each pot still, they are able to produce a wide range of distinct base whiskies, contributing to Hakushu’s diverse flavor profile.
Hakushu’s Commitment to Casks
Just like with the pot stills, Hakushu uses a variety of cask types.
Specifically, they utilize different types such as white oak, sherry casks, and bourbon barrels to create a diverse range of base whiskies.
Creating Diverse Base Whiskies at Hakushu
As explained so far, Hakushu produces a variety of base whiskies by utilizing different elements in the manufacturing process, such as pot stills and casks.
These diverse base whiskies, each with its own unique characteristics, are expertly blended by seasoned blenders to create Hakushu’s refreshing and complex flavor profile.
The Flavor and Product List of Hakushu
Hakushu is characterized by its subtle smokiness and refreshing taste and aroma.
Let’s delve into the distinct features of Hakushu’s three product lines.
- Hakushu (Non-Age)
- Hakushu 12-Year-Old
- Hakushu 18-Year-Old
Hakushu (Non-Age)
The standard Hakushu features a refreshing and fresh aroma reminiscent of mint, with a light and crisp flavor. The finish offers subtle smokiness, sweetness, and a clean sensation, making it a delightful whiskey to enjoy.
The primary aging cask used is white oak.
For those who appreciate refreshing flavors, Hakushu is highly recommended as a highball. The combination of minty aromas and carbonation is exceptional.
Additionally, trying a “Forest Fragrant Highball” by adding mint to your Hakushu highball is also recommended.
It’s also a great pairing with hearty meat dishes as a food accompaniment.
The suggested retail price for Hakushu was 4,500 yen until 2023, but it has increased to 7,000 yen starting in 2024. Despite this, it remains popular and difficult to find at that price.
ポチップHakushu 12-Year-Old
Hakushu 12 Year Old is a whiskey made from aged spirits of 12 years or more.
Due to its longer aging process, it offers deeper aromas and flavors compared to the standard version.
Like the standard version, the primary aging is also done in white oak casks.
It features aromas of green apple and jasmine, with a gentle sweetness and a soft smokiness in the finish.
For those seeking a more refreshing aroma and a fuller sweetness, Hakushu 12 Year Old is best enjoyed slowly as a straight pour in a bar.
The suggested retail price for Hakushu 12 Year Old was 10,000 yen until 2023, but it has increased to 15,000 yen starting in 2024. Similar to the non-age whiskey, it has become difficult to find at that price.
ポチップHakushu 18-Year-Old
Hakushu 18 Year Old is a whiskey made from aged spirits of 18 years or more.
While maintaining the refreshing characteristics of Hakushu, it offers even deeper aromas and smokiness compared to Hakushu 12 Year Old.
You can enjoy aromas reminiscent of milk caramel, sweetness akin to honey, and a finish with pleasant smoky notes combined with scents of ripe fruits.
Hakushu 18 Year Old is also best enjoyed straight to savor its rich aromas and flavors.
Given its substantial sweetness, it pairs wonderfully with desserts for a luxurious post-meal treat.
As of 2024, the suggested retail price for Hakushu 18 Year Old is 55,000 yen. The suggested retail price was 32,000 yen until 2023, but due to scarcity, it has increased. However, it is now rare to find it at the suggested retail price of 55,000 yen.
ポチップOther Limited Edition Products
- Hakushu 25 Year Old
- Hakushu Heavily Peated
- Hakushu Bourbon Barrel
- Hakushu Sherry Cask
- Hakushu Spanish Oak
- Hakushu Highball Can
Hakushu 25 Year Old
Hakushu 25 years is a whisky carefully aged using malt spirits with an age of over 25 years, selected from those that exhibit woody characteristics, strong smokiness, or fruit flavors developed through sherry cask maturation.
It is a rich and deep whisky with both aroma and flavor that provides a satisfying drinking experience.
With a pronounced scent reminiscent of ripe persimmons and chocolate, it features creamy, matured fruit flavors, along with a long-lasting smoky and fruity finish.
For the best experience, it is recommended to enjoy Hakushu 25 years straight at first to fully appreciate its flavor.
As of 2024, the suggested retail price for Hakushu 25 years is 360,000 yen!
This whisky is even harder to find compared to other products in the Product List, so if you come across it at a bar, be sure to give it a try. If you find a bottle, consider yourself incredibly lucky! (As of 2023, it can be found in the 600,000 yen range…)
ポチップHakushu Heavily Peated
Hakushu Heavy Peated is a whiskey made from a select range of heavily peated and smoky raw whiskies from the Hakushu distillery. It has been released in limited quantities several times since 2009.
With only a few thousand bottles available, it is a highly sought-after and rare expression.
This whiskey features a refreshing taste reminiscent of young leaves and mint, combined with a smoky and pleasantly rich flavor.
ポチップHakushu Bourbon Barrel
Hakushu Bourbon Barrel is a whiskey released in limited quantities in 2010, made exclusively from malt whisky aged in white oak barrels previously used for bourbon whiskey.
It features a fruity flavor of green apples and citrus, complemented by a creamy taste reminiscent of vanilla.
ポチップHakushu Sherry Cask
This whiskey was released in a limited quantity of approximately 4,000 bottles in 2012 and is made exclusively from raw whisky matured in Spanish oak barrels that were previously used for sherry cask aging.
It gained immense popularity and was re-released in limited quantities in 2014.
The whiskey features aromas of figs from the sherry cask, a refreshing taste characteristic of Hakushu, and a lingering slightly bitter finish reminiscent of cocoa.
ポチップHakushu Highball Can
Starting from June 6, 2023 (Tuesday), Hakushu Highball cans are scheduled to be released nationwide. This limited edition commemorates the 100th anniversary of Suntory Whisky.
When it comes to Hakushu, it’s all about the highball! I have no doubt that this highball will offer the characteristic aroma, sweetness, and refreshing finish that Hakushu is known for!
Summary
Here’s a summary of Hakushu, one of Japan’s representative brands. As mentioned in the text, factory tours are typically available. It’s a fun tour where you can also purchase distillery-exclusive glasses, so once they resume, be sure to check it out!（Suntory Hakushu Distillery website）
The glasses look like this. I feel like the quality of my water dilution and highball drinks at home will improve with them.
As we entered 2023, it seems that the difficulty of purchasing bottles has decreased. It’s also not hard to find this brand in bars and izakayas. If you come across it, be sure to enjoy it while reading this article!
※ The suggested retail price is sourced from Suntory’s official website.
