A perennial favourite and a must-try for anyone interested in discovering Japanese whisky. Hakushu is owned by Suntory, founders of the first Japanese distillery, Yamazaki. The original Hakushu distillery was built in 1973, with another distillery building called Hakushu Higashi (east) added in 1981. Tasting Notes by Dave Broom Nose Light and grassy and slightly stony to start. In time there’s sweet persimmon and nut. Palate Pure and very clean. Sweet lime, green fruits then a hint of smoke and a buttery meadow sweet/chamomile note. Light to the point of fragility. Finish Honey, lemon and a little ginger. Comment Delicacy to the fore. A breakfast dram if there were ever one. These notes are reproduced from Whisky Magazine Issue 64 Tasting Notes by Martine Nouet Nose Fruity and sweet. Ripe cherry plums, almond milk, acacia honey. Palate Smooth and velvety. A caressing feel, quite thick. Good balance. As fruity as on the nose. Plums with a hint of prunes. Finish Medium, with a pleasant dry spiciness. Soothes down on an almondy note. Comment A perfectly balanced dram. Fruit and spices mingle gently.