Keizo Saji, the second Master Blender, inherited his father's quest to push back the boundaries of what Japanese whisky could be. He had searched all over Japan for high-quality water that would become the most delicately aromatic to produce whisky that people would love. After searching tenaciously in river streams and steep mountains, he found Hakushu.The Hakushu distillery is undoubtedly one of the highest distilleries in the world, built amidst the deepest forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps.
Nose: Complex, with notes of toast, dry peat and twigs. On aeration, the peat becomes more intense, almost animal-like. Exotic fruits (passion fruit, mango) and fresh figs add substance and verve to the aromatic palette.
Mouth: Dynamic, exotic, honeyed (lime blossom) and floral (hyacinth). The mid-palate is deeply rooted (ginseng, gentian), highlighting an extremely saline and refreshing minerality.
Finish: Long and balanced. Peat with chocolate, vanilla and spicy (saffron) accents takes center stage. Intensely, it invites us to savor a delicious plain pound cake. Scents of Havana, wildflowers and black licorice.
Nose: Fruity, apricot, banana supported by creamy vanilla pastry. Apple tea adds depth.
Mouth: Notes from sherry casks deliver a pleasant sweetness of dried plum and hazelnut. The experience continues with delicate fruitiness and acacia honey that adds complexity.
Finish: Delectable with a clean, perfectly controlled finish. A rich, slightly tannic sensation lingers on ripe fruit.
Nose: Tsunuki Ed. 2022 reveals notes of ripe fruit, toffee and vanilla. Mouth: On the palate, there are flavors of oak, spice and honey, with a touch of dried fruit. Finish: The finish is long and warm, leaving subtle notes of pepper and wood.