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.
This expression was launched in 2020 with a refined formula and a new label design to represent the brand. While remaining a smooth, harmonious malt blend, the formula also features an exquisite balance of elegant sweetness, complexity and depth, as well as a rich, smoky mouthfeel.
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.