HAKUSHU 18 years 100th Anniversary Edition

The Hakushu 18 Year Old Peated Malt Limited Edition from the House of Suntory is a blend of meticulously selected malt whiskies, all aged for a minimum of 18 years, specially crafted to celebrate the House’s centenary. Nestling in the heart of Mount Kaikomagatake, the Hakushu distillery was founded in 1973 by Keizo Saji, a second-generation Master Blender. The challenge was to work with peat – a bold move made possible by the region’s unique terroir, climate and exceptional mountain water (filtered by rocks). (filtered through granite rocks), which together soften the characteristic smoky taste of peated whisky. The term ‘peated’ is most often associated with Scotch whiskies, but this liquid reveals another type of peated whisky, known as ‘Japanese Smoky’. Refined and elegant, this century-old Hakushu Peated Malt puts peated whisky in a new light. The smoke here is less strong, never dominant and, in typical Japanese style, more complex and softer. What stands out is the balance of flavours – a spicy, peppery welcome, a slow wave of pure smoke that deepens as it reveals its herbal notes and green fruity nuances. The design of the bottle is composed of shades of dark green and light flecks of gold to reflect the green and smoky, yet delicate, flavours. and smoky, yet delicate, flavours of the whisky.