Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve

Hakushu is one of two Suntory-owned distilleries that produce single malt Japanese whisky (the other being Yamazaki), built in 1973 in the foothills of Mount Kaikomagatake, and a second site was built in 1981. While the original site continued to be used for some time, now all production happens at the new site. It boasts 12 stills of different shapes and sizes (all direct-fired), allowing it to produce a variety of whisky styles.

The aim of Hakushu was to create a distinctly different whisky to that from Yamazaki, achieved by its use of mountain water in the mashing process which gives it a more crisp, gentle flavour. The Distiller's Reserve single malt is a no-age-statement expression that uses both lightly-peated and heavily-peated malts, capturing the smoky, herbaceous nature of Hakushu.