The Hakushu 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, Japan

From the misty forests of Japan’s Southern Alps, Hakushu 12 Year is a single malt that captures the essence of its mountain home. Distilled at Suntory’s renowned Hakushu distillery, this whisky is a breath of fresh alpine air—crisp, herbal, and subtly smoky. Aged for 12 years in American white oak, Hakushu 12 balances bright orchard fruits with refreshing mint and gentle peat, making it one of the most elegant and complex Japanese single malts on the market.

Product Details

• Distillery: Hakushu (Suntory)
• Type & Region: Single Malt Whisky, Japan
• Alcohol: 43% ABV
• Composition: 100% malted barley
• Aging: 12 years in virgin American white oak

Tasting Notes

Jennifer Maglieri, Co-owner of Wine Dispensary, describes the Hakushu 12 Year as a deep breath of mountain air—cool, crisp, and laced with the scent of pine needles and wild herbs. The nose is pure vibrancy, bursting with green apple, fresh basil, and sweet pear, all wrapped in a whisper of smoke. On the palate, it’s like biting into ripe kiwi and honeyed pear, with a refreshing wave of mint that keeps everything light and lifted. A touch of cocoa powder adds an unexpected depth, giving way to a long, graceful finish of green tea and delicate smoke. It’s bright, it’s fresh, and it lingers just enough—like the last wisps of fog drifting through a cedar forest.

Distiller’s Background

Hakushu Distillery, founded in 1973 by Suntory’s second-generation master blender Keizo Saji, was built with a vision of crafting whisky influenced by Japan’s pristine natural environment. Surrounded by dense forests and fed by the pure waters of Mount Kaikomagatake, Hakushu’s location lends its whisky a signature crispness and delicate herbal complexity. As part of the Suntory family—alongside Yamazaki and Hibiki—Hakushu represents a lighter, fresher style of Japanese whisky, with a whisper of smoke and an undeniable mountain purity.

Serving Suggestions

Hakushu 12 Year is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its vibrant character. For a traditional Japanese experience, try it in a Mizuwari—a refreshing highball with chilled still water—or a Torys Highball, where it's mixed with soda over ice for an effervescent, citrusy lift. Pair it with sushi, grilled seafood, or aged cheeses for an unforgettable tasting experience.