JOSEPH DROUHIN FLEURIE HOSPICE DE BELLEVILLE 2021 – 750ML

SUNTORY Hakushu 12 Year Old. Hakushu is the Japanese connoisseurs choice. The distillery, which was built in 1973, is set amidst spectacular pine forests close to Japanese Alps. Hakushu 12 years old has aroma of pears, crushed leafy bracken a hint of citrus. You can enjoy subtle smokiness and the sweet poached pears on the palate.

The Distiller’s Reserve is a new single malt from the Japanese distillery of Hakushu. The whisky has been constructed to showcase the qualities and characteristics of Hakushu’s young lightly peated single malts. These have been accentuated by blending with older heavily peated malt and aged (all of which are 18+ years old) American oak matured whisky. All the casks used have been hand selected by Shinji Fukuyo, who is only the fourth Chief Blender in owner Suntory’s 90 year history.

Hakushu is located on the slopes of Mount Kaikomagatake in the Yamanashi Prefecture, which lies to the northwest of Tokyo. It sits 700 metres (2,300 feet) above sea level. The location is reflected in the name, as Hakushu means ‘forest distillery’ in Japanese. As mentioned, it is owned and operated by Suntory and was opened in 1973, exactly 50 years after they opened their pioneering first distillery at Yamazaki. The current production capacity is three million litres per year. In addition, a new ‘experimental’ grain distillery has recently started operating on the site.

The Distiller’s Reserve joins the 12 years old expression to form a core range. They will be occasionally joined by limited editions, as has happened in the past. Suntory recommend drinking it neat or in a highball with ice and soda water. The Distiller’s Reserve is bottled at 43% ABV and will per bottle. It will be available very shortly in specialist whisky retailers.

Yamazaki Whisky is Suntory’s flagship single malt whisky, from Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery, multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas. From Yamazaki was born the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt whisky.

There is a bright tropical fruit note that is reminiscent of a sunny, summer day picnic, with pineapple, citron, honeysuckle and pine sap aromas appearing before dried fruit notes begin to appear.

Spiritual and deep, made at Yamazaki Distillery, the soul-place of Japanese whisky, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. Today, Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki Whisky is not only the No.1 single malt whisky in Japan, but is enjoyed in more than 35 countries.

What awards have Yamazaki 12 Year Old won?

• Gold Award (International Spirits Challenge, 2018)
• Gold Award (World Whiskies Awards 2017)
• Double Gold Medal Award (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2013)
• Gold Award (International Spirits Challenge, 2018