Hakushu 18 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky

Hakushu 18 Year Old is a single malt from Suntory's forest distillery. Hakushu was established in 1973 high on the slopes of Mt Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps, surrounded by forest with its own microclimate; Suntory calls it one of the highest distilleries in the world. Rain and snow filter through ancient granite to give the site its very soft water, and the house style is crisp, herbal and gently smoky. Suntory says the 18 adds the depth of long maturation: fragrant wood, ripe fruit, honey and lingering smoke.Suntory's notesDeep gold. On the nose, ripe pear, dried mint and oregano with a hint of smoke. The palate brings jasmine, mango, quince and a cooling touch of menthol, and the finish is long, pleasantly smoked, with a hint of bitterness. Suntory's page lists a Gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge 2025.Hakushu or Yamazaki?Both are Suntory single malts, but they taste of different places. Yamazaki, at the foot of Mt Tennozan, leans towards rich fruit, sherry and Mizunara spice. Hakushu, in the mountains, is fresher and greener, with herbs and a light wisp of smoke. If you like Hakushu's style, step up to Hakushu 25; if you want more smoke, the limited Hakushu 18 Peated Malt turns it up.ServingNeat in a nosing glass, at room temperature, is the best way to meet it first. On a warm day it also makes a superb highball: a little Hakushu over plenty of ice, topped with chilled soda water and a sprig of mint.StorageKeep it upright, away from heat and light. Once opened, enjoy it within a year or two so the herbal top notes stay fresh.Browse every bottle in our Japanese whisky collection.Delivered Australia-wide. Standard delivery is $9.99 in NSW and $15 to the rest of Australia, free on orders of $200 or more with the code FREEDELIVERY, and Express is $20.