Here’s another Japanese whisky selected by Dave Broom and bottled to celebrated the 10th Anniversary of Whisky-Live in 2010.
Hakushu 12 yo 1997 (56%, OB for Whisky-Live 2009, hogshead BJ41521)
Nose: dry flowers, hay and polished oak. Then soft fruits (apple, pear, whitecurrant). A little vanilla and mint.
Mouth: sweet and fruity (candy sugar, pineapple sweets, peaches) backed by spices (vanilla, ginger, pepper) and fresh oak. There’s a light floral element as well. Clean, sweet and quite simple.
Finish: medium length, half fruity / half spicy.
This is a youthful and modern Japanese whisky. As often, the oak (nice and fresh) and spices play a big role. Not too far from Scotch matured in first fill casks or Virgin oak. Around € 130.
Score: 81/100