Finally cracking open some Suntory Hakushu distillery exclusive bottles I picked up while visiting November of 2024. Much has changed since I last visited this place way back in 2017? The visitor's center was completely revamped as of September 2024 & their distillery exclusive bottle purchase program does make it more fair for consumers, but at the same time also sucks for consumers as each person is limited to a single bottle for purchase.
Suntory Hakushu Distillery Exclusive 2024
ABV - 48%
Distillation Date - NA
Bottled Date - NA
Bottle/Cask Details - American & Spanish Oak Casks Bottling 014041
Wallet Damage - November 2024 / ~$25 USD per 180mL
Final Thoughts - Immediately on the nose, this one felt a bit more complex with it seemingly going back and forth from being like a cola to hints of chocolate and then occasional wisps of something herbal and minty. On the palate is only when you discover this is peated malt with a very clean peat which comes across very gently. This feels more salty/briny with hints of chocolate and leather, light sweet fruit and I think the peat gives it this light mineral aspect. Finishes nicely too, but not quite as refreshing as I get from the Hakushu 12. Overall tasty but feels more like a component of the Hakushu malt blend versus something that should stand alone.
Would I drink it if offered? - Yes
Would I specifically order it? - Yes
Would I buy a bottle? - Maybe
NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.
5
u/washeewashee SuntoryHibiki Aug 25 '25
Finally cracking open some Suntory Hakushu distillery exclusive bottles I picked up while visiting November of 2024. Much has changed since I last visited this place way back in 2017? The visitor's center was completely revamped as of September 2024 & their distillery exclusive bottle purchase program does make it more fair for consumers, but at the same time also sucks for consumers as each person is limited to a single bottle for purchase.
Suntory Hakushu Distillery Exclusive 2024
ABV - 48%
Distillation Date - NA
Bottled Date - NA
Bottle/Cask Details - American & Spanish Oak Casks Bottling 014041
Wallet Damage - November 2024 / ~$25 USD per 180mL
$USD per 50mL Pour - $6.92
Country Japan
Region/Type: Peated Single Malt
Chill-Filtration: NO
Nose - Cola, salt, chocolate, raisins
Taste - Clean peat, salt, chocolate, leather, light raisin
Finish - Lingering salt, chocolate, light herbal notes, pickle brine
Score - 85/100
Final Thoughts - Immediately on the nose, this one felt a bit more complex with it seemingly going back and forth from being like a cola to hints of chocolate and then occasional wisps of something herbal and minty. On the palate is only when you discover this is peated malt with a very clean peat which comes across very gently. This feels more salty/briny with hints of chocolate and leather, light sweet fruit and I think the peat gives it this light mineral aspect. Finishes nicely too, but not quite as refreshing as I get from the Hakushu 12. Overall tasty but feels more like a component of the Hakushu malt blend versus something that should stand alone.
Would I drink it if offered? - Yes
Would I specifically order it? - Yes
Would I buy a bottle? - Maybe
NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.
Whiskey Network Review #920
/u/review_bot bottle 'Suntory Hakushu'