Suntory Hakushu 12 Year Old

Nose, Taste, Finish and Balance are graded out of 2.5 each:

Nose: A composed multi-layered wave of sweet hay and rich malt, followed by apple and burnt sugar. At 12 years old, it still smells fresh and springlike, unsurprisingly therefore it reminds me a little of the Springbank 10 year-old. This has a slightly sweeter aroma to it though, and with all the elements so perfectly balanced on the nose, it is a most elegant and inviting Japanese welcome. 2.0

Taste: The smooth caress of rich malt, followed by a softened wave of grounded black pepper. It is a seemingly visceral combination but one that is delivered with effortless grace and composure. The sweetness of the barley seems to wrap itself around the tongue, and in doing so cushions the arrival of the spice, so that it nestles softly and luxuriously on the palate. Very skilful stuff indeed. 2.0

Finish: Soft apple-flavoured incense smoke on the finish, as the mouth is coated in a light layer of honey-flavoured wax, that's seems to cling for just the right length of time, before offering the spicy peppercorns the final say. 2.0

Balance: A fantastically well choreographed dance, with the malt, pepper, honey and apples offering elegant waves of weaving motion and a lightness of foot that is quite sublime. If Suntory's more famous 12-year-old single malt offering, the Yamakazi, could be deemed the crowd-pleasing hit show in town, the Yakushu is certainly the more sophisticated and complex performance, and for my money a more rewarding night out. 2.5

Find where to buy Suntory Hakushu whisky