Suntory Hokuto Hokuto 12 years old Pure Malt

Suntory arguably designed this Hokuto 12 Year Old Pure Malt in response to Nikka’s Taketsuru Pure Malt. This Hokuto appeared in 2004, but has been discontinued since 2010, despite the big success. Getting a bottle of this is thus not an easy feat. This pure malt consists of mostly Hakushu and just a touch of Yamazaki and was meant as an ‘easy drinking whisky’. The byline at the said that this was the ideal drink to make the switch from shochu to whisky. The nose is fresh, sweet and fruity on banana, churros (!), lime, pineapple on the BBQ and – please do not laugh – whipped cream. What a lovely, fresh, summery combination indeed. The smokiness gives it depth, despite being subtle. The whole is quite integrated. It has a nice, full body that is silky soft upon arrival, but quickly sports some oak with loads of lime juice. Pineapple returns. The peat is more outspoken now. The oak translates into a good spiciness, including incense. Must be some mizunara, I suppose. While the finish is not very long and even quite dry, it pleases and makes me long for another one of these. Surprisingly good Japanese malt, that differs enough from both Hakushu and Yamazaki to be interesting. Pity it is not being made anymore. I would love to have another bottle of this.