Hakushu

Hakushu is one of Japan’s most celebrated single malt distilleries, renowned for its fresh, herbal, and delicately smoky style. Located deep in the forests of the Southern Japanese Alps, the distillery was founded in 1973 by Suntory, the same company behind Yamazaki and Hibiki, as part of its mission to create whiskies with distinct regional identities. Often referred to as “the mountain forest distillery,” Hakushu has earned a global following for its elegant, nature-inspired flavour profile.

Location and Terroir

Hakushu sits at an elevation of 700 metres in Yamanashi Prefecture, making it one of the highest whisky distilleries in the world. Surrounded by pristine forest, it benefits from exceptionally pure spring water drawn from the Ojira River, filtered through granite rock over centuries. The cool, humid mountain climate slows maturation, allowing the whisky to develop complexity while retaining a fresh, vibrant character.

The distillery’s remote location also influences its flavour. Seasonal shifts, from snowy winters to humid summers, contribute to subtle changes in cask interaction, giving Hakushu whiskies their nuanced, layered profiles.

Production Style

Hakushu’s stillhouse is equipped with a variety of pot still shapes and sizes, enabling the production of multiple spirit styles. While much of Hakushu’s whisky is unpeated, the distillery also produces lightly peated spirit, lending some expressions a soft, forest-fire smokiness. Fermentation times are carefully managed to enhance fruity and floral esters, while the distillation process preserves the clean, crisp character of the spirit.

Maturation takes place in a mix of American oak ex-bourbon barrels, Spanish oak sherry casks, and Japanese Mizunara oak, each contributing different flavour dimensions.

Core Range and Special Releases

The Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve is the most widely available expression, offering green apple, fresh herbs, peppermint, and a touch of soft smoke. Age-statement releases — such as the Hakushu 12 Year Old, 18 Year Old, and the rare 25 Year Old — are highly sought after, with the older whiskies showing deeper fruit, richer oak influence, and greater complexity. Limited editions, often tied to the distillery’s anniversary or special cask types, are prized by collectors worldwide.

Reputation and Awards

Hakushu whiskies have earned multiple accolades at the International Spirits Challenge and World Whiskies Awards, helping cement Suntory’s reputation as one of the leading whisky producers in the world. Their scarcity outside Japan has only heightened demand, making Hakushu a must-try for serious whisky enthusiasts.

Our Hakushu selection captures the distillery’s mountain freshness, from the approachable Distiller’s Reserve to rare, mature age statements. Whether you’re discovering Japanese whisky for the first time or seeking a refined bottle for your collection, Hakushu offers a taste of Japan’s highland purity, a whisky shaped by nature, crafted with precision, and treasured worldwide.