Hakushu distillery

Introduction to Hakushu

A distillery nestled in nature

Hakushu is a renowned Japanese whisky distillery located in the lush forests at the foot of the Japanese Southern Alps in Yamanashi Prefecture. Known as the “Forest Distillery,” Hakushu stands as a testament to Japanese precision and craftsmanship, producing whiskies that capture the essence of its pristine natural surroundings.

The distillery’s unique location at an elevation of 700 meters in a bird sanctuary creates an ideal environment for whisky production, with pure mountain water and clean, crisp air contributing to its distinctive character.

Why we have a soft spot for Hakushu

At Vault of Spirits, we treasure distilleries that connect deeply with their environment, and Hakushu exemplifies this philosophy perfectly. The distillery’s commitment to environmental harmony and sustainable practices resonates with our values.

What truly sets Hakushu apart is its ability to capture Japan’s natural beauty in liquid form – creating whiskies with delicate smokiness, herbal notes, and a refreshing character that perfectly reflects its forest home.

The History behind Hakushu

Origin and development

Hakushu was founded in 1973 by Suntory, one of Japan’s most prestigious spirits companies. It was established as a sister distillery to the famous Yamazaki, created to expand Suntory’s whisky-making capabilities and develop different flavor profiles.

The distillery was significantly expanded in 1981 with the addition of a second stillhouse (Hakushu East), making it one of the largest malt whisky distilleries in the world at that time. Today, after some consolidation, Hakushu continues to be a pivotal player in Japan’s whisky renaissance on the global stage.

The people behind

Hakushu’s current master blenders follow in the footsteps of the legendary Shinjiro Torii, Suntory’s founder, and Masataka Taketsuru, the father of Japanese whisky. The current team preserves their legacy while pushing boundaries with innovative approaches to whisky making.

The distillery staff maintain an almost meditative focus on quality, with a deep respect for nature that influences every aspect of production – from water sourcing to cask selection.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Hakushu begins with imported malted barley, which undergoes careful mashing and fermentation. The distillery houses various still types and shapes, allowing for the creation of diverse spirit characters.

What makes Hakushu unique is its use of remarkably soft, pure mountain water from the Ojira River and nearby springs. This water, filtered through granite layers over decades, imparts a distinct mineral quality and purity to the whisky.

Some batches incorporate a delicate peated malt influence, creating a gentle smokiness that differs dramatically from its Islay counterparts.

Maturation and aging

Hakushu whiskies mature in a variety of casks, including American white oak, sherry butts, and Japanese mizunara oak. The forest location creates unique maturation conditions, with cooler temperatures and higher humidity than many other distilleries worldwide.

The mountain climate causes slower, more gentle aging, allowing for the development of complex, balanced flavors while retaining the whisky’s freshness and clarity.

Selected Products from Hakushu

Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve – An introduction to the house style

This non-age-statement expression offers an excellent gateway into Hakushu’s character. Fresh and green with notes of mint, cucumber, and gentle smoke, balanced with subtle citrus and a light, crisp mouthfeel.

The Distiller’s Reserve showcases master blending at its finest, combining young and mature whiskies to create a refreshing yet complex dram.

Hakushu 12 Year Old – A whisky connoisseur’s delight

The flagship aged expression delivers a more developed character with enhanced complexity. Expect a harmonious blend of fresh green apple, soft peat, jasmine, and a distinctive herbal character with a long, clean finish.

This 12-year-old bottling has gained cult status among whisky enthusiasts globally, particularly after becoming more scarce in recent years due to Japan’s whisky shortage.

Visiting the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Hakushu offers guided tours that take visitors through the picturesque grounds and production facilities. The experience includes viewing the massive stillhouse, the crystal-clear water source, and the peaceful aging warehouses nestled among the trees.

The tasting session afterward typically includes several expressions that showcase the breadth of Hakushu’s portfolio, from fresh and youthful spirits to more mature, complex offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hakushu?

Hakushu is a Japanese whisky distillery owned by Suntory, producing single malt whiskies with a distinctive fresh, green, and lightly peated character. It’s known for its pristine mountain location and the way it incorporates elements of its forest surroundings into its whisky profile.

Where is Hakushu located?

The distillery is located in the forests of Mount Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps, Yamanashi Prefecture, about 2 hours from Tokyo. The natural setting at 700 meters elevation plays a crucial role in both the production process and the final character of its whiskies.

What characterizes Hakushu whisky?

Hakushu is particularly known for its fresh, green character with delicate smoky notes, herbal complexity, and exceptional clarity. The whisky often features notes of fresh fruits, mint, gentle smoke, and a distinctive crispness that reflects its mountain spring water source.

Where can I buy whisky from Hakushu?

You can find selected bottles from Hakushu at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate both core expressions and limited releases from this prestigious Japanese distillery, ensuring you have access to these increasingly sought-after whiskies.