Hakushu Distiller's Reserve

Good but nowhere near the 12 year. I paid somewhere around $100 total including tax etc to get this shipped to me. I ain’t paying $200 for a 12 year, sorry Hakushu 12… I’ve tried the 12 year and it’s excellent. One of my favorites for sure but I wouldn’t pay more than $70-80 for a 12 year(Edradour 12 Caledonia being the exception). This distillers reserve has a pretty nose but it’s young. Citrus mist with distant peat instantly hits you. An alcohol note is also very present hinting that the dram is young. Mint and licorice along with a vegetable note. The palate provides the same stuff as the nose with a hint of vanilla and is fast gone. I’d give this somewhere in the mid to low 80 point mark like an 83. Definitely not worth the money I paid but I was craving Hakushu after some period of time. Maybe in about 5-10 years this will be regularly available worldwide at $40-60. At $40-60 max id pick it up. A lot of good stuff coming soon from Japan especially after 2024 when the rules take full affect.

Strong fruit sent on the nose with a small lingering spice aroma through the mouth

I think I like this even better than the Nikka from the barrel I just tried

Barely smokey, fruity, floraly

91点。微かにピーティでリンゴのような爽やかな香り。山崎よりも多面性があり、華やかさとまったりとしたオイリーさ。ミディアムボディ。