Although Hakushu 12 doesn't have the caliber of Yamazaki, it is certainly a characterful and distinctly different Japanese single malt. Featuring floral and grassy notes, the aroma is quite complex with fresh herbs, heather honey and citrus fruits. A thin layer of delicate peat smoke is well-integrated. On the palate, the fruity-sweet arrival turns into zesty but rather mild peatiness, dominated by herbal freshness. The moderate finish is peppery, slightly dry and leaves with a hint of oak bitterness. Overall, a harmonic and nicely composed malt with character. RATING: 3.9/5.0 stars ≙ 86 pts → FIRST-CLASS [-]