Knocks the Yamazaki into a cocked hat. I’ve lived here in Japan for almost 30 years and tried a fair few Japanese whiskies in that time. For me Hakushu makes the best of the lot, though Yoichi (Nikka) runs it close. Crisp, clean, a decent touch of fruit, especially apple, but also pear and weirdly, gooseberries, the delicate peat accentuates the malt... perfect. Sadly, the 12 yo is now practically impossible to find, and even the nas version turns up only once in awhile, while the prices for all Japanese whiskies are getting a bit silly. But this Hakushu is the one you really should search out. I actually rate this above the 12yo for its crystal clarity and precision. Stunning, really!