Hakushu Whisky

The Verdant Japanese Whisky

From Suntory’s mountain forest distillery established in 1973, nestled deep in Mt. Kaikomagatake, Hakushu Whisky is the delicious and gently smoky single malt whisky with herbal notes that is the revelation of Japanese single malts.

The Hakushu Range

Straight from the untouched forests, soft and crisp waters and mountains of the Southern Japanese Alps, it is no wonder that Hakushu is a "green and crisp" whisky. Created by the dream for a new type of whisky of Keizo Saji, the second master blender, the unique taste made in distinct four seasons in high altitude is praised by the most curious whisky connoisseurs and lovers of gastronomy. The Hakushu range of whiskies, with their crisp and vibrant feel, each one unique in a single malt whisky, will enliven your palate and liberate your senses.

Man in Suntory Whisky uniform walking down row of oak barrels at Hakushu Distillery

Marking 70 Years of Japanese Single Malts

Suntory Hakushu Single Malt Whisky was released in 1994, in celebration of 70 years of whisky making at the House of Suntory Whisky. Hakushu captures the distinctive profile of Hakushu distillery, which is represented by its light, fruity and slightly sweet smoky taste. Through the careful blending of a variety of casks at Hakushu distillery, this uniquely delicious and verdant single malt is born.

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Hakushu Distillery: Where Inspiration Continues

The Hakushu Distillery was founded half a century after Yamazaki. Keizo Saji, the second Master Blender, inherited his father’s quest to push the boundaries of what a Japanese whisky could be. He had searched all over Japan for high quality water that would produce the most delicately aromatic whisky. After searching with tenacity to the headstreams of rivers and deep into rugged mountains, he found Hakushu.

The Hakushu Distillery is one of the highest distilleries in the world, built amidst the deepest forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps. The majestic forest that surrounds the Hakushu Distillery shelters an abundance of plant varieties reflecting the many expressions of Japanese nature. The malt whiskies born here are simultaneously blessed with a very particular microclimate, verdant forests, and water offering a rare softness only made possible by filtration of rain and snow through thousand-year-old granite rocks.

Explore the Distillery

Bright orange leaves against the dark wood of the Hakushu Whisky Distillery building

Whisky Making at Hakushu

The water and environment at the Hakushu distillery is vastly different to that of the Yamazaki distillery; as is the creation process. At fermentation, artisanal craftsmen use wooden washbacks to encourage maturation by retaining heat in the cool air at the distillery. A variety of pot stills and casks are carefully chosen to suit the high elevation and climate of Hakushu, ultimately producing an array of single malt whiskies with a variety of characters that reflect its surroundings.

Green bottle pouring Suntory Hakushu Whisky into a tulip glass

Green bottle of Suntory Hakushu Whisky against light curtain

Designed with Purpose

The solid bottle shape symbolizes the identity of Japanese whisky and its flavor, while top of the bottle echoes the shape of a pot still – a nod to tradition of craftsmanship at the root of our heritage.