Hakushu 'Distiller's Reserve' Single Malt Whisky

Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve is a crisp, gently smoky single malt from Suntory’s mountain forest distillery in Yamanashi. Crafted with pristine alpine water, wooden washbacks and a mix of lightly and heavily peated malts, it channels cool-green aromas and effortless elegance—fresh, herbal and quietly complex—making a refined, gift-worthy introduction to modern Japanese whisky.

Tasting Notes & Experience

A breeze of peppermint, pine and dew-fresh cucumber leads to melon and green apple. The palate is bright and poised: yuzu, grapefruit and sweet pear lifted by mint and meadow herbs, with fine oak in support. The finish is long and cleansing, a whisper of green tea and gentle smoke dissolving into alpine freshness.

Key Details

• Distillery: The Hakushu Distillery (Suntory)
• Region: Hokuto, Yamanashi, Japan
• Type: Japanese Single Malt Whisky (NAS)
• ABV: 43%
• Volume: 700ml
• Maturation: Vatting of lightly & heavily peated malts matured primarily in American oak, crafted for a fresh, herbal profile
• Serve: Neat, with a splash of water, over a large ice rock, or in a Japanese highball

Cocktail Pairings

Its cool, herbal brightness shines in a Hakushu Highball (well-chilled soda, tall glass, citrus zest). Try a Yuzu Highball for extra lift, or a Mizuwari for a slower, softer serve. A Green Tea Highball adds subtle tannin for food pairing, while a Mint & Cucumber Julep riff echoes Hakushu’s garden-fresh character.

Craftsmanship & Story

Founded in 1973, Hakushu sits over 700m in the Japanese Southern Alps. Exceptionally soft mountain water, wooden washbacks and a variety of still shapes allow Suntory to distil multiple malt styles. Blended from both lightly and heavily peated components, Distiller’s Reserve captures the forested terroir in a graceful, modern house style.

Special Features

Forest-born freshness; gentle, clean smoke; precision blending of peated and non-peated malts; elevated maturation climate for slow development; crisp, food-friendly profile designed for highball culture.

Recognition & Accolades

Praised by judges and drinkers for its balance of freshness, fruit and subtle smoke:

• Winner – Best of Japanese Whisky, Vintage Cellars Awards, 2023
• Gold – International Spirits Challenge, 2024
• Silver – International Spirits Challenge, 2023
• 4.5/5 – The Whisky Exchange (user rating)

These notices highlight Distiller’s Reserve as a benchmark NAS Japanese single malt—clean, herbal and unmistakably Hakushu.

Food Pairings

Exquisite with delicately seasoned dishes: sashimi with yuzu and shiso; prawn or vegetable tempura; grilled chicken yakitori (salt); soba with light dashi; young goat’s cheese or fresh chèvre; cucumber-mint salad with sesame. The whisky’s citrus, mint and soft smoke refresh the palate and complement clean umami.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

A polished, versatile Japanese single malt—ideal for highball lovers, collectors exploring Hakushu’s forest style, and elegant corporate or personal gifting.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast, trackable delivery across New Zealand. Protective packing, premium gift-wrap options and a personal message available at checkout.