Hakushu

Hakushu is Suntory’s Highland single malt Japanese whisky, distilled at the Hakushu Distillery deep in the forests of the Southern Japanese Alps at 700 meters elevation since 1973. Pure snowmelt water, cool mountain air, and a range of pot still shapes produce an exceptionally fresh, herbal, and gently smoky house style — unlike any other Japanese single malt. The mountain forest environment imparts a delicate green character to the spirit that Yamazaki, Suntory’s lowland distillery, cannot replicate.

The 12 Year is the accessible benchmark — fresh herbs, sweet pear, green apple, light smoke, and a clean mineral finish. The 18 Year Peated Malt is a rare limited release of exceptional complexity that sells out immediately upon release. The 25 Year is one of the world’s most collectible whisky expressions, produced in extremely limited quantities annually.

Browse all Japanese whisky and rare and allocated bottles at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Hakushu different from other Japanese single malts?

Location and elevation. Distilled in the forests of the Southern Japanese Alps at 700 meters, using pure snowmelt water and cool mountain air. The environment produces an exceptionally fresh, herbal, and gently smoky character that distinguishes Hakushu from the richer, more fruit-and-oak-forward profile of lowland Japanese distilleries. The green, forest-air quality of Hakushu is uniquely its own.

Is Hakushu 12 Year still available?

Hakushu 12 Year was discontinued in 2018 due to whisky stock shortages and relaunched in limited quantities in 2022. Availability varies — it sells quickly when it appears. Wooden Cork posts allocation as it arrives.

What is the Hakushu 18 Year Peated Malt?

A rare limited release using heavily peated malt in the distillation — unusual for Hakushu, which is known primarily for its light, fresh, and gently smoky profile. The Peated Malt delivers significant campfire smoke layered over the distinctive mountain freshness of the distillery. Released in very limited quantities and sells out immediately.