Hakushu 1981 Kioke Shikomi

The Hakushu distillery was established in 1973, in a spectacular setting at the foot of Mount Kaikomagatake in Yamanashi Prefecture, engulfed by a forest. A key factor in the decision to select the location was the pure water source. This is so popular that Suntory bottles their mineral water (Tennensui) on site. The distillery proved so successful for Suntory that in 1981 a second site was established nearby; the original is now referred to as Hakushu West and the new arrival, Hakushu East. The site is around 200 hectares in size, so there is plenty of room and at one time, Hakushu was the largest distillery in the world. The distillery utilises wooden washbacks made from Douglas Fir rather than steel and their collection of stills is unique for being non-uniform. At the last count, there were 18 stills; a room full of different shapes and sizes with different heating sources and lyne arms. There are also column stills on-site to produce grain whisky. Another attractive feature is that the locate climate also results in a more Scottish style maturation and evaporation, with only 2-3% annually. Hakushu is scarce on the shelves, like all Japanese whisky, but if you have the chance to try it, please do!