Hakushu 12

[Alexppp]

I like the Hakushu 12 (having some as I type!), but it's a bit pricey for everyday drinking for what it is. Anyone tried the Distiller's Reserve, and if so is it worth it in your opinion? Same question applies to the Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve.

[Whisky Dog]

The 12 year old is very pricey these days, like most Japanese whisky I have looked at the Hakushu Distiller's Reserve and from what I have gathered it isn't far removed from the 12 year old. I was hoping to come across it at a tasting at some point.

[opelfruit]

I love the Hakushu 12, one of my favourite whiskies. Bear in mind that maturation rates in Japan makes it around the same level as you'd expect from an 18yo Scotch. I can still pick one up for £60/£65, which I think is a bargain for the quality you get.

With Japanese whisky the way it is I'm surprised that there is still some hanging around, now we're talking about it I may stock up on a few bottles......


....not had the NAS one yet though.
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"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[Alexppp]

Good point, opel, though you evidently appear to be a bigger fan of it than I am - I do like it as I said and happily have it as an everyday dram, but it's not quite among my very favourites. Age-wise yes, I agree, it's 12 'long' years compared to Scotch whisky.

[rx_evolv]

Right now I have the:

Yamazaki 12
Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve

Hibiki 12
Hibiki 17
Hibiki Japanese Harmony

Yochi 10
Miyagiko 12

Tsuru 17
Taketsuru Pure Melt

Nikka from the Barrel

A friend is picking up the following for me in Japan as we speak

Hakushu 12
Hakushu Distiller's Reserve
Yochi NAS
Miyagaiko NAS
Chita NAS

Once I get them I'm going to start comparing the Age Statement and NAS side by side and see if there are any major differences.

So far I've only compared the Hibiki 12 vs the Japanese Harmony and IMO the 12 is definitly better, especially given how much the Japanese Harmony cost here ($110+CAD).

I love the taketsuru Pure Melt and its price. It's my daily right now. Already onto my 2nd bottle in 3 months!

[Alexppp]

Keep us updated with your research! I'd be particularly interested in Yamazaki NAS vs. 12, apart from the Hakushu.

[opelfruit]

Shame all the age statements are going on this lot really, Yoichi 20 is right up there with my top whiskies and Taketsuru 17 was a very good quality vatted malt for the price.......The ones I'm going to miss the most.

Got a vintage 1990 Yoichi 20yo tucked away that I've never got around to drinking.......looks like I may have to hang on to it now if prices skyrocket over the next few years.....knew I should have bought an extra one at the time!!!!
_________________
"Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whisky is barely enough."

[munter]

Well opelfruit if you ever feel like you'd like to sell that 20 year old Yoichi I'd be delighted to make you an offer. Didn't manage to get hold of one before things went nuts and now searching high and low to find one without having to remortgage and pay the auction houses!

I too have fallen in love with pretty much all things Nikka. It was actually a SMWS single cask Coffey grain that started things last year. Now my go to daily is the From the Barrel which is incredible for the price and I've really found both Yoichi and Miyagiko OBs to be excellent.

Got a number of Yoichi/Miyagiko 10s and 12s stored away so if anyone wants a few of those for a 20 or even a couple plus cash I'm keen

Hopefully will get a trip to Japan with work this year and if so a trip to Yoichi is planned!

Only regret is that I didn't discover Japanes whisky until last year, by which time prices were climbing and availability was reducing. Sad times.