Hatozaki : Blended Whisky

Tasting Notes and Serving Suggestions for Hatozaki Blended Whisky

Tasting

Nose

The aromatic profile reveals delicate floral notes alongside aromas of honey and cereal grains. There are also fruity nuances reminiscent of apple and pear, with pronounced malty notes that give the whole plenty of character.

Palate

On the palate, this whisky offers a smooth, supple texture, with a medium-bodied feel. Cereal notes lead the way, supported by a pleasing malty roundness and a gentle sweetness. The finish shows a light, lingering sweetness.

Pairings and moments to enjoy

Hatozaki Blended can be enjoyed neat, over ice, or in cocktails. Approachable for beginners while still satisfying seasoned enthusiasts, it makes an excellent introduction to Japanese whisky.

Mixology

This whisky works particularly well in a classic highball: 4 cl of whisky topped with tonic or lemonade, finished with a twist of lemon zest. It can also be used to make a lemon-honey cocktail: 4 cl of whisky, 1.5 cl of lemon juice, 1.5 cl of honey syrup, topped with soda.

Other characteristics

This unpeated blend stands out for its balanced, light profile, with no added coloring and no chill filtration.

A Balanced, Approachable Japanese Whisky from Kaikyo Distillery

Hatozaki, a whisky from the prestigious Kaikyo Distillery

Hatozaki is a Japanese whisky launched in 2018 by Kaikyo Distillery, founded in 2017 in Akashi, in Hyogo Prefecture. Its heritage dates back to 1856, as the Yonezawa family, the brand’s current owner, has specialized in sake since then and in distillation since 1917. Kimio Yonezawa, Master Distiller & Blender, continues this centuries-old expertise. Hatozaki’s hallmark lies in its diverse use of casks: bourbon, sherry, port, mizunara (Japanese oak) and umeshu (plum liqueur). This innovative approach, blending Scottish tradition with the Japanese naturalism of the Edo era, gives it a distinctive identity recognized by numerous international awards.

A Blended Whisky crafted using double blending

Hatozaki Blended Whisky is made from a minimum of 40% malt whisky and 60% grain whisky, carefully selected. The whiskies are aged for up to 12 years in bourbon casks for their primary maturation, then benefit from secondary finishing in different types of casks: oloroso sherry, ruby port, sakura (cherry wood), mizunara (Japanese oak) and umeshu (plum liqueur). This double blending method gives this Japanese whisky its signature complexity and balance. The whisky is bottled at 40% vol. in a 70cl format, with no artificial coloring and non-chill-filtered, preserving the integrity of its natural aromas.