Suntory Whisky : Hakushu Tsukuriwake Peated Malt 18 Ans 2024 Edition

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the Hakushu Tsukuriwake Peated Malt 18 Years Old 2024 Edition Suntory Whisky

Tasting

Color
A luminous golden hue, suggesting delicate maturation and a beautiful influence of American oak.

Nose
Deeply marked by its forest origins, it reveals vibrant notes of sage and ripe green apple, enhanced by touches of pineapple. Aromas of freshly sawn wood, sandalwood, menthol and eucalyptus intertwine with a refined tobacco smoke.

Palate
The texture is rich and unctuous. A complex smokiness reveals layers of herbs, grapefruit and acacia honey. A lovely spicy vivacity (clove, crushed black pepper, white ash) is balanced by the sweetness of caramel, malt candy and cooked stone fruits.

The finish is long and lingers on notes of green citrus, lime zest, green apple and a persistent ash, accompanied by a surprising peppery warmth.

Pairings and Tasting Moments
This exceptional spirit pairs wonderfully with raw oysters, whose mineral salinity echoes its herbaceous and subtly smoky profile. It also pairs brilliantly with grilled mackerel, smoked salmon, braised meats or matured cheeses. For a Japanese touch, dare to pair it with dark miso-based dishes, umeboshi (salted plum) or pickled ginger. To end a meal, bitter dark chocolate or fresh fruit (apples, pears) will enhance its complexity.

Mixology
As this is an exceptional product, we recommend drinking it neat to fully appreciate its nuances. However, Japanese tradition also enjoys it lengthened to release its mineral subtleties: as a "Morikaoru Highball" (one part whisky to three parts sparkling water, with mint and ice), as a "Twice Up" (equal parts with mineral water) or "Half Rock".

Other Characteristics
This spirit displays a peat character of great elegance, described as "smoky sweetness". It is the result of a meticulous blend of peated malts at different intensity levels (5, 15 and 40 ppm), thus avoiding any harshness. It is bottled at 48% alcohol.

A Great Peated Japanese Whisky, Born in the Heart of the Southern Alps

The Heritage and Vision of Suntory Whisky

Founded in 1899 by Shinjiro Torii, the pioneering house gave birth to the first Japanese Whisky with the creation of the Yamazaki distillery in 1923. Built on the principles of "Yatte Minahare" (the spirit of bold entrepreneurship without fear of failure) and respect for nature, the company grew to become an unmissable global reference. The production capacity was expanded in 1973 with the Hakushu distillery, nestled at an altitude of 708 meters in the Japanese Southern Alps. Today, Suntory Whisky remains under family stewardship. Nobuhiro Torii, great-grandson of the founder, is the current owner and has held the position of president since March 2025. Under his leadership, the estate continues a philosophy of excellence and a strong environmental commitment, thereby guaranteeing the exceptional purity that characterizes its spirits.

The Art of Tsukuriwake: Crafting an Exceptional Single Malt

The Hakushu Tsukuriwake Peated Malt 18 Years Old 2024 Edition masterfully illustrates the concept of "Tsukuriwake", meaning craftsmanship through diversity in production. This 2024 limited edition highlights the importance of raw material selection and production methods in crafting a great Whisky.

This Single Malt stands out for its innovative approach. The master blenders combined peated malts at 5, 15 and 40 ppm, creating a perfect harmony. Fermentation takes place exclusively in wooden vats for 72 hours, a slow process favored by the cool climate of the high-altitude distillery, allowing great delicacy to develop.

The liquid is then aged for a minimum of 18 years in four types of casks: ex-bourbon American oak, hogsheads, puncheons and "American buds". The temperature fluctuations of the forest on Mount Kaikomagatake cause a cyclical breathing of the wood, intensifying the extraction of aromas. The exceptionally pure water from the Ojira River, filtered through ancient granite rocks, plays a fundamental role, giving this spirit from Japan its inimitable herbaceous profile.