Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:23 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the distinctions between Hakushu 12 and Yamazaki 12 in this detailed analysis and determine which Japanese Single Malt suits your preferences best!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Hakushu 12 vs Yamazaki 12: Comparison
Hakushu 12: Lightly peated, offering a symphony of fruits, vanilla, and a hint of spice. Enjoyable for its smoothness and dynamic finish.
Yamazaki 12: Delivers floral sweetness, complemented by fruits and vanilla. Its texture and lingering finish highlight its quality.
Verdict: Both whiskies showcase the art of Japanese distilling, each with a distinct flavor profile. Whether you prefer the gentle smoke of Hakushu 12 or the floral sweetness of Yamazaki 12, each offers a unique and rewarding experience, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Single Malts under $100
Unveiling the Smokes and Fruits of Hakushu 12: A Japanese Journey
- Nose: Smoke, pear, oak, brine, lemon
- Palate: Ripe fruit, vanilla, caramel, pepper
- Finish: Long, ginger, lemon pith, sandalwood, smoke
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Hakushu 18
Intriguing Introduction: Hakushu 12 opens with a captivating introduction, offering a whisper of smoke alongside hints of pear, lemon, oak, and brine. This initial aroma sets the stage for a complex and intriguing journey.
Smooth & Lightly Peated: The first sip reveals a remarkably smooth texture with a gentle touch of peat. A wave of fruit flavors follows, showcasing pineapple, apple, lemon, and grapefruit. Additional notes of vanilla, caramel, and black pepper add further complexity to the palate.
Long & Evolving Finish: The finish unfolds with a lasting dryness, carrying notes of ginger, lemon peel, sandalwood, and the lingering presence of smoke. Interestingly, resting the whisky allows the fruitiness to come forward, offering a dynamic experience.
Enjoyable with a Caveat: Hakushu 12 offers a thoroughly enjoyable experience, boasting rich fruit flavors, a balanced peat character that avoids being overpowering, and minimal heat. However, its price point of $200 raises concerns, considering the availability of comparable or even better single malts at a lower cost.
Award-Winning Prestige: Despite the price consideration, Hakushu 12 holds prestigious accolades, including a Gold Medal with the title of “Best in Class” at the International Wine & Spirit Competition, a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2013, and a score of 92 points from the Beverage Testing Institute.
A Sweet Encounter with Yamazaki 12: A Japanese Treasure
- Nose: Floral, honey, oak
- Palate: Apple, pear, honey, vanilla, oak
- Finish: Medium, mint, oak
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Macallan 12
Aromatic Delights: Yamazaki 12 opens with a delightful sweetness, offering vibrant floral notes and hints of honey. These bright aromas are intertwined with the subtle presence of oak, creating a balanced and inviting bouquet.
Smooth and Complex: The first sip reveals a smooth and enjoyable texture, followed by a cascade of flavors. Apple, pear, and honey lead the way, complemented by the sweetness of vanilla and the comforting taste of cookie dough. Underlying oak notes add depth to the experience, while a subtle touch of smoke adds complexity.
Light and Lingering Finish: The finish of Yamazaki 12 is light and pleasant, lingering with sweet oak, vanilla, and a hint of smoke. This lingering taste leaves a slightly textured sensation, adding a unique touch to the overall experience.
Highly Enjoyable, Yet Pricier: Overall, Yamazaki 12 offers a truly enjoyable and easy-drinking experience. Its smooth character, balanced sweetness, and subtle smokiness make it appealing to a wide range of palates. However, it’s important to note that its price point is considered higher compared to similar whiskies.
Key Facts:
- Aged for 12 years in a combination of ex-Bourbon barrels, Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks, and Japanese Mizunara Oak barrels.
- Mizunara oak trees take at least 200 years to mature, making the casks crafted from them rare and valuable.
- Awarded a Double Gold Medal at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Hakushu 12 | $200 |
| Yamazaki 12 | $200 |