Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 12:26 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.
Written by: J Highland
In comparing Hakushu 18 and Yamazaki 18, this analysis presents a factual overview of each whisky, focusing on their individual profiles, alcohol content, recommended consumption method, awards, aging process, and pricing.
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.
Comparison Summary:
Hakushu 18: Offers ripe fruit, sherry, and smoke on the nose, with red fruits and peat on the palate. Long, dry finish with ginger and chocolate.
Yamazaki 18: Features stone fruit and malt on the nose, dark fruit and caramel on the palate. Long finish with chocolate and ripe fruit.
Verdict: Both whiskies present unique sipping experiences with distinct flavors. Preference may depend on one’s taste for Hakushu’s fruity smokiness or Yamazaki’s elegant sweetness, balanced against their price points, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Detailed Comparison:
Hakushu 18:
- Nose: Ripe fruit, sherry, smoke, and orange peel.
- Palate: Red fruits, lemon, ginger, and peat.
- Finish: Long and dry, with notes of ginger, chocolate, and smoke.
- Alcohol Content: 86 proof (43% ABV).
- Recommended Consumption: Neat.
- Similarities: Comparable to Hakushu 12.
- Awards: Gold at the International Spirits Challenge (2006, 2009, 2013), Gold and Best in Class at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (2007, 2010), and Trophy at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (2010).
- Price: Approximately $700.
Yamazaki 18:
- Nose: Stone fruit, smoke, malt, and chocolate.
- Palate: Dark fruit, caramel, brown sugar, smoke, with a subtle oak presence.
- Finish: Long, featuring chocolate, ripe fruit, and a light touch of smoke.
- Alcohol Content: 86 proof (43% ABV).
- Recommended Consumption: Neat.
- Similarities: Similar to Yamazaki 12.
- Awards: 5 Double Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, named “Best Other Whisky” 3 times.
- Aging Process: Utilizes American, Spanish, and Mizunara casks, contributing to a profile with honey-like sweetness and a light body.
- Price: Approximately $990.
Conclusion:
Both Hakushu 18 and Yamazaki 18 offer distinct and rich flavor profiles, with the former known for its fruity and smoky notes and the latter for its elegant sweetness and subtle smoke.
With their respective awards and unique aging processes, each whisky presents a premium sipping experience.
The choice between Hakushu 18 and Yamazaki 18 may ultimately come down to personal preference for flavor nuances and the value one perceives in their respective price points.