For centuries distillers around the world have been producing the water of life, aka whisky, to mesmerize the sophisticated yet classy soul. Japanese whisky has been into existence since early 1920s when Yamazaki distillery was established near Kyoto in Japan.
Modelled on the Scottish whiskies, Japanese whiskies are produced much in the same manner even today, distilled twice using pot stills, courtesy of Suntory’s first master distiller Masataka Taketsuru. Although the Japanese whiskies are sold primarily in Japan, their popularity has nothing but only grown in the recent years in both Europe and North America.
As a befitting testament to the growth in their popularity, the Japanese whiskies have been bagging some of the major international whisky awards since many years. At the World Whisky Awards this year, organized by the Whisky Magazine over live social media feeds on Facebook and Twitter in light of the prevailing pandemic of Covid-19, The Hakushu Single Malt Japanese Whisky Aged 25 Years (by Suntory Whisky) has been declared World’s Best Single Malt for 2020.
You may call it the best Japanese whisky, and for a reason! It would be no wonder if Hakushu 25 becomes the talk of the town … well, online town if you must. This well mellow whisky has been patiently crafted from an array of creamy yet powerful malts, smoky peat-dried malts and sherry cask malts with voluptuous fruit aromas, all from a stock of rare malts aged over 25 years.
With this release, this whisky has taken back the crown it already won in 2018. Japanese whisky heavyweights Suntory, own this whisky. Hakushu, a distillery built in 1973, is located next to Mount Kaikomagatake in Japan. It specializes in fruity, lightly smoked flavors, adding to its desirability.
The Hibiki, Yamazaki, Hakushu – all Suntory whiskies – have also won 9 gold medals at the International Spirits Challenge 2013, which is held every year in UK. If you wish to see the meteoric rise of the Japanese whiskies, here is a list of other wins to their credit:
- World’s Best Blended Limited Release 2020: Ichiro’s Malt and Grain Ltd Edition
- World’s Best Grain 2020: Fuji Single Grain 30 Years Old Small Batch
- World’s Best Blended Whisky 2019: Hibiki Suntory Whisky 21 year old
- World’s Best Blended Malt 2018: Taketsuru Pure Malt 17 Years Old
Suntory whiskies’ phenomenal winnings started from its Yamazaki 12 Years Old being awarded a gold medal International Spirits Challenge in 2003. The winning followed for 11 straight years after that, comprising Hakushu Heavily Peated 2012, Hakushu 18 Years Old & Hakushu 25 Years Old, in addition to the Hibiki whiskies.
Hakushu’s latest win yet again adds to the meaningful testament to the ever-rising evaluation of Suntory whiskies. We at LiquidzHK, strongly believe that the exotic whiskies you’re seeking are just a click away from your doorstep. Add to your private collection the renowned Hakushu Single Malt, the best in the world, offered at special prices. Your long sought water of life awaits you.
