It’s been quite a while since age-stated Japanese whiskies were available in any type of sustainable quantity, especially the super desirable Yamazaki malts from Suntory – whiskies that have seen their prices sky-rocket as a result of their new-found rarity. Yamazaki’s sister distillery – Suntory’s Hakushu facility – meanwhile has seen its prices rise as well, but mainly by default as stocks for the forest distillery’s whisky haven’t been nearly as limited (or desirable). While prices over the past few years have crept up from the mid-sixties to the high-eighties, we’re happy to announce a new deal that will bring the Hakushu back down to a price point not seen at K&L in years: $68.99. I don’t believe there are many retailers offering this whisky for less than $80, let alone $70 right now.
HAKUSHU
Personally, Ive always been surprised how much more popular the Yamazaki 12 is compared to its sibling the Hakushu 12. To me, the Yamazaki has always been a fine whiskey, but the more dynamic malt is easily the Hakushu, which as pretty much the same delicate and light-drinking flavor profile as the Yamazaki, but with just the faintest touch of smoke. It’s so ethereal straight out of the glass, but I feel like it tastes even better with ice (I know that’s tough for some people to handle). The subtle peat is like a ghost that moves slowly around every part of my palate, brushing it with hints of earth and phenolic goodness after coating it with sweet grains. With our new pricing, this is a can’t miss deal. It’s nice to have some real quantity again!
Suntory 12 Year Old “Hakushu” Japanese Peated Single Malt Whisky (750ml) (Previously $90) ($68.99)
Whisky Advocate: “Although only two years older, this expression of Hakushu the first to be launched in the U.S. shows a fleshier side to the distillerys wares. While it has retained the freshness of the 10 year old, it shows more pineapple and grapefruit on the nose, with a little fragrance of jasmine and osmanthus. On the palate, its fresh and lively with a hint of persimmon and a tickle of smoke. Recommended. (DB, Spring 2012)”
Wine Spectator: “This Suntory distillery is located in a mountain forest in the southern Japanese alps. The whisky has cool, mint/basil, bamboo, kiwi and green melon aromas with the faintest hint of smoke.” (10/2014)
K&L Notes: The newest Japanese whisky to hit the U.S. market is Suntory’s Hakushu–known as the “Forest Distillery.” Built in 1973 as a sister distillery to Suntory’s Yamazaki distillery (previously the only Japanese single malt available in the U.S.), the facility is located at a high-elevation site next to the “pristine waters” of the Ojira River, which are used to dilute the whisky itself. Hakushu distillery uses different styles of oak barrel to age their single malt, but mainly Hogshead, which, according to the distillery, is “suitable to the clear air and cool humid climate.” The 12-year old from Hakushu is lightly peated and very delicate in its flavor profile. The light and fruity style of the whisky is quite similar to the Yamazaki 12, but the smoke really makes up for the lack of richness. Because most of Japan drinks their younger malts with ice and water, the Hakushu is definitely another whisky designed for that purpose, which may turn off some of the single-malt sippers stateside. However, even straight at room temperature, the Hakushu really delivers quality flavors for the price point. Think Talisker, but distinctly less round or supple. So far I’ve really enjoyed tinkering with it in different forms–as a Highball, with an ice cube and just plain neat. This is one of the most enjoyable bottles I’ve purchased in some time. (David Driscoll, K&L Spirits Buyer)
TOKI
In addition to new pricing on the Hakushu, we’ve also lined up a better deal for Suntory’s latest entry level blend: Toki, which uses grain whisky from their third distillery called Chita. When the Suntory Toki first launched at $45, it was a bit of a stretch based on how hot the market was for Japanese whisky. I’m much more comfortable selling this in the mid-thirties, however, and with our new pricing we can do that. While you sip on your bottle of Yamazaki or Hakushu, you pour this one on the rocks, add some soda water, and make yourself a real mizuwari–the great whisky soda that dominates Japan’s drinking culture. The fruitiness on the nose really blossoms with the addition of bubbles, so don’t be shy here. Do Japanese whisky right and drink it how it’s intended!
Suntory Toki Japanese Whisky (750ml) ($36.99)
Wine & Spirits: “*Year’s Best Spirits 2016* While it may seem that our world is suddenly awash in Japanese single malts, the fact is that were already in a shortage. Last year, as demand continued to build for its limited stocks, Suntory took the age statement off its Hibiki, suggesting less of the precious older stocks were being used. This year, theyve introduced Toki, a welcome addition to the portfolio. Whereas Hibiki is a burnished, complex sipper, Suntorys latest release, Toki, is a light, bright, perky spirit with a surprising punch of flavorapple, citrus and honey notes backed by a lingering smokiness. It makes an elegant summer whisky served on the rocks, but it also seems destined to usher the return of the whisky highball, which has become the drink of choice in Tokyo these days. Its very refreshing when made as they do, stirred over rocks in a tall glass, then joined with super-bubbly soda water and a lemon twist. (JM)” (11/2016)
K&L Notes: This blended whisky from Japanese powerhouse distiller Suntory is specifically formulated for a classic highball, made by mixing one part Toki with three parts sparkling water and serving over ice. From the distillery: “A vivid blend of whiskies from Suntory’s Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chita distilleries, Suntory Whisky Toki™ features the quintessential characteristics of a Suntory Whisky blend: exquisite balance, harmony, and oneness. At the same time, its unique pairing of Hakushu American white oak cask malt whisky with Chita heavy-type grain whisky overturns the traditional hierarchy between malt and grain. These seemingly dissimilar but deeply accordant whiskies, together with select Yamazaki malts for additional depth and complexity, gives Suntory Whisky Toki its silky taste, vivid character, and bold inventiveness.”
Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: June 19, 2016
I, like so many others, really like a lot of what Suntory has to offer. There are so many wonderful whiskeys they put out, unfortunately many of these have gotten super expensive and rare. Fortunately, they are trying to fill in the gap with a more everyday whiskey, and the Toki is just the product to do that. A lightly fruited nose reminiscent of caramel apple and vanilla leads to a smooth and somewhat fruity whiskey. Baked apple and stone fruit notes are rounded with touches of vanilla and a somewhat creamy mouthfeel. Low heat finish rounds out the delightful little whiskey.
Russell Rye Single Barrel – Hot New Pricing
Since we’re already slashing pricing on great single malt and tasty blended whisky, we might as well continue the trend with new pricing on a great American rye selection. For the last few years-since the inception of the Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel rye-we’ve been selling one of Kentucky’s great high-proof rye whiskies for $70 (when we could get it). Today, however, we’ve managed to get pricing down to $55.99, which makes it only ten bucks more than Willett, but much older in age. Simply put, the Russell’s single barrel rye is one of the most pleasing American whiskies we carry, with flavors of rye bread, pepper, and plenty of oak for a warming finish. I think the seventy dollar price point kept people at bay, but now that we’re closer in line here with High West Rendezvous, this should be your new go-to bottle.
Russell’s Reserve Kentucky Single Barrel Rye Whiskey (750ml) (Previously $70) ($55.99)
Finally, after almost eight years of a serious Kentucky rye shortage, Wild Turkey has given us whiskey fans something to get excited about that we can actually get! Introducing the new Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Rye Whiskey: a 104 proof blast of old-school Kentucky rye flavor, meandering from dill and fresh-baked German rye bread, into a sweeter kiss of toasted oak and soft vanilla. It’s never boring. The palate is rooted in spice and a never-ending tingly sensation on your tongue that completely differentiates it from the Wild Turkey Bourbons. Real, compelling Kentucky rye whiskey is back on the shelf at K&L, available full time. No bottle limits, no raffles, no scouring the internet to track down your allocation.
David Driscoll | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 12, 2015
I remember when I couldn’t even get Wild Turkey Rye 101, but it appears the Kentucky stalwart is now rebounding from the last seven years of shortages. What a comeback! This is single barrel, high proof rye whiskey that tastes like 2008–back when I could find rich and powerful rye whiskies full of peppery notes and classic dill flavor. This is rye in the vein of of what you remember before everything started coming from LDI Distillery in Indiana. It’s like getting to know an old friend again.
Andrew Stevens | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 15, 2015
Very smooth creamy rye from Russell. I was taken aback a little when I first tasted this, with how smooth and well balanced this whiskey is. Definitely a good sipping rye that will please the palate of those just getting into this type of whiskey expression, or already love rye whiskey and want something special for the holidays.
Jeffrey Jones | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 14, 2015
My favorite Rye in the store now. There are expressive and nice aromas with subtle spice undertones. In the mouth it is rich and round with nice caraway-like spice and a long finish. Since this is a single barrel selection inventory is limited.
1t your booze, don’t miss this one. At 50 bucks — the experience is worth every penny.
