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Whisky Review: Hakata Whisky Aged 12 Years

We review Hakata Whisky Aged 12 Years, made using barley sourced from Kyushu and fermented with Koji.

OVERALL RATING

8
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Hakata Whisky Aged 12 Years review

Tasting Notes

About:

42% ABV. Mash bill: 100% barley, fermented with koji. 84 Proof. MSRP 99.99 USD.
Appearance:
Pecan Brown
Nose:
There is a strong, sultry smell of cream and woody spice. There are rich notes of creme brulee, with fragrant tones of cigar box wood.
Palate:
There’s a strong initial taste of spice, but it is balanced by a savory quality that diffuses the sharper edges. There are forward notes of gingerbread and aromatic wood. There is an underlying quality of molasses in the deep, almost syrupy quality of its savory dessert flavors. The finish feels like vanilla and cinnamon, infused with the quality of yeasty bread.
Finish:
Comments:
In the 12 year expression, Hakata’s flavor profile deepens significantly. It leans harder into the profile of “savory dessert” which comes from combining the spicy wood notes with the umami quality of shochu. It gives great clarity to the flavors, as the savory body is engaging while never overwhelming the texture of the spices. While not as balanced and approachable as the 10 year, its commitment should be appealing if you enjoy this style. And it’s easy to enjoy.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Taylor Shiells

Taylor is a writer, researcher, and whiskey enthusiast. He came to Portland in pursuit of higher education, and found himself staying to pursue the Pacific Northwest's wide range of olfactory offerings. He's a fan of craft beer, farm to table food, indie perfume, and, most of all, whiskey. While he provides technical research to the entertainment industry by day, the Whiskey Wash gives him the opportunity to explore his passion, hone his palate, and practice a more flavorful form of writing.

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