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Whisky Review: Hakata Whisky Aged 16 Years

We review Hakata Whisky Aged 16 Years, made using barley sourced from Kyushu and fermented with Koji.

OVERALL RATING

9
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Hakata Whisky Aged 16 Years

Tasting Notes

About:

42% ABV. Mash bill: 100% barley, fermented with koji. 84 Proof. MSRP 149.99 USD.
Appearance:
Auburn
Nose:
The scent of spice is powerful. There’s pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon, all with the aromatic earthines of fresh bark. It has the strength and clarity of nosing an open container of mixed spices.
Palate:
The mouth feel is creamy and smooth, with a strong body of yeasty bread. This gives the spicy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove a delectable savory quality. It has the taste of a spiced coffee or eggnog, but with neither sweetness or bitterness. The finish lets the spices settle and fade with a slightly chocolatey note.
Finish:
Comments:
In Hakata Whisky’s 16 year expression, it comes into its own as a rich and distinctive drink. The savory and spicy identity evolves as it develops the yeasty, umami body that carries its aromatic mix of spices so well. It gives you a chance to appreciate the texture and intricacies of these wintery, gourmand spices in the context of a satisfying, full bodied sip. This is a very enjoyable expression, with nuance and quality worthy of focused, deliberate appreciation.

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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