The Hakushu 12 Year Single Malt Japanese Whisky

91 points Wine Enthusiast
This golden, silky single malt mingles vanilla and honey with fresh apple and pear aromas. These notes are echoed on the palate alongside a wave of peat smoke. Add a splash of water to offset the modest but persistent alcohol heat and further coax out the fruity-smoky flavors. (KN) " (12/2015)

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 distillery’s 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, it’s 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."