Hakushu 12 Year Old vs Yamazaki 12 Year Old
A side-by-side look at two Japanese whiskies to help you decide which one fits your palate and budget.
At a Glance
| Hakushu 12 Year Old | Yamazaki 12 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Age Statement | 12 years | 12 years |
| Price Tier | $100 – $250 | $100 – $250 |
| Distillery | Hakushu Distillery | Yamazaki Distillery |
| JSLMA Compliant | Yes | Yes |
Category
Hakushu Single Malt
Yamazaki Single Malt
ABV
Hakushu 43%
Yamazaki 43%
Age Statement
Hakushu 12 years
Yamazaki 12 years
Price Tier
Hakushu $100 – $250
Yamazaki $100 – $250
Distillery
Hakushu Hakushu Distillery
Yamazaki Yamazaki Distillery
JSLMA Compliant
Hakushu Yes
Yamazaki Yes
Tasting Notes
| Hakushu 12 Year Old | Yamazaki 12 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Nose | Fresh and green with notes of mint, cucumber, green apple, pear and a gentle wisp of smoke. | Fruity pineapple, peach and grapefruit paired with cloves, candied orange, vanilla and oak. |
| Palate | Crisp and clean with herbal notes, white pepper, green leaf, and subtle citrus. Light to medium body. | Notes of coconut, butter and cranberries with a smooth, rounded mouthfeel. Hints of Mizunara oak sandalwood. |
| Finish | Refreshingly clean with lingering mint, gentle smoke and a touch of sweetness. | Long lasting with sweet ginger and cinnamon, fading into gentle oak. |
Nose
Hakushu 12 Year Old
Fresh and green with notes of mint, cucumber, green apple, pear and a gentle wisp of smoke.
Yamazaki 12 Year Old
Fruity pineapple, peach and grapefruit paired with cloves, candied orange, vanilla and oak.
Palate
Hakushu 12 Year Old
Crisp and clean with herbal notes, white pepper, green leaf, and subtle citrus. Light to medium body.
Yamazaki 12 Year Old
Notes of coconut, butter and cranberries with a smooth, rounded mouthfeel. Hints of Mizunara oak sandalwood.
Finish
Hakushu 12 Year Old
Refreshingly clean with lingering mint, gentle smoke and a touch of sweetness.
Yamazaki 12 Year Old
Long lasting with sweet ginger and cinnamon, fading into gentle oak.
Key Differences
- • They come from different distilleries: Hakushu Distillery and Yamazaki Distillery.