Japanese whisky isn’t simple to come back by today. As such, it’s all the time thrilling to see a brand new model hit the market, and right here we have now a brand new bottling, full with kanji script on the label: Hatozaki.
Hatozaki is made at Kaikyo Distillery (location: unknown), nevertheless it isn’t all distilled right here, together with each malt and grain whiskies (relying on the expression; some are 100% malt) from Japan plus imports from different international locations. The growing old routine generally contains a mixture of wooden sorts, together with bourbon, sherry, and Mizunara oak casks. Not one of the whiskies carry age statements, however the producer does provide some manufacturing data, which we’ll element within the evaluations under.
Up to date in 2025 with protection of the brand new Triple Cask Reserve.
Hatozaki Best Japanese Whisky Overview
A mix of malt whisky (at the least 40%) and grain whisky, aged “as much as 12 years in barrel.” The palest shade of yellow in colour, the grain ingredient is heavy on the nostril, with a daring biscuit and an umami-laden mushroom observe. Notes of moist saddle and mothballs are a bit hoary right here, although they’re happily tempered by notes of lemon peel. The palate takes a giant shift and surprises with a surprisingly candy approachability, displaying moderated notes of almonds, coconut, and extra of that lemon. The end is pretty clear, with a lingering sweetness harking back to marzipan, hinting at fruit. Whereas the nostril feels manner off, the whisky largely redeems itself the place it counts essentially the most. That stated, its extraordinarily mild physique and skinny palate make it greatest fitted to highballs somewhat than straight sipping. 80 proof. B- / $40 [BUY IT NOW FROM THE WHISKY EXCHANGE] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky Overview
A vatting of 100% malt whiskies aged (for an unspoken time) in bourbon, sherry, and Mizunara oak. Related in colour and nostril, the whisky is extraordinarily savory, with a heavy burlap, leather-based, and mushroom character. The meatiness of the aroma is sort of overwhelming at occasions. The palate showcases a a lot bolder, creamier physique that’s fairly nutty, with (once more) notes of lemon peel and (extra precisely) lemon custard. The end has a lingering observe of candy nougat, vanilla cream, and a contact of smoky barrel char. It’s a extra full-featured whisky, however once more a harsh nostril mars what’s in any other case a reasonably pretty expertise. 92 proof. B / $60 [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve Overview
This new addition to the core lineup was launched in 2025. It begins with growing old solely malt whiskies in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks earlier than ending for a further six months in Umeshu plum liqueur barrels. (Often known as “ume,” Umeshu plum liqueur is a well-liked Japanese liqueur crafted from steeping native inexperienced plums in Japanese distillate.)
By no means thoughts the Umeshu: The nostril may be very Scotch-like, with a mix of contemporary cereal malt and loads of sherried citrus notes dominating a considerably ruddy underbelly. Maderized wine notes, possible pushed by the ume, emerge briefly order alongside the aroma of toasted nuts. The palate is somewhat ahead with almond and hazelnut notes, quickly shifting into creamy vanilla, sesame, and pistachio qualities. Vaguely Jap on the end, issues lastly flip towards incense and spice, with explicit notes of anise dominating. Prolonged and warming, it’s simply my favourite of the lineup up to now. 92 proof. A- / $75
Hatozaki Small Batch Whisky
USD60
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