The Definitive Guide To Comparing Yamazaki 12 and Hakushu 12 Whisky

Yamazaki 12 and Hakushu 12 are both Japanese single malt whiskies that differ in flavor profile and price point.

Yamazaki 12 Vs Hakushu 12

The Yamazaki 12 and Hakushu 12 are two types of Japanese whisky from the Suntory distillery. The Yamazaki 12 has a smooth, mellow flavor profile, featuring notes of dried fruits, honey, and light oak. It is the most popular Japanese whisky in the world. On the other hand, Hakushu 12 is considered to be a more complex Scotch whisky. It has a grassy-smoky profile with notes of citrus fruit and herbs, as well as woodsy flavors like cedar and pine. Both whiskies have a spicy finish that is shared amongst most Japanese scotches. Thus, at the end of the day you must decide which one suits your individual taste better for an enjoyable experience!

Appearance – Yamazaki 12 Vs Hakushu 12

Yamazaki 12 is a medium amber whisky with an intense, sweet and fruity aroma. On the palate, there are notes of honey, fruit, and oak. The finish is smooth and mellow with a hint of spice. Hakushu 12 has a light yellow color and a delicate aroma of grassy notes and florals. On the palate, there are subtle notes of fruit, spices, tobacco, and oak. The finish has hints of smoke and oak with a slight sweetness in the aftertaste.

Production Process – Yamazaki 12 Vs Hakushu 12

Yamazaki 12 is made from malted barley that has been aged for twelve years in oak barrels. It is distilled using pot stills before being filtered through bamboo charcoal for additional purification. Hakushu 12 is also made from malted barley but it has been aged for twelve years in sherry casks which impart an additional layer of flavor to the whisky. It is double distilled using copper pot stills before being filtered through charcoal to remove impurities.

Price – Yamazaki 12 Vs Hakushu 12

The price of Yamazaki 12 varies from country to country but generally it can be found for around $100-$150 per bottle depending on where you purchase it from. Hakushu 12 has a higher price tag than Yamazaki as it can cost anywhere between $150-$200 per bottle depending on where you buy it from.

Fining Process and Ageing – Yamazaki 12 Vs Hakushu 12

Yamazaki 12 undergoes maturation in both American White Oak barrels as well as Spanish Sherry casks which impart different flavors to the whisky resulting in a more complex taste profile than just aging in one type of barrel alone. The whisky is then bottled at 43% abv without any chill-filtration or added coloring agents so that the natural flavors remain intact until they reach the glass.
Hakushu 12 undergoes maturation exclusively in sherry casks which adds additional layers of complexity to its flavor profile compared to other whiskies aged solely in oak barrels. The whisky is then bottled at 43% abv without any chill-filtration or added coloring agents so that its natural color remains intact until it reaches the glass.

Japanese Whisky Scene – Yamazaki12 Vs Hakushu12

Japanese whisky has been gaining popularity over recent years due to its unique flavor profile which makes it stand out amongst other whiskies produced around the world. Yamazaki and Hakushu are two renowned brands within this scene; both boasting complex flavor profiles due to their unique production processes such as double distillation and aging in sherry casks respectively. These factors combined make them some of the most sought after whiskies within Japan and beyond!

Owner of Whisky Brands – Yamazaki 12 Vs Hakushu12

Both Yamazaki 12 and Hakushu 12 whisky brands are owned by Suntory Holdings Ltd., one of the leading beverages and food companies in Japan. Founded in 1899, Suntory is known for its wide range of spirits, including whisky, beer, wine, and sake. The company also owns several restaurants and distilleries around the world. In addition to owning Yamazaki 12 and Hakushu 12, Suntory also owns a variety of other whisky brands including Hibiki, Toki, Chita, and Kakubin.

Flavors – Yamazaki 12 Vs Hakushu12

Yamazaki 12 is a single malt whisky that has a distinctively sweet flavor profile with notes of honey, vanilla, and wood. It has an aroma of tropical fruit and floral notes that give it a pleasant complexity. The taste is smooth with a long finish that should be savored slowly.

Hakushu 12 is also a single malt whisky with a unique flavor profile that includes aromas of green apple and pear as well as herbal notes. It has a light body with flavors of honey, citrus peel, smokey oak wood, and almond. The finish is slightly dry but still smooth with lingering notes of oak wood.

Awards and Recognition – Yamazaki 12 Vs Hakushu12

Yamazaki 12 has been highly acclaimed by critics around the world for its unique flavor profile. It has won several awards such as World Whisky Awards Best Japanese Single Malt Whisky in 2017 and 2018 as well as World Whisky Awards Best Japanese Blend Whisky in 2019. Additionally, it was named Top 10 Whiskies at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2017 and 2018 as well as the Best Japanese Blended Whiskey at the International Spirits Challenge in 2017.

Hakushu 12 has also been recognized for its excellence by critics around the world with several awards such as World Whiskies Awards Best Japanese Single Malt Whiskey in 2019 and 2020 as well as the International Wine & Spirit Competitions Gold Medal Winner for Best Japanese Blended Whiskey in 2020. Additionally, it was awarded Double Gold Medal at San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020 for its exceptional quality.

Whisky Pairings – Yamazaki 12 Vs Hakushu12

Yamazaki 12 can be paired with various dishes such as sushi or tempura to bring out its sweet flavors even more. For an even more unique experience try pairing it with dark chocolate or aged cheeses like Gouda or Brie to further bring out its complex aromas and flavors.

Hakushu 12 pairs nicely with lighter dishes like grilled fish or seafood salads to bring out its herbal notes even more while still maintaining the smoothness of the whisky itself. Additionally it pairs nicely with desserts such as mousse or tart tatin because its light body will not overpower delicate flavors but rather enhance them making for an enjoyable experience all around!

FAQ & Answers

Q: What are the differences between Yamazaki 12 and Hakushu 12?
A: The main difference between Yamazaki 12 and Hakushu 12 is in their production process. Yamazaki 12 is made from malt whisky that has been aged in Spanish oak casks, while Hakushu 12 is made from malt whisky aged in American oak casks. They also have different flavour profiles; Yamazaki 12 is smoother and mellower, while Hakushu 12 has a more citrusy, herbal taste.

Q: How much does each whisky cost?
A: The price of Yamazaki 12 and Hakushu 12 varies from country to country. In general, Yamazaki 12 tends to be more expensive than Hakushu 12 but the exact prices will depend on where you buy it and any promotions or discounts that are available at the time.

Q: What is the fining process for each whisky?
A: Both Yamazaki 12 and Hakushu 12 undergo a process of maturation in barrels before they are bottled. For both whiskies, this involves ageing them in different types of barrels such as sherry, bourbon, or wine casks for several years before they are finally bottled.

Q: Who owns these whiskies brands?
A: Both Yamazaki 12 and Hakushu12 are owned by Suntory Holdings Ltd., a Japanese conglomerate company with interests in food and drink manufacturing as well as other industries.

Q: What awards have these whiskies won?
A: Both Yamazaki12 and Hakushu12 have been highly acclaimed by critics around the world. They have both won numerous awards including being named World Whisky of the Year multiple times by Jim Murrays Whisky Bible. In addition, both whiskies have also received high ratings from renowned publications such as Wine Enthusiast Magazine and Whisky Magazine.

The Yamazaki 12 and the Hakushu 12 are two of the most popular Japanese single malt whiskies. Both are made with high-quality ingredients and have a unique flavor profile. The Yamazaki 12 is aged in sherry casks for 12 years, producing a full-bodied, sweet and fruity flavor. The Hakushu 12 is aged in a combination of American and Spanish oak barrels, giving it a light and refreshing taste. Ultimately, both whiskies offer a great drinking experience, so it all comes down to personal preference.