Hatozaki Finest Whiskey 750ml

Hatozaki comes from the Kaikyo Distillery in Akashi, a city in Japan's Hyogo Prefecture whose Yonezawa family has been distilling spirits since 1917. Ahead of its centenary the company installed new Forsyths copper pot stills and named the rebuilt facility for the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge nearby, while the whisky itself takes its name from Hatozaki, Japan's oldest stone lighthouse, a symbol of guidance.

Finest is a blend of roughly 40 percent malt whisky and 60 percent grain whisky, brought together through a two stage blending process and matured for up to twelve years across ex bourbon, sherry, and Japanese mizunara oak casks. The mix of cask types is meant to layer sweet grain character with soft malt, light fruit, and a touch of spice, while the unpeated style keeps the profile clean rather than smoky. The finished whisky is left uncolored and bottled at 40 percent alcohol by volume.

The whisky pours pale gold and opens with honeyed, floral aromas lifted by a hint of citrus. On the palate it is soft and creamy, with cereal sweetness, delicate fruit, and a gentle warmth from the spice. The finish is light and lingering, closing clean without any smoke.