Hakushu 12 Year Old Japanese Whisky

This wonderful peated Japanese single malt whisky hails from Hakushu distillery, owned by Suntory. The distillery resides in the forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake, with the original Hakushu distillery built in 1973. Another building was added in 1981, called Hakushu Higashi. Rather fittingly, it boasts a fresh and foresty flavour profile.
 
Nose: Toasted barley, seed & nut loaf, chopped almonds and a little bit of barrel char. Hints of milk chocolate and dried grass bring sweetness.
Palate: Much more fruit on the palate, but it's by no means a sweet whisky. Still rich, herbaceous and grassy, with a waft of smoke along the way.
Finish: Quite short, though enjoyable with orange peel and a touch of minerals.