The Hakushu Story of the Distillery 2026 Edition is the third limited annual release in Suntory's Story of the Distillery series. It is composed of smoky Hakushu malts aged in white oak bourbon barrels and then vatted, with no age statement.
This edition celebrates the forest conservation at Hakushu, Suntory's distillery high in the woods of Japan's Southern Alps, and the birds that live on its grounds. Its package is made of Echizen washi paper and decorated with those birds.
It offers a beautiful play between soft campfire smoke and sweet, delicate confectionery tones, with the fresh, green character that defines Hakushu.
The washi-paper box with its bird illustrations makes it a beautiful gift and a collectable piece.
Enjoy it neat, or as a highball with chilled sparkling water.
Japanese whisky has earned a worldwide reputation for balance and precision, and limited releases from its historic distilleries are among the most sought-after bottles for collectors.
Hakushu sits around 700 metres above sea level, surrounded by forest, and the cool mountain air and soft granite-filtered water shape its famously fresh character. In Japan the distillery's whisky is often enjoyed as a highball with a sprig of mint, a serve that lifts its green, herbal notes, though the Story of the Distillery editions also reward slow sipping neat.
Each year's Story of the Distillery edition tells a different chapter of Hakushu's story, from its water and climate to the forest around it, which has made the annual releases popular with collectors who gather the full set.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Soft campfire smoke and fresh green notes.
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Palate: Sweet, delicate confectionery tones.
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Finish: Gentle smoke.
Specifications
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Producer: Suntory (Hakushu distillery)
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Style: Japanese Single Malt Whisky, peated
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Expression / Batch: Story of the Distillery, 2026 Edition
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Proof / ABV: 86 proof (43% ABV)
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Cask / Finish: White oak bourbon barrels
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Region: Yamanashi, Japan
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Size: 700ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve it neat or as a highball. It pairs with sushi, tempura or fresh fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What casks were used?
White oak bourbon barrels.
What inspires the 2026 edition?
The birds and forest conservation at the Hakushu distillery.
Is it peated?
Yes, it is made from smoky Hakushu malts.
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