Hidden in the thickly treed forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake Japan, Suntory’s Hakushu distillery offers up an elegantly simple but thoroughly enjoyable quaff in their Suntory The Hakushu 12 year old single malt whiskey. As if capturing the brisk mountain air in every blended sip, this whiskey whispers of new spring water, delicate dewy fern fronds, and tall stands of darkly leafed trees with an aroma that melts into you from the very first waft. Full of toasted barley tendrils, further notes of freshly baked nuts, cereal grain loaf, and chopped almonds are layered throughout with a touch of char and melted milk chocolate sprinkled with sundried grass.