Suntory Haku Vodka (700ml)

A premium craft vodka made from 100 percent Japanese white rice. Although the word "haku" literally means "white," the subtlety of the Japanese language often gives characters several meanings. While "haku" is rooted in the word "hakumai," meaning white rice, the nuanced meaning can also be translated as "junpaku," which means an untainted brilliance. The distillers feel it speaks of Haku's clear, clean and luminous flavour.

The vodka begins its distillation process in Kagoshima, Kyushu, a region well-known for rice spirit making. The process includes a meticulous mill and polish, where 100 percent Japanese white rice is fermented to create a mash. The mash is distilled through pot stills to create a rice spirit, and then distilled a second time through two different processes. This liquid is then blended and filtered through bamboo charcoal in Osaka, Japan. This process, unique to Suntory, preserves and enhances the rice's delicately sweet and subtle flavours. Finished in a unique bottle, the curved lines represent the streams of Japan, and the label design consists of Junpaku (pure-white) washi* paper - representing the beauty of Japanese white rice. 40% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Clear color. Aromas of banana and walnut muffin with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a peppery, breezy marshmallow fluff on white bread and spicy peppercorns finish. A solid Vodka for mixing and shooting. Silver Medal. 88 points - tastings.com

Distilled from Japanese white rice, this vodka displays subtle violet, almond and charcoal notes on the nose and palate. It finishes light and brisk on a pink peppercorn tingle. 90 points - Kara Newman, wineenthusiast.com