Suntory HOKUTO 12 yo (1st Release 2004) Japanese Whisky (Hakushu)

The vatting, which consists of a variety of key malts from the Hakushu distillery as well as Yamazaki genshu malt was released on June 22, 2004.

Using a unique method known as 'bamboo charcoal filtration', Suntory suceeded in creating a whisky that is refreshing and easy to drink. Interesting, Hokuto pure malt was initially marketed as an alternative to 'Sochu'. 

The colour of the whisky in the first release is much darker than the second release. This may be an indication that the malt in the first release spent more time in casks compared to the second release. 

Tasting for both releases suggest that the both versions are very similar despite the difference in colour.

Hokuto Pure Malt whisky is a rare commodity these days as it was out out of production in 2010.