Hatozaki Pure Malt

Hatozaki Pure Malt is a blended malt whisky from Kaikyo Distillery in Akashi, Hyogo, released in 2019 for the European market. The designation pure malt, historically used in Japan for what is internationally classified as blended malt, signals a vatting of malt whiskies with no grain spirit.

Matured entirely in Ex-Bourbon casks, the whisky develops the typical character of American oak ageing: dried and fresh fruit, a sandy, faintly sandy texture, fragrant florals, honey and a leathery depth that reflects longer barrel contact. Cask detail beyond the Ex-Bourbon is not specified for this release, so the profile follows the house's bourbon-barrel-forward style. Bottled at 46%, there is enough presence to carry the fruit and honeyed notes cleanly through a medium finish.