Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve Malt Whisky Review

Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve
Malt Whisky
92 Proof
Kaikyō Distillery
$74.99 (750ml)
Review

Please enjoy our Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve Malt Whisky Review!

About Hatozaki Triple Cask

From the brand: “Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve represents the precision and artistry honed by Kimio Yonezawa over decades of study and application of the highest standard of whisky-making techniques. A blend of hand-selected malt whiskies, the liquid is aged first in ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks before finishing for an additional six months in superior Umeshu plum liqueur barrels. Known as “ume,” Umeshu plum liqueur is a popular Japanese liqueur crafted from steeping local green plums in Japanese distillate.”

Unfortunately, no specifics, such as types of malts used, their ages, origins, etc, are provided about the malt whiskies used in the blend.

Tasting Notes – Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve Malt Whisky Review

🛏 Rested for 15 minutes in a Glencairn

👉🏻Nose: Sweet simple syrup, pears, sweet yellow raisins, touch of tart orange peel, alcohol vapor appropriate for the proof; hint of oak and mild peat smoke.

👉🏻Taste: Sweet simple syrup and honey, sweet pears, sweet stone fruits—possibly plums—appearing towards the back—and a touch of tart orange citrus.

👉🏻Finish: Lingering simple syrup; fading sweet fruits; tart orange; increasingly dry mouthfeel; mild peat smoke; barrel char; dry wood; mild black pepper spice; fairly long; pleasant warmth.

The nose of Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve Malt Whisky starts off quite sweet, with simple syrup and sweet fruits like pears and yellow raisins. There’s a nice contrast from tart orange citrus, along with subtle hints of dry oak and mild peat smoke. The alcohol vapor is appropriate for the proof.

The taste continues the sweet, fruit-forward theme, with flavors of simple syrup, light honey, sweet pears, and stone fruits—possibly plums—emerging towards the back of the palate. Tart orange citrus provides a refreshing contrast that keeps the sip lively and balanced.

The sweet flavors carry into the early finish but fade fairly quickly as the mouthfeel becomes noticeably drier. Mild peat smoke, barrel char, and dry wood linger on, while mild black pepper spice develops later, adding depth. The finish is fairly long and leaves me with a pleasant warmth.

Summary – Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve Malt Whisky Review

I really enjoyed the fruit-forward notes and bright sweetness at the start, which are nicely contrasted by tart citrus and the drier, mildly smoky flavors that come later on. It all adds up to a very enjoyable pour. I suspect some of the unique fruit sweetness could be coming from the plum liqueur influence, although that’s just a guess, as I haven’t tasted that specific liqueur on its own. Likewise, I don’t know if any peated malts were used, but I do get a mild smokiness reminiscent of peat throughout.

Conclusion

Overall, Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve Malt Whisky delivers an engaging progression of flavors, moving from lively sweet fruits and honey to a long, gently smoky, dry, and mildly spicy finish. It’s a vibrant, well-crafted pour that kept me coming back for more. If you enjoy Japanese whiskies that offer freshness, complexity, and character, you’ll want to give this one a try. Cheers! 🥃

I hope you have enjoyed our Hatozaki Triple Cask Reserve Malt Whisky Review! Would you like to read about another whiskey from this distillery? Then check out my Hatozaki Omakase Rye Mizunara Cask Finish Review!

Note: This sample was graciously provided by the Brand. I appreciate it!

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