Suntory Hakushu 12 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky 700ml

Production-wise, Suntory's Hakushu distillery (pronounced "Hack-shoo") is the largest malt whisky distillery, not only in Japan but in the world. Built in 1973 to coincide with Suntory's 50th anniversary, it is set amidst spectacular pine forests near the Japanese Alps. Suntory also acquired the surrounding land to protect the water quality and preserve the local environment. In fact, the water from the area is considered the finest in Japan, something Suntory has capitalised on by bottling and selling it throughout the country.

At the 2010 World Whisky Awards, Japanese whiskies won prizes in two of the top three categories for Scottish-style whisky, and no one was surprised.