Suntory Haku Vodka

Lush Nipponese interpretation of Vodka.

The House of Suntory probably needs no introduction, since it’s one of the oldest and largest Spirit makers in Japan. It was founded in 1899 by Shinjiro Torii, a demigod of all things booze. When Japan entered the modern world of industry and innovation, Shinjiro decided to find Sake a few friends from the West. But his mission wasn’t simply blending imported liquors – he wanted to come up with Spirits that would be unmistakably Japanese. After Suntory introduced the first Single Malt Whisky made in Nippon, anything was possible.

While Suntory is the Alpha to Nikka’s Omega of Japanese Whiskies, the amber Spirit isn’t their only offering. Enter the Haku Vodka, a sumptuous Spirit distilled in Kagoshima, Kyushu, made from 100% Japanese white rice. Its name means “white” and it stands for the delicious ingredient grain. White rice has a special place in the culture of Japan. It has always been considered a luxury and reserved for worship (and, of course, the imperial family). The Haku Vodka is filtered through bamboo charcoal in Osaka, which brings out soft, round and sweet flavors. Haku is the apex of artisanal Spirit-making and an echo of Shinjiro’s philosophy of excellence. One may enjoy it neat or mix a proper Japanese Highball with it.