Hakushu ‘First Class’ for Moegi no Mura

From Suntory’s mountain distillery which is found deep within the forests of Mount Kaikomagatake, Hakushu is owned by Suntory; founders of the first Japanese distillery, Yamazaki. The original Hakushu distillery was built in 1973, with another distillery building called Hakushu Higashi (West) added in 1981. Like the environment in which it is created, the Suntory Hakushu is vibrant and verdant in flavour born of the ideas of second master blender, Keizo Saji.

This vanishingly rare Hakushu was bottled in 2024 in collaboration with the nearby Moegi Village (Moegi no Mura) tourist complex. The village was founded by Joji Funaki in the 1970s, beginning as a humble coffee shop. With an aim to combat overdevelopment and protect the surrounding nature, the village has since developed to include a hotel, restaurant, brewery, and various workshops and attractions. It was inspired by missionary Paul Rusch, who is known for his work in redeveloping parts Japan after the second world war.

This bottle was named after a quote from a letter of advice that Rusch wrote to Funaki; “Do your best, and it must be First Class”. The whisky itself is a cask-strength vatting of five vintages, each marking a milestone in the foundation and development of the village:

Hakushu 1977 - matured in white oak casks for 46 years, this is some of the oldest spirit from the distillery to date

Hakushu 1988 - distilled from heavily-peated malt

Hakushu 1989 - matured in Spanish oak casks

Hakushu 1990 - distilled in the distillery’s largest still and matured in American oak barrels

Hakushu 2006 - distilled in the distillery’s smallest still and matured in white oak casks

This very limited expression was made almost entirely exclusive to the Bar Pech in the village, and just 4 bottles were made available for public sale.

51% ABV / 70cl

Bottle Number: One of only four bottles made available to the general public

Please examine all images of the lot, any packaging and labels carefully and satisfy yourself as to their condition before making a bid.