A journey to the heart of oriental culture

On the endless journey to perfection, the Japanese tend to offer products that are clear, clean and luminous. The makers of Haku Vodka do not disappoint or compromise. This is a premium craft vodka made from white rice, through a meticulous process that lends this drink a uniquely soft and subtly sweet flavour. 

Haku offers a product for informed and demanding consumers. Haku Vodka, unlike the traditional ones made with potato, maize or wheat, is produced with 100% Japanese rice. Additionally, their exclusive production system features filtering through bamboo charcoal.

Haku, the creation of master craftsmen from the House of Suntory (the Japanese brewing and distilling group founded in 1899), is now available at duty free stores worldwide. This beverage represents the Japanese spirit in the painstaking attention to detail and commitment to high quality.

Haku literally means “white”. However, the subtlety of the Japanese language often gives kanji (traditional characters) several meanings. The word also evokes “Junpaku”, untainted and brilliant. Both attributes, clean and luminous, are present in this luxury vodka.

Kazuyuki Torii, Suntory specialist for gin and spirits, said: “For the House of Suntory, craftsmanship has always translated to sourcing the best ingredients, and elaborating on complex and innovative techniques to create unrivalled quality spirits. This unique vodka was developed from a vision to create a truly authentic Japanese product that meets the demand for a meticulously crafted vodka with a distinct and balanced taste.”

Triple distilling process

Production begins in Kagoshima, Kyushu, a region historically famous for its rice spirits. The white rice is fermented together with koji rice, creating a mash, which is then distilled through pot and column stills. Following this, the liquid is blended and filtered through bamboo charcoal in Osaka. This process is unique to Suntory -- it preserves and enhances the sweet and subtle flavours of the rice.

The craftsmanship involved in the production goes further, complemented by the beautiful bottle that contains the vodka. The curved lines on the bottle represent a stream glistening through Japanese nature. The label design, with subtle red and gold details, consists of Junpaku (pure-white) washi paper and symbolizes the soul of this vodka. The name Haku is written in Kanji calligraphy, with Sumi ink.

At the other end of the world, in the US, Haku adds glamour to bars, where you can drink it mixed in cocktails prepared with pandan (a tropical herb), cucumber, ginger and lime. Nick Ganich, Suntory’s UK head of brands for Beam Suntory, said: “The launch of this new vodka creates a great opportunity for craft spirits enthusiasts to discover new tastes and experiences.”

Haku’s smooth and rounded flavour is perfect for mixing in many different cocktails. However, the simplicity of Haku-Hi (cold sparkling water and lemon rind), provides the perfect illustration of the harmonious relationship between the powers of nature and human effort that reaps the best result.

Of Note

Nose: A soft aroma of sweet and floral rice.

Palate: A rich taste that gradually envelops the mouth with a natural sweetness and complexity.

Finish: Smooth, sophisticated and pleasantly lingering.