Haku Japanese vodka makes debut in the UK

The 40% ABV vodka has been created using Japanese ingredients, namely a neutral grain of white rice.

Production begins in Kagoshima – a region on the island of Kyushu – famous for its rice spirits.

The white rice is fermented with koji rice to create a mash, which is then distilled through pot and column stills.

Following this, the liquid is blended and filtered through bamboo charcoal in Osaka – a process that, according to Suntory, “preserves and enhances the rice’s sweet and subtle flavours”.

Edrington-Beam Suntory’s UK head of brands for Beam Suntory Nick Ganich added the resulting liquid boasts a “delicate and floral aroma”.

“We are thrilled to release Haku vodka in the UK as part of the House of Suntory,” Ganich exclaimed.

“The launch of this new vodka creates great opportunity for craft spirits enthusiasts to discover new tastes and experiences that further embody master distiller Shinjiro Torii’s vision of a challenge and quest for excellence.”

Suntory specialist for gin and spirits Kazuyuki Torii added the spirit can be served neat, on the rocks or in a simple Haku-Hi cocktail, made with chilled soda water and lemon peel.

“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,” Torii concluded.