Hatozaki Pure Malt Review: Best Japanese Style Whisky Under £55

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Hatozaki Pure Malt review Quick Specs & Verdict

Attribute	Details
Type	100% Malt Whisky (World Blend)
Also Known As	Hatozaki Small Batch
ABV	46% (Non-chill filtered)
Age	5-6 years
Casks	Ex-bourbon, Sherry, Mizunara oak
UK Price	Around £50-52 (Amazon, Waitrose, Ocado)
Best For	Neat sipping, Highballs, Value hunters
My Rating	8.4/10

One-Line Verdict: Better specs than most £70 bottles (46% ABV, NCF, Mizunara oak) delivered at around £50, making it hard to beat for value-focused whisky enthusiasts.

Is It Worth Buying?

Yes if you want:

• Japanese whisky experience without £80+ prices
• Real specs (46% ABV, NCF, natural colour)
• Versatile bottle for neat and highball serves
• Mizunara oak character

No if you need:

• 100% distilled-in-Japan provenance
• Long, complex finishes
• Heavily peated or sherried styles
• Investment-grade collectables

Best Price: £50-52. Avoid paying over £55.

TL;DR:

• Buy if: You want Mizunara oak + 46% ABV at around £50
• Skip if: You need 100% Japanese distillation or long finishes
• Best serve: Neat or Japanese highball
• Top alternatives: Toki (highballs), Akashi Single Malt (provenance), Aberfeldy 12 (age)

Why Trust This Review

I'm Pasito Tola, founder of Best Whiskey Guide, based in the UK. Since 2022, I've reviewed over 200 whiskies with a focus on Japanese and Scotch single malts.

My palate leans toward malt-forward, lightly peated, non-chill filtered whiskies at 46-50% ABV. I pay close attention to texture, mouthfeel, and value-for-money in UK pricing.

For this review, I purchased the bottle myself from a UK retailer and conducted five formal tastings over eight weeks (October-December 2025). I used Glencairn glasses, compared it against Nikka From The Barrel and Suntory Toki, and gathered feedback from two experienced tasting partners (15+ years whisky experience each).

Every article on Best Whiskey Guide is written independently. My recommendations are based on testing and UK market research, not brand relationships.

Note: Best Whiskey Guide uses the American spelling in our brand name, but we use 'whisky' in articles where it matches regional usage (Scotch whisky, Japanese whisky).

Testing Methodology

Sessions: 5 formal tastings Period: October 8 - December 6, 2025 Conditions: Neat (20°C), with water, on ice, highball Comparison: Nikka From The Barrel, Suntory Toki, Aberfeldy 12 Partners: 2 experienced drinkers (15+ years each)

Key Finding: The whisky improved significantly after opening. Sessions 4-5 (bottle at 60% and 40% full) showed better integration of sherry and bourbon influences.

Partner Feedback: My peat-leaning tasting partner rated it 7/10, commenting: "More interesting than Toki, but I miss the smoke. Good texture though." My malt-forward partner rated it 8.5/10, praising the Mizunara character and value proposition.

Testing Data (My Records):

• Bottle: Purchased from Amazon UK, October 2025
• Opened: 8 October 2025
• Finished: 6 December 2025
• Best session: Session 4 (approximately 60% remaining, sherry notes most integrated)
• Photos: All images and tasting notes are my own from a bottle purchased at retail

The tasting notebook shown in the photos above details my four main scoring sessions, tracking how the whisky evolved as the bottle oxidised over two months.

Tasting Notes

Appearance

Pale gold, natural colour. As you can see in the image above, the colour is very pale for a 5-6 year old whisky, which confirms no caramel colouring has been added. Thin legs indicate 46% ABV and non-chill filtration.

Nose

Needs 10-15 minutes to open. Initial honeydew melon and pear drops give way to dried fruit (sultanas, apricot), toffee apples, and honey. The signature Mizunara sandalwood emerges with patience, bringing temple incense character.

With water: Jammy fruit notes, subtle sherry influence as raisin and Christmas cake spices.

Palate

Medium-bodied with oily texture from non-chill filtration. Honeyed malt dominates with dried apricot, toasted bread, and vanilla. Oak spice (cinnamon, white pepper) adds structure. Subtle sea salt from coastal maturation. Very faint smoke from Mizunara oak.

The balance leans sweet, with enough spice to prevent cloying sweetness.

Finish

Medium-short (20-30 seconds). Honey sweetness transitions to white pepper and oak spice, fading with sandalwood and cereal notes. Clean close with no bitterness.

Weakness: The 5-6 year age shows here. Lacks depth and persistence of older expressions.

What Other Drinkers Say

Across dozens of Amazon UK and Master of Malt reviews, opinion is notably divided.

Most 4-5 star reviews praise the smoothness, better value versus premium Japanese competitors, and excellent performance in highballs. These buyers appreciate getting Mizunara influence and proper specs at accessible pricing.

3 star reviews typically criticise the short finish and very light colour. Some expected more complexity for around £50, particularly those comparing it directly to 100% Japanese single malts at higher prices.

If you hate short finishes or insist on fully Japanese distillation, you'll probably align with those 3 star comments. If you prioritise specs (ABV, NCF, Mizunara) over provenance, the 4-5 star perspective will resonate more.

Rating Breakdown

Category	Score	Notes
Nose	8.5/10	Complex for age/price. Sandalwood compelling. Needs time.
Palate	8/10	Solid malt profile, good texture. Sweet, balanced.
Finish	7.5/10	Too short. Clean, pleasant, lacks staying power.
Value	9.5/10	Outstanding. Mizunara, 46% ABV, NCF at £50.
Overall	8.4/10	Excellent Japanese-style malt that overdelivers on value.

[All photos by Pasito Tola, bottle purchased at retail from Amazon UK.]

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Outstanding specs-to-price ratio (46% ABV, NCF, Mizunara at around £50)
• Genuine Mizunara oak character adds Japanese authenticity
• Versatile: works neat, on ice, or in highballs
• Widely available across UK retailers

Cons:

• Short finish lacks complexity
• World Blend (not 100% distilled in Japan)
• Very light colour may disappoint visually
• Young age (5-6 years) shows in depth

What Makes This Different: The World Blend Story

World Blend in 3 Lines:

• Base: Mostly imported Scottish malt whisky
• Process: Blended, finished and bottled at Kaikyō Distillery in Akashi
• Result: Japanese style and Mizunara character without 100% Japanese pricing

Hatozaki Pure Malt is a "World Blend." This means it combines imported malt whisky (primarily Scottish) with Japanese blending and finishing at Kaikyō Distillery in Akashi.

Following JSLMA regulations (2021), it cannot be called "Japanese Whisky" because not every production step occurs in Japan. The label reads "Product of Japan."

Why this matters: You're getting Japanese blending expertise, Mizunara oak finishing, and coastal Akashi maturation, using imported base spirit. This keeps prices accessible (around £50 vs £85+ for 100% Japanese malts) while delivering authentic Japanese character.

The distillery is transparent about this approach. Master Blender Kimio Yonezawa (fourth generation distiller) focuses on "creating a world whisky" using his family's century of blending knowledge.

Location advantage: Akashi sits on the Seto Inland Sea. Hot, humid summers and dry winters create aggressive maturation cycles (spirit expands deep into wood, contracts in winter). Coastal proximity adds subtle maritime salinity.

Is Hatozaki Pure Malt the Same as Hatozaki Small Batch?

Yes, they're the same whisky. "Hatozaki Pure Malt" and "Hatozaki Small Batch" both refer to the 46% ABV, 100% malt expression finished in ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and Mizunara casks.

The naming varies by retailer and market, but the liquid is identical. Some retailers emphasise "Small Batch" to highlight craft credentials (batches under 20 casks). Others use "Pure Malt" to clarify the 100% malt composition versus the grain-containing Finest Blended.

When buying, verify the ABV (46%) and check that it's non-chill filtered. Those specs confirm you're getting the correct bottle.

How to Serve It

Neat (Best): 35ml in a Glencairn glass. Rest 10-15 minutes at 20°C. The sandalwood and dried fruit need time to emerge.

With Water: 3-5 drops open the nose, bringing jammy fruit and mellowing pepper. Extends finish slightly.

On Ice: Add 1-2 large cubes to 50ml. As ice melts, cereal and honey notes shine. Refreshing for warm weather.

Highball (Recommended): 50ml whisky + 150ml chilled soda + ice + lemon twist. The carbonation lifts floral esters and sandalwood. Perfect summer serve.

UK Pricing & Where to Buy (December 2025)

Retailer	Price	Notes
Amazon UK	Around £50-52	Reliable stock, Prime delivery
Waitrose	Typically £52	Click & Collect available
Ocado	Usually £52	Same-day delivery options
Threshers	Often £50	Check for best current price
DrinkSupermarket	Around £52	Good for bulk orders
Master of Malt	£48-55 range	Watch for promotions

Sweet Spot: Around £50-52 is fair value. Anything under £50 is excellent. Avoid paying over £55.

Stock Note: Unlike 100% Japanese whiskies that sell out frequently, Hatozaki maintains consistent UK availability. If one retailer is out, check The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Whisky	Age	ABV	Style	UK Price	Best For
Hatozaki Pure Malt	5-6yr	46% NCF	Malt blend, Mizunara	£50-52	Value, specs, versatility (Best Overall Under £55)
Suntory Toki	NAS	43% CF	Blended, grain-heavy	£36-40	Highballs, lighter style
Nikka Coffey Malt	NAS	45% CF	Single grain	£60-65	Unique grain profile
Aberfeldy 12	12yr	40% CF	Scotch single malt	£44-48	Age, Highland character
Akashi Single Malt	5yr	46% NCF	100% Japanese malt	£85-95	Full Japanese provenance

Why Hatozaki Wins on Value: At around £50, you get 46% ABV and non-chill filtration that competitors typically charge £70+ for. The Mizunara influence adds character that Scotch alternatives cannot match at this price.

For pure highballs, Toki wins (lighter, cheaper). For 100% Japanese provenance, Akashi is authentic (costs double). For neat sipping at the best price-to-specs ratio, Hatozaki delivers.

Hatozaki Finest Blended vs Pure Malt

Hatozaki Finest Blended (£30-35):

• Malt and grain blend (40% malt minimum)
• 40% ABV, chill-filtered
• Light, floral, simple
• Best for: Highballs, budget mixers

Hatozaki Pure Malt (£50-52):

• 100% malt whisky
• 46% ABV, non-chill filtered
• Richer, more complex
• Best for: Neat sipping, versatile use

Verdict: Pure Malt worth the £15-20 premium. The ABV, filtration, and complexity differences are substantial.

Who Should Buy This

Perfect for:

• Whisky enthusiasts who understand ABV and NCF matter
• Japanese whisky explorers on budgets under £60
• Highball fans who also sip neat
• Scotch drinkers wanting Mizunara experience
• Gift buyers seeking authentic presentation

Skip if:

• You demand 100% Japanese distillation
• You prefer heavily peated whiskies
• You want long, complex finishes
• Light colour bothers you visually

Food Pairings That Work

Sushi/Sashimi: Clean flavours match the whisky's delicate profile. Coastal salinity echoes seafood.

Grilled Salmon: Toasted cereal notes mirror caramelised skin. Oily mouthfeel matches fish richness.

Aged Cheddar: Sharp cheese cuts sweetness, whisky softens cheese intensity. Savoury-sweet balance.

Dark Chocolate (70%): Bitter cocoa contrasts honeyed malt. Dried fruit notes echo chocolate's fruity undertones.

The Bottom Line

Hatozaki Pure Malt succeeds by honest positioning. It's a well-crafted blended malt using Japanese techniques and Mizunara finishing to create distinctive Japanese character, without pretending to be 100% domestic.

At around £50-52, the price-to-specs ratio punches above its weight: 46% ABV, non-chill filtration, natural colour, Mizunara oak, small batch production. The World Blend model allows premium touches at accessible prices while distillery stocks mature.

The nose delivers genuinely interesting sandalwood and dried fruit. The palate has good texture and balance. The finish is too short (the main weakness), but the overall package works well at this price point.

This is the whisky for three types of buyers:

First, curious enthusiasts wanting Mizunara experience without Suntory prices. Second, value-conscious drinkers who know specs matter. Third, versatile drinkers wanting one bottle for neat, ice, and highballs.

Final Rating: 8.4/10

At around £50, this represents one of the better price-to-quality propositions in Japanese-style whisky. Not perfect, but genuinely enjoyable, well-made, and honestly positioned.

Buy from: Amazon UK (around £50-52), Threshers (often £50), or Waitrose (typically £52).

Hatozaki Pure Malt review FAQ's

Is Hatozaki Pure Malt good for beginners?

Yes. The 46% ABV provides warmth without harshness, sweet malt profile is approachable, and Mizunara adds interest without overwhelming. Start with a highball, progress to neat sipping.

Is it worth the price in 2025?

Yes, absolutely. At around £50-52, Hatozaki Pure Malt delivers better specifications than bottles costing £70+.

You get 46% ABV, non-chill filtration, natural colour, and Mizunara oak influence. Comparable Japanese whiskies like Nikka Coffey Malt retail at £60-65 with similar ABV.

The only cheaper alternative is Suntory Toki at £36-40, but it's 43% ABV and chill-filtered, making it lighter and less complex. For whisky enthusiasts who understand these specifications matter, this represents strong value.

Is it chill-filtered?

No. Hatozaki Pure Malt is non-chill filtered and naturally coloured. This preserves richer texture and fuller flavour that chill filtration strips. The pale colour comes entirely from cask maturation.

How does it compare to Finest Blended?

Pure Malt is significantly better. Finest Blended is 40% ABV, chill-filtered, grain-heavy, designed for mixing. Pure Malt is 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, 100% malt, better neat. The £15-20 difference delivers substantial quality improvement.

Is it real Japanese whisky?

No, under JSLMA rules it's not classified as "Japanese Whisky."

Hatozaki Pure Malt is a World Blend: imported malt whisky (mainly Scottish) that's blended, finished, and bottled in Japan. The label reads "Product of Japan," not "Japanese Whisky."

The Japanese character comes from Mizunara oak finishing, coastal Akashi maturation, and Master Blender Kimio Yonezawa's techniques, not from 100% domestic distillation.

Can I use it in cocktails?

Yes. The 46% ABV holds up well in mixed drinks. Try Japanese Highball (whisky + soda + lemon), Whisky Sour, or Old Fashioned. The Mizunara sandalwood adds exotic character to classic recipes.

Why is it so light in colour?

Natural colour with no caramel added. The whisky is 5-6 years old (relatively young) and aged in ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and Mizunara casks. These don't add heavy colour like first-fill sherry. The light colour is a sign of honesty, not lack of quality.

Where can I buy it in UK stores?

Waitrose stocks it in selected stores (check online for local availability). The Whisky Shop has it in 23 UK locations. For guaranteed stock, order online from Amazon UK, Waitrose, Ocado, or specialist retailers like Master of Malt and The Whisky Exchange.

Related Reading

• Best Japanese Whiskeys
• Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve Review
• Japanese Whisky Highball Recipe
• Aberfeldy 12 Year Old Review
• How to Drink Japanese Whisky

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About the Author

Pasito Tola is the founder of Best Whiskey Guide, a UK-based whisky review platform established in 2022.

With over 200 whisky reviews published, Pasito specialises in Japanese and Scotch single malts, focusing on value-for-money analysis in UK pricing. His background in media production and engineering brings both creative appreciation and analytical precision to whisky evaluation.

Palate profile: Malt-forward, lightly peated, non-chill filtered whiskies at 46-50% ABV. Particular attention to texture, mouthfeel, and specification-to-price ratios.

All reviews are independent and based on bottles purchased at retail. Best Whiskey Guide accepts no payment for coverage and maintains strict editorial independence.

Affiliate Disclosure: This guide includes affiliate links to UK whisky retailers. We earn a small commission on purchases made via these links, at no extra cost to you. Recommendations are independent, based on testing and UK availability.