What people don't think about is how it can balance bolder flavors in cocktails," says James Beard Award-nominee Alex Barbatsis, Head Bartended of The Whistler in Chicago. To make Haku Vodka, the two types of rice are milled and then washed with water from the Yamanashi prefecture.

Made with 100% Japanese white rice, the name Haku means “white” in Japanese, but can also be read as “brilliant” – a tribute to the craft of mastering a clear, clean tasting, and luminous vodka. It is distilled from 'summer potatoes,' which are potatoes that are harvested in July, about three months earlier than usual," says Chopin Vodka founder and CEO Tad Dorda.

The process removes impurities while helping maintain the vodka's desired flavor characteristics, reflecting the pristine nature and depth of Japanese craftsmanship in spirit production. We'll also provide tasting notes and cocktail recipes for those who want to enjoy Haku Vodka in every way possible! The use of bamboo charcoal for water filtration is one of the fundamentals of Japanese culture and goes back to ancient Japan where charcoal was said to “sweeten” the water for tea. Offering more complexity than a typical European vodka, typical notes on the palate of vanilla and spice are supplemented by apple, pear, and the occasional whiff of florals.

Its clean lines and minimalist labeling reflect the 'less is more' philosophy, allowing the clarity of the vodka to be the focal point. The word "Haku" means "white" in Japanese, which is a reference to the pure white rice used to make the vodka.

In addition, Haku Vodka is only available in select markets - so if you're not located in Japan, it may be difficult to find a bottle. Let’s face it: when nosing, there’s not a lot of new ground to cover; but the palate offers up a distinctive combination of vanilla, liquorice and soda bread. While Haku Vodka itself is a testament to craftsmanship, the brand occasionally releases limited editions or special series that might showcase variations in the filtration process, collaboration with local artisans, or commemorative packaging.