Suntory Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml / 43%)
Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve is a mix of malts varying in age and cask type, originating from ex-red wine casks matured for approximately three years, older Sherry matured malts approximately twenty years...
Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve is a mix of malts varying in age and cask type, originating from ex-red wine casks matured for approximately three years, older Sherry matured malts approximately twenty years in age and Mizunara casks, otherwise known as Japanese oak, for a twelve year period.
Nose: Classic Yamazaki strawberries and dried fruits with floral notes coming from the Mizunara cask whisky. Fragrant sandalwood and maybe coconut. Certainly a whisky where you could get lost in its nose!
Palate: The dried berries remain lively on the palate (it even develops some raspberry notes along the way), but they're dialled back a bit to make room for light oak, white peach and a small amount of spice.
Finish: Vanilla lasts and lasts, with spicy but sweet cinnamon acting as a final flourish.
Comments: Top quality Japanese whisky, and excellent value too. Can't go wrong with this, really.