Here we have Suntory’s multi award-winning Japanese single malt from Yamazaki, the oldest whisky distillery in Japan. The single malt was launched in 1992, and around 80% of the liquid is matured in sherry butts, while the remaining whisky spent its years in American and Mizunara oak casks. An absolutely stunning marriage of fruit, oak and smoky notes, it’s really no wonder why it won so many awards!
Truffles, thick bitter marmalade and resin. Potpourri and heavy Oloroso sherry.
A rich, bittersweet palate with heather roots, cigar leaves, honey, toffee apples, plum wine and black pepper. A touch of rancio, perhaps…
Long, fruity, marmalade-led finish.
I have had the opportunity to try many whiskeys across the world, including johnny walkers of all colors (including blue), but Yamasaki 18 is the smoothest, most perfectly balanced whiskey I have ever come across. Some people prefer more peaty finishes, more spice, more...something, but the Yamasaki is a literal distillation of Japanese Kaizen (refinement until perfection). Buy a bottle and keep it on the shelf to celebrate sublime moments in life. I just bought a new bottle to celebrate the birth of my son, and look forward to opening it in another 18 years.
This is a great whisky and maybe I'm being to harsh saying that $230 is too much. The way its made, the sherry casks, with slight pete smoke, and the clean pure flavor that it produces are A+. That being said, I'd rather own a Macallan Ruby or a Macallan 18 for the price. If you're anything like I am and read these reviews, I'll tell you that I will always buy another Mac 12,18 Ruby, or Mac 25. I can't really live without them. I find myself reaching for this range of scotches 9 times out of 10 over the Yamazaki. All that said, this is a great dram, and I'll guarantee you'll like it. I'll even rate it 5 stars. However with all that said, if I were running from a burning building and I could only take one bottle of whisky in my collection, I'd leave this one behind and grab the Mac 18 instead.
If anyone have only been drinking Single Malt Whisky from Scotland, give this a try soon. Chances are that you will be stuck and love this for a LONG time. The way this whisky was made is so clean and can be drunk so effortless with a sweet scent that captivates you to just want to on drink it. The next time you would have realized that the whole bottle is finished. Yes, it is that smooth and I will leave the tasting notes to each individual to experience it.
First time buying whisky online, and very happy with the fast service at good value from this website. Yamazaki 18 is a super single malt. A favourite.
On the nose this has lots of burnt lemon like its been charred on a BBQ with some sweet sherry raisin and a touch of pepper. On the palette is more burnt citrus fruit, but more like orange this time with some complex molasses and spice flavours on the finish. Some aniseed, cinnamon and nutmeg lingers on the finish. An absolute belter of a whisky. Worth the punt if you can split the cost and share a bottle between some good friends.
