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.
Smooth, decadent and intense. With everyting you can hpe for in an 18 yo single malt. This is one of the best whiskies I have tried!
This is my regular tipple "treat" whenever I'm in Japan and it's certainly my favourite. Very flavoursome and as the descriptions suggests, really quite "cigaresque". If you can't afford the 18 year old, try the 12. For the money, it's remarkably good.
Both the Yamazaki 18 Year Old and the Bufallo Trace they both have notes of rum which is just great
Im no whisky expert and bought the Yamazaki 18 as a punt due to its great reviews and the fact i had never tasted a JP whisky before.After tasting it i came to the conclusion that it was a very good whisky.First impressions were a rich floral sherry bouquet ,sweet, woody smooth/balanced/very rounded.After finishing it though i would probs not buy again due to its high price point.Well i have just bought a bottle of Buffalo Trace(old bottling) and after opening the bottle and pouring a glass and noticed instantly that this is similar to the bouquet of the Yamazaki 18 with its floral,honey,sherry aroma.Taste wise its very similar but with more burn and spice which probably is due to its higher ABV at 45% and spices added.This bourbon is just great and believe me if you liked the Yamazaki 18 its a no brainer.The Yamazaki 18 is smoother and more complex in all areas but for the price the Buffalo trace is a clear winner at 55 pounds for 1.75 L.
This is by far the best whisky I have tasted for a long time, I feel bad saying this as I am Scottish, but you know what - they have got it right. As soon as you smell this whisky, you say to yourself oh boy this gonna be good. Going to buy a full bottle next month for sure.
