Suntory Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve Whisky [700ML]

Shinjiro Torii at the age of 20 had a dream to “create an original Japanese spirit blessed with the riches of Japanese nature and ‘monozukuri’ craftsmanship: a relentless pursuit for perfection, meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality.” He then founded the House of Suntory in 1899 to pursue his dream. The Yamazaki Distillery – Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery – was established in 1923 by non-other than Shinjiro Torii himself.

Yamazaki lies in a misty valley between Mt.Tennozan and Mt. Otokoyama where three rivers meet and has long been known to have the best pure mineral waters in Japan. Yamazaki Distillery uses a wide variety of casks to store and mature its malt whisky. Slightly roasted one-time ex-bourbon casks, North American white oak casks, Spanish sherry casks and finally the mizunara (Japanese oak) casks.

Yamazaki Distiller Reserve is a No Age Statement (NAS) single malt whisky is known for its multi-layered taste with superb red berry notes, gained from the whisky being matured in Bordeaux wine casks and Sherry casks. It also features malt matured in Mizunara casks, adding subtle fragrant oak notes. Released in 2014 and bottled at the standard 40% ABV.

TO THE EYE

Gold.

TO THE NOSE

Strawberry, cherry, Mizunara (Japanese oak).

TO THE PALATE

Raspberry, white peach, a touch of coconut.

TO THE END

Sweet vanilla, clear finish with, a hint of cinnamon.