Yamazaki Distillers Reserve

For the past year and a half, C has been getting himself into all sorts of trouble with K due to expanding (then contracting) his whisky supply. Today, C redeems himself by putting those whisky experiences to good use with our first whisky post!

We'v decided to kick-off our whisky posts of the Yamazaki Distillers Reserve because this is one of C's recent purchases which has been most surprising. 

Yamazaki Distillery  

First, a little bit of background to Yamazaki. Yamazaki is a Japanese distillery owned by Suntory, located outside Kyoto (in between Kyoto and Osaka). It was founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii and is the oldest and most well-known whisky distillery in Japan.

Yamazaki's standard releases are the 12 year, 18 year and 25 year single malt whiskies. They also release a several annual limited editions (i.e. whisky aged exclusively in Sherry casks or Bourbon barrels). 

Although not as well-known as its Scottish cousin, Japanese whisky has become more and more popular worldwide. I love whisky from all nationalities, but I particularly love Japanese whisky because of the complex and balanced flavour profile they present. Japanese distillers, particularly Yamazaki, seem to take great care in balancing flavours together with a purpose. 

I haven't tried many lackluster Japanese whiskies. There is something about Japanese culture that compels mastery of an art, whether its sushi, kendo or flower arranging. Careful attention is paid to minute details and simple things are afforded a lot of respect. It really shows in their whiskies.

Yamazaki Distillers Reserve

Recently, Yamazaki has released a new entry level whisky, the Yamazaki Distillers Reserve, which is a no-age-statement single malt, aged in a mixture of Sherry, Mizunara (a type of Japanese oak) and wine casks. Unlike their 12, 18 and 25 year expressions, Yamazaki wanted this whisky to compete purely on taste (instead of age in casks), and I think its a complete success.

I have set out below my thoughts on how the whisky smells, feels in my mouth, tastes and the finish (taste and feel after you have finished your sip).

How it smells

• Apples
• Toffee
• Thick jam
• Freshness of a sea breeze
• The smell is not as intense as I would be hoped.

 Mouth Feel

• Smooth and velvety
• Syrupy
• Not overly oily

 How it tastes

• Fresh green apples and subtle plums
• Vanilla with hints of honey 
• Bitter dark chocolate
• Hint of red wine coming though
• Spices and oak alternating with candy floss

 Finish

• Medium length
• Sweetness lasting on the tongue
• Wine influence comes through more as other flavours die down
• No burn at all

Overall

Overall... Wow. The complex layering of sweet, spicy, bitter and citrus flavours. The smooth texture and lack of burn. The oaky and sugary finish. Don't let the no-age-statement and low price deceive you about its quality. This is an excellent whisky by any measure and can easily be compared to much pricier whiskies.

My fellow whisky drinking friends approve of this whisky and several of my non-whisky drinking friends have really enjoyed it too. Its smoothness, balance and flavour profile mean that its a great whisky to introduce to non-whisky lovers (or non-Japanese whisky lovers).

Cold winter night. Soft leather sofa. Glass of Yamazaki in hand. C is a happy man. 

Over the next few weeks, we will be posting up a few more of C's favourites so keep an eye out for it!