Yamazaki 18 Yr
The Crown Jewel of Japanese Whisky
WHISKY TASTING
Color: Deep Amber
Price: $$$$
Nose: Malty, Cereal, Herbal notes, light floral, some more of that sweet malt, some light fruits, some citrus, apple, pear, apricots, very light sherry… just a faint hint if any..no smoke what so ever for me. Coming back to the nose after a few sips gives me some dark fruit marmalade, creamy-jam
Palate: First sip brings some light richness on the palate, with some spice. Light to medium bodied, its a little oily, It’s creamy, light spicy notes, cinnamon, nutmeg, all spice, white pepper. Much more balanced that I thought it would be. Some times in a few Yamazaki’s I get a grain spirit kind of note, but none on this one today. It’s all malt in the glory. The Sherry is present and bourbon cask influence is present, none over powering each other, but making themselves known.
Finish: Medium to Long, ends in some all spice, white pepper. Not much going on after that. Lacking texture and complexity for me today.
Final Thoughts:
You can feel the difference between this and a Yamazaki 12 or a Hakushu 12 for sure, is it worth the price difference is a total different question all together. Is it worth the hype? And the secondary market prices? Even the regular retail on this one is a little out there right now, I personally don’t think so, at least for today based on how I am tasting this today. There are undoubtedly, lots of better tasting whiskies for this price, so go explore.
Score: 84/100
THE YAMAZAKI 18 YR
43% ABV
Ex-Bourbon, Sherry & Mizunara Oak Casks
Color Added / Chill filtered
