Yamazaki 18 years

Bottle code: LA3LKA002080

Yamazaki 18 Years Old is one of Japan's most celebrated single malt whiskies, produced by the Suntory distillery. This whisky is known for its rich complexity, which comes from the use of different types of casks, mainly ex-sherry casks, supplemented by ex-bourbon and Mizunara oak casks. This combination contributes to the whisky's deep and layered flavour.

Tasting note

Nose

First impressions are sweet and powerful with rich umami notes, coming from the influence of sherry casks. Aromas of nuts, sultanas, apples and stewed fruit emerge, along with hints of caramelised red apples dipped in butterscotch and caramel. The nose is rich and rewarding, with a subtle integration of sweetness, light oak and woody spices.

Taste

On the tongue, Yamazaki 18 offers a waterfall of flavours. Sweet sherry notes coat the entire mouth with layers of nuts, dark chocolate, cocoa powder and dark stone fruits. There are subtle hints of smoke and ash, probably a result of some of the tarred casks used in the blend. Sandalwood and cinnamon sticks appear midway through the taste experience, followed by a spicy raspberry compote and notes of leather and charcoal.

Finish

The finish is long and satisfying, with nuances of light brown sugar, vanilla, sandalwood and more dried fruits. It feels like walking through an old ageing room, where the sweetness of the palate still hangs in the air, but the finish is more dominated by wood, leather and a final hint of smoke.

What others say about it

On WhiskyBase.com, this whisky gets an average score of 89.17/100 at 1154 Ratings.

Yamazaki Distillery

Yamazaki Distillery is located in the green foothills of the Osaka Mountains in Japan, near Kyoto. Founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, founder of Suntory, Yamazaki is the oldest commercial whisky distillery in Japan and has played a crucial role in the development of the Japanese whisky industry.

A unique feature of Yamazaki Distillery is the exceptional water quality from the surrounding rivers, such as the Katsura, Uji and Kizu, which contribute to the purity and refinement of their whiskies. The distillery uses a combination of traditional and innovative techniques, including a variety of stills and a wide range of casks, such as ex-bourbon, sherry and Japanese Mizunara oak casks. This creates a rich and complex flavour profile.

Yamazaki whiskies are known for their elegant and refined character, with notes of flowers, fruit, honey and spices. The attention to detail and craftsmanship in every step of the production process result in whiskies that are praised worldwide.

The combination of an idyllic location, high-quality ingredients and a strong commitment to quality makes Yamazaki Distillery a leading name in the world of whisky.