34567897654344_1.jpg

Suntory Yamazaki 25 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml)

Yamazaki, Kyoto, JAPAN
$9999. 00
Bottle
$119988.00 Dozen
ABV: 43%

Note: There is a very minor ding to the left hand side of the gift box.

This is the whisky that won the big prize for World's Best Single Malt in 2012 (second year in a row) at the World Whisky Awards. By all reports, the incredibly deep sienna brown colour is indicative of some profound Oloroso sherry input. Prolific whisky taster, Serge Valentin of whiskyfun.com has experienced multiple bottlings and has never failed to be impressed, commenting, "No other malt I know is as excessive as this baby in this ultra-heavy sherried style." Review below. One only to sell.

Other reviews...Great whisky no doubt, but I remember I had found earlier batches rather too sherried. Yes, Serge speaking. And it’s no cheap whisky at +/-1200 €. Colour: coffee. Nose: ah? No, it’s not that sherried. I mean, it’s ridden with raisins and dried figs and many jams and several chutneys, but the relatively low strength seems to have kept it rather fresh and even kind of easy. But that’s just the nose. Lovely touches of cigarette tobacco and flowers in the background (iris, dandelions), then more soy sauce, walnut wine, old rancio and all that. Certainly more delicate than earlier batches – as far as I can remember. Mouth: a feeling of old Demerara rum at first sips, then a growing feeling of raw cinnamon, probably from the oak. More walnuts as well and then a dozen wheelbarrows of dark chocolate. Liquorice again, even some tar, and more and more strong coffee, Italian ristretto style. Very heavy, I’m wondering what would have happened at cask strength. Finish: long, a notch grapy perhaps. Comments: what’s sure is that I liked it better than last time. They may have made it a wee bit lighter. I mean, less heavy. 89 points43% Alc./Vol.

Awards include: Best Japanese Single Malt 21 Years and Over (World Whiskies Awards, 2015)
Double Gold Medal Award (San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2015)
World’s Best Single Malt Whisky (World Whiskies Awards, 2012)