Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve, the youngest expression in the core range, is a mix of young spirit matured in red wine casks with +/- 20 years old malt from sherry casks and some 12 years old malt from Mizunara casks.
Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve
(43%, OB 2014)
Yamazaki Distiller’s ReserveNose: quite attractive, a little on the soft side but nicely fruity (strawberries with cream, red berries, lemon candy) with some coconut flakes. A lot of vanilla ice cream. Interestingly there’s also the typical oriental touch, with sandalwood, floral notes, incense and ginger.
Mouth: sweet and spicy. Peaches on syrup, raspberries and honey. Redcurrants. Again mixed with spicy oak, cinnamon and ginger. Becomes fairly zesty towards the end.
Finish: the zesty notes are joined by some tannins but the honey is still there as well.
A really nice introduction to Japanese whisky, especially at this competitive price. Around € 60.
Score: 87/100