This single cask of Yamazaki was selected by whisky writer Dave Broom to celebrate the 10th Anniversaries of Whisky Live held in Tokyo and London during February 2010. We’ve previously reviewed the Karuizawa 1990 that was launched for the same occasion.
Yamazaki 12 yo 1996
(60%, OB for Whisky-Live Japan 2009,
sherry butt AX70012)
Yamazaki 12 yo 1996Nose: deep sherry with fruity notes (sourish raspberry, red apples), nutty notes (walnuts) and oak resin. A little mint. Heavy sherry but faultless.
Mouth: thick and compact. Starts dry and hugely oaky with dried fruits, walnuts and ginger. Evolves nicely on sweeter, creamy flavours like vanilla and chocolate ganache. Exotic woods. Pepper.
Finish: smoky with great roasted coffee beans and milk chocolate.
Very big and packed with wonderful sherry notes. Not very complex though, and there are heavy wood flavours. Now sold for € 200 and more here in Europe, too much from a quality perspective.
Score: 86/100