Background:
The Yamazaki 18 Year Single Malt Japanese Whisky (Yamazaki 18) is truly a unicorn of a whisky. As part of the Yamazaki core range of offerings from the House of Suntory Whisky, it stands out as a symbol of not only what Japanese whisky should be, but a symbol of depth and what dense, rich flavor profiles 18-year-old whiskies can possess. This whisky was primarily matured in sherry casks – with roughly 80% of the maturation taking place in these casks – while the remaining maturation occurred in bourbon/American oak casks and Japanese Mizunara oak casks. With the Yamazaki 18, you will get a premium aged malt whisky of sophistication. The Yamazaki 18 is highly deserving of its many accolades and global praise, which – along with many factors – helps explain the sky-high demand of this expression.
Tasting Notes:
The below tasting notes are inclusive of what one may detect on the nose, palate, and finish of the Yamazaki 18 – but are by no means inclusive. These notes are to be used as a guide in helping to make a personal determination to buy this product.
Nose
The aroma of the Yamazaki 18 is utterly devastating – which in this case, is a good thing! There is such an incredible leap in depth and complexity from its younger brother, the Yamazaki 12. On the nose, you may detect robust sherried notes, such as: raisins; figs and fig jam spread; fruit jam; strawberry and blackberry; and dark chocolate. The chocolate and fruity notes of the strawberries in particular, and even some apple, help create this perception of chocolate covered fruit and chocolate cordial candies. The Mizunara oak influence is also clearly present, with cinnamon, tobacco spice, and incense.
Palate
For an 86-proof whisky, you will find that the Yamazaki 18 does pack a little more of a punch than expected, but that kick is subdued and enhanced by the layers of flavor that are present. I posit that this strength could potentially be due in part to bourbon barrel influence. On the palate, you may find: more representation of berries notes that linger from the nose, joined with plums, which creates a fruit salad vibe; bitterness from the chocolate, which is joined with a fresh coffee taste; and tobacco spice, which intermingles nicely with the Mizunara oak incense.
Finish
The finish on the Yamazaki 18 is long and reprises the best that the nose and palate have to offer, culminating in a moreish feeling that will leave you understanding exactly why this whisky is so revered. Some specific notes you may detect on the finish are the Mizunara incense and tobacco – which have been omnipresent through the entire tasting experience – along with that sensation of chocolate covered strawberries. This whisky is certainly not a bad candidate to enjoy after a meal, or even alongside a delicious steak dinner.
Signing off,
Whisk(e)y & Whatnot
(whisky lover/scotch adventurer)
