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Introduction: The Rarity of the Yamazaki 1982 Sherry Wood
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Yamazaki has always led the charge in crafting some of the most revered expressions in the whisky industry.
Among its rarest and most collectible bottles is the Yamazaki 1982 Sherry Wood—
a 15-year-old single malt matured in sherry casks, embodying the deep, complex flavors that have become synonymous with Yamazaki’s reputation.
This blog will take an in-depth look at this remarkable whisky, from its history and production to its tasting notes, market value, and collector significance.
The History of Yamazaki 1982 Sherry Wood
Founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, Yamazaki Distillery was Japan’s first whisky distillery and is often regarded as the birthplace of Japanese whisky craftsmanship.
By the 1980s, the Japanese whisky industry was evolving, and Suntory sought to refine its whisky-making techniques to compete globally.
In 1982, Suntory distilled what would later become one of the most legendary sherry-aged Yamazaki expressions.
Aged for 15 years in sherry casks, it was bottled in October 1997, capturing an era when Japanese whisky was still a hidden gem among connoisseurs.
This bottle stands out not only because of its limited availability but also because it was one of the first Yamazaki expressions to showcase the influence of long-term sherry cask maturation in Japanese whisky.
Today, it is one of the most sought-after vintage Yamazaki releases in the collector’s market.
Production and Maturation: The Influence of Sherry Casks
Sherry casks have been an essential component of Yamazaki’s whisky-making process.
The Yamazaki 1982 Sherry Wood was matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, imparting a deep, rich color and an intense fruit-forward character.
Why Sherry Casks?
Sherry casks are made from European oak, which is more porous than American oak, allowing for greater interaction between wood and whisky.
This type of aging produces distinct notes of dark fruits, raisins, chocolate, and spice, creating a luxurious and complex flavor profile.
The high tannin content from the sherry casks also adds a unique dryness and structure to the whisky.
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Flavors
The Yamazaki 1982 Sherry Wood offers a bold yet elegant profile, perfectly balancing sweetness, spice, and oak richness.
Here’s a breakdown of its tasting experience:
Appearance
Deep mahogany-red hue, indicative of its extensive sherry cask maturation.
Nose
Intense aromas of dark cherries, dried plums, and raisins.
Notes of chocolate, espresso, and toasted oak.
A hint of sandalwood and incense, characteristic of well-aged Yamazaki expressions.
Palate
Velvety and full-bodied, with layers of dried fruits, blackberries, and figs.
Rich dark chocolate and cinnamon spice.
Hints of caramelized nuts, leather, and tobacco, adding depth.
Finish
Long and warming, with lingering notes of sherry sweetness, black tea, and aged oak.
A delicate touch of Mizunara oak spice, giving it a unique Japanese whisky signature.
Collectibility and Market Value
The Yamazaki 1982 Sherry Wood is not just an exceptional whisky but also a highly valuable collector’s item. Due to its limited release and vintage appeal, its price has surged in the secondary market.
Auction Performance and Current Market Value
Originally released in 1997, its initial retail price was modest compared to today’s figures.
In recent years, bottles have been seen fetching between $8,000 and $15,000 USD at international whisky auctions.
Given the increasing demand for aged Japanese whisky, this expression continues to appreciate in value.
Why Is It So Coveted?
Extremely Limited Bottling – Few bottles remain in circulation, making it highly exclusive.
Sherry Cask Influence – One of the finest examples of Yamazaki’s expertise in sherry cask aging.
Vintage Appeal – Distilled in the 1980s, an era before Japanese whisky gained global fame.
Investment Potential – Continues to break records at whisky auctions worldwide.
Should You Open or Collect?
For those fortunate enough to own a bottle, the big question remains: drink or hold?
If you’re a collector, keeping the bottle sealed and in pristine condition will likely yield higher returns over time.
For whisky enthusiasts, experiencing this rare dram is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to taste one of the finest Yamazaki sherry cask expressions ever made.
Final Thoughts: A True Vintage of Japanese Whisky
The Yamazaki 1982 Sherry Wood is more than just a whisky—it is a piece of history that represents Yamazaki’s dedication to excellence and innovation. Whether as an investment or for personal enjoyment, this expression remains one of the most legendary sherry-aged Japanese whiskies ever released.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Distilled in March 1982, bottled in October 1997 (aged 15 years)
✅ Aged in 100% Oloroso sherry casks, delivering intense depth & complexity
✅ Highly limited and collectible, with auction prices reaching $15,000+
✅ A must-have for serious whisky collectors and Japanese whisky enthusiasts
If you’re looking to add Yamazaki 'Sherry Wood 1982' to your collection or simply want to savor one of the finest creations in whisky history, feel free to reach out via email: japanwhiskysg@gmail.com
We will ensure you get the best quality whisky at possibly the best price in the market :)
Kanpai,
Sin Hai
(Owner of JapanWhisky & Instagram @JapanWhisky)
