The Yamazaki 18 Years Old

The Yamazaki 18 has been a firm favourite of awards panels for a while. It has also become more difficult to find at source, frequently changing hands at high prices through auctions , etc.

One of the easier methods of getting a bottle is by purchasing the above limited edition at a Japanese airport. The only difference is in the bottle and packaging.

Tasting notes from reviewers:

http://thewhiskeyjug.com/japanese-whisky/yamazaki-18-review/

NOSE
Rich fruit, soft warm pastries, buttery caramel, vanilla, malt, spice and a touch of oak and ash. This is a lovely aroma.

PALATE
The palate keeps the rich full theme moving along with notes of fruit, malt, char, dark sweets, vanilla, toasted grain, nuts and again a touch of oak but this time accompanied by some spice.

FINISH
Long fruity drawl interspersed with pockets of malt, nuts, spice and oak.

BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Well balanced, full round body and a slick, coating, almost oily feel.

http://www.whiskypapa.com/yamazaki-18-year-old-whisky-91100

Nose: 21/25. This whisky is unique in that its nose is described more in terms of texture than of actual smell. The nose is thick and even oily, with a staying power that cannot be ignored. However, it is a highly enjoyable smell, with citrus elements and sherry followed by oak and green earth.

Palate: 23/25. You’ll definitely notice the signature peat and smoke elements, but your first impression of the Yamazaki 18 will be not the taste, but the texture. It is rich and viscous, so much so that it almost feels heavy on your tongue. The first tastes are those of nuts and honey, but they are followed by a spicy and wine-y taste. There is even a hint of dried cherry and dates along with some smokiness. This is such a complex whisky that it is hard to describe the waves of flavor that will wash over you from the first taste.

Finish: 24/25. As any whisky drinker knows, dry can mean any one of several things, from a bitter taste that sucks the saliva from your mouth to a pleasantly warm dry feeling. The finish of the Yamazaki 18 year falls into the latter category, with a long and dry yet definitely enjoyable finish that will exceed all expectations. It is warm and dry in a sunny, crisp way that will not disappoint. Malt is one of the final elements along with smoke, salt, and spices.

Character: 23/25. The Yamazaki 18 year is strikingly similar to a Highland Park 18 year in its rich complexity—which is quite a compliment if you have ever tasted the Highland Park 18. From its copper color to its

Overall Rating for Yamazaki 18 Year Old Whisky: 91/100.

Suntory Yamazaki 12 Year's Old Watami Founder's Choice

The above is a single malt specially produced for the Watami chain of Restaurants in Japan and only sold in their outlets. Not much information is available.

http://www.tokyobird.com.au/whisky-wednesday-yamazaki-12-watami/

Background

From Japan’s most well-known distillery, the Yamazaki 12 year old single malt Watami President’s Choice is a slightly different take on the Yamazaki 12 that we know as one of our best sellers here at Tokyo Bird.

This special exclusive release single malt comprising whiskies at least 12 years old was first released in 2008. It was made for restaurant chain president Miki Watanabe who presides over the Watami chain of casual Japanese restaurants, which have now expanded across Asia, including in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea and Cambodia.

It contains more sherry cask-matured whiskies than the standard Yamazaki 12, so expect some more red fruit notes than the tropical fruit notes of the standard 12 year old. 

Tasting Notes

Nose (what does it smell like?):
Red berries, cinnamon, raisins

Palate (what does it taste and feel like?):
Stonefruit, ripe berries, baked goods, all spice

Finish (how does the flavour finish on the palate?):
Smooth, balanced, fruits

There is also a President's Choice. I don't know if there is any difference apart from the name.

Chivas 18 By Pininfarina Chapter 2 Ice Press

This is a very nice (and heavy) package of Chivas with accessories. You can make beautiful Ice Drops designed to enhance your whisky experience.

The press release:

Chivas Regal 18, one of the world’s leading ultra-premium Scotch whiskies, has announced a new collaboration with prestigious Italian design company Pininfarina to create Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Chapter 2. Through innovative design, this limited edition will deliver luxury experiences to the on and off trade through ice, one of the most commonly used elements in premium whisky consumption.

Unique in the world of whisky, the Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Ice Drop is an elegantly contoured shape that embodies the Pininfarina design philosophy, marrying form and function. The Ice Drop celebrates the meeting of air and liquid to create our partnership symbol The Drop – an exquisite experience to be enjoyed in the world’s most iconic bars, and at home.

The Chivas 18 by Pininfarina Chapter 2 Ice Drop Mould

Crafted from high grade silicon, the Ice Drop Mould delivers two flawless Ice Drops with ease. The limited edition pack, of which only 1,500 pieces have been created, contains brushed steel tongs and a pair of Pininfarina designed ‘Drop’ glasses, enabling whisky connoisseurs to replicate and enjoy the Ice Drop ritual in the luxury of their own home. The Ice Drop Mould will be available to purchase for US$399.

Richard Black, Global Brand Director for Chivas Regal, commented, “Chivas 18 has a deep understanding of luxury and a proven history of working with iconic visionaries, and Pininfarina is a brand that is revered globally for its expertise in the world of design so our shared values of beauty, harmony and craft made this a natural partnership for us. We have created a contemporary limited edition that is as practical as it is enjoyable and that will deliver unique experiences to the world’s top on-trade venues and Chivas’ fans through the perfect ice shape. Chapter 2 epitomises Chivas Regal’s enduring commitment to excellence while marrying Pininfarina’s combination of innovative and seductive design; a celebration of form and function.”

Creative Director for Pininfarina, Paolo Trevisan, commented: “Both Chivas 18 and Pininfarina are united in their vision to create unique and unparalleled luxury experiences. The continued partnership between both brands enables us to focus on what we believe is the perfect embodiment of our design philosophy combined with the unique heritage and ethos of Chivas 18.”

To mark the second year of the collaboration, renowned mixologist Ago Perrone has crafted a series of cocktails to elevate the drinking experience at home. The innovative collection combines influences from Scotland and Italy while showcasing the versatility of ice.

Chivas 18 Year Old by Pininfarina; Chapter 2 collection will be available globally from November 2014.

Tasting notes from reviewers:

https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/chivas-regal-18-year-old-whisky/

Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt

Nose: Balanced. Orange peel, malted barley. Vanilla fudge, touch of spice.

Palate: Medium body, marmalade, dark chocolate, touch of wood.

Finish: Long, well-balanced, spice emanating from the oak.

Suntory Hibiki 21 Years Old

Hibiki 21 Years Old from Suntory is a multiple award winner and comes in many forms.

World Whiskies Awards:

- World's Best Blended Whisky 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016

- Best Japanese Blended 2014, 2015

- Best Japanese Blended 21 Years And Over, 2009, 2012

Other awards have been won at the International Spirits Challenge and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Hibiki 21 above is the Kacho Fugetsu 2015 Limited Edition released in a limited quantity of 2,000 bottles. There was an earlier bottle released with a similar theme.

The above bottle is the Mount Fuji Edition released in 2014 to commemorate Mount Fuji being added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. 2,000 bottles were produced. There were some bottles released with a box made of Cypress wood.

It is uncertain how many of the above boxes were released. The above commands a premium price above the already rare limited editions I've mentioned.

There have also been limited releases of Hibiki 21 in various ceramic decanters. I have yet to get 1 of these in my collection. I have seen more than a dozen different ceramic designs on the web.

Tasting notes from reviewers:

https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/suntory-hibiki-21-year-old-blended-whisky/

Tasting Note by The Chaps at Master of Malt

Nose: Sweet, caramalised nuts, some lemon acidity, blackcurrants and pears with vanilla, dark toffee and rich sherry spice.

Palate: Oak, dark cherry and sweet caramel notes, buttery with a wisp of smoke and some wood spice.

Finish: Long, with a hint of smoke.

Overall: A fantastic Japanese whisky.

http://scotchaddict.com/hibiki-japanese-harmony-tasting-notes-review.html

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Floral sweetness, emphasis on the floral, some pine and sandalwood
• Palate: Caramelized honey akin to sherry (it’s one of the sweetest I can remember), candied orange, cinnamon (think about the baking area of your spice drawer… that whole smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, etc), rosemary, a little smokiness that surprised me
• Finish: Medium finish and clean, some dark chocolate sweet bitterness, lingering honey

Nikka Gold & Gold Samurai Edition

I have 3 different versions of this edition in my collection. The one above is the current edition found only in Japanese airports.

The version above is an older version with the G&G symbol on the samurai armour itself.

This version is a special edition commemorating 400 years of Osaka Castle. Both the label and the armour are different from the normal editions.

Tasting notes from reviewers:

http://www.nonjatta.com/2009/01/nikka-gold-gold.html

Review by Nonjatta contributor - Serge Valentin

Visit Serge`s website, the definitive Whiskyfun.com.

Colour: Gold.

Nose: We’re close to the ‘Blend’, only even drier and a little maltier. Hints of beer and soft spices (ginger, cumin). Just as austere, but these whiskies are probably not made for deep nosing.

Mouth: Not very big at the attack but rounder and creamier than the ‘Blend’. Notes of beer again (gueuze, fruit flavoured Belgian beer), marzipan, quite some malt and the same kind of salty peatiness as in the ‘Blend’. Really warms up after a few minutes. Hints of kirsch.

Finish: Medium-long, maybe just a tad too sugary but the peatiness blends well with soft spices and something slightly ‘oriental’ (orange blossom water). Aftertaste a tad too spirity.

Comments: A blend of good quality. 

https://thesmokydram.wordpress.com/2014/03/13/nikka-gold-gold/

Colour: Bright amber to burnished with long and slow medium to thick legs.

Nose: Fairly dry and malty start before the emergence of the sweet flavours; toffee, vanilla and soft sweet spices (ginger). Towards the get some Christmas notes; warm spices, brandied dried fruit, brandy tart and some very light Christmas cake.

Palate: Smooth, round and warming, especially with some time, with a subtle hint of peat. Sweet spiciness (cinnamon and ginger) again, some pepper notes, maltiness and a wood spice warm tingle at back of one’s mouth. A pleasant enough palate.

Finish: Medium to long finish that is warm with sweet soft spiciness (pepper and ginger) and slightly drying.

Overall: While a good quality blend, where I enjoyed the subtle play between the malt, sweet and spicy flavours, there are other blends from Nikka that are more readily available that I enjoyed more and preferred.

The Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 Release

I have a bottle of the US release of The Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 in my collection. 

The official press release:

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY WHISKY PROUDLY INTRODUCES SUNTORY WHISKY YAMAZAKI® SHERRY CASK 2016 EDITION™

Deerfield, IL (January 12, 2016) - It may have come as a surprise that Suntory Whisky Yamazaki® Sherry Cask 2013 was named “World Whisky of the Year” in Jim Murray’s 2015 Whisky Bible. However, sherry cask whisky has been a constant staple of the Suntory Whisky portfolio since 1924, a year after the distillery began construction. Shinjiro Torii, the founding father of Japanese whisky first started making his whiskies by leveraging sherry casks imported from the wine of southern Spain needed to blend his famous Akadama Sweet Wine. Hence the sherry cask was the first cask used by Suntory Whisky and plays an important role in the origin of Japanese whisky. 

The House of Suntory Whisky is proud to introduce Yamazaki® Sherry Cask 2016 (48% ABV), available as of February 1, 2016. 

The Sherry Cask - A Meticulous Selection

Over its 92-year history, Suntory Whisky has managed numerous sherry casks and sherry malts. Suntory’s Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo makes a point of visiting the Northern region of Spain himself. He does this to ensure that his selection of Spanish oak be sent to the “bodegas” (sherry wineries) to be made into the sherry casks used to store their Oloroso Sherry. Fukuyo carefully oversees this entire process, from the selection of the casks, to the charring and the aging of the sherry. After three years of aging, the sherry casks are sent back to Suntory’s Yamazaki distillery, ready to receive what becomes the distinguished Yamazaki Sherry Cask Whisky. 

The Sherry Cask - The Challenge

Sherry casks are both revered and feared for their strong character, as they can easily overpower a whisky’s flavor. The Yamazaki malts can also be affected by this sherry/Spanish oak cask flavor. However, in the case of the Yamazaki Sherry Cask, Suntory’s Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo selects only those casks in which the delicate balance of chemistry between the Yamazaki malt and sherry cask can be achieved, thereby enhancing Yamazaki’s characteristically rich and multifaceted flavor. The meticulous selection process of the Spanish oak, the management of the sherry casks, and the overall aging process ensure the final award winning quality of this liquid.

The Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016:

A Fine Blend of Maturity and Delicateness

Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo is often compared to an artist. His blends are deliberate designs meticulously chosen from more than 100 malt whiskies. Each taste is a color and aroma, specifically curated for the occasion. Fukuyo is clear that he did not blend the Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 for the novice. The Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 is created for the “Suntory Whisky Lover”—a lover of complex, refined and subtle tastes. Like the rest of the Yamazaki Cask Collection (Mizunara, Bourbon Barrel, and Puncheon), the sherry cask is a critical component that differentiates and characterizes the award winning Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky.

The Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 - The Journey

Fukuyo has designed a journey in this whisky. The Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 is undeniably where Spain meets Japan in the form of a whisky. To fully enjoy this journey, Fukuyo recommends the whisky first be served neat to showcase its nose. On its own, there is a clear and fresh top note. A raisin-like, deep sweetness that is both elegant and rich. You immediately taste the complexity of this liquid and the fine balance of maturity and delicateness. Served on the rocks, the flavor opens as you begin to taste the Delaware grape-like sweetness and its slightly bitter acidity. When cut with water, there is a soft sweetness that blossoms like the first apples of the harvest. 

Tasting Notes

The Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 leverages the same lot of whiskies as was used for the Yamazaki Sherry cask 2013 for its base. These whiskies have matured for two more years. To this blend, Fukuoy adds various rare sherry cask single malt whiskies, some of which are more than 25 years old, creating a whisky that has a deep richness, mellowness and complexity of flavors.

Color:Dark brown, a rich and decadent natural “Sherry” color

Nose:Raisin, sun-dried tomato, clove, cocoa

Taste:Deep, rich, sweet and sour, chocolate with hazelnuts

Finish:Long, bittersweet, sour 

Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016, a single malt whisky, is presented at 48% alcohol by volume (96 proof) and will be available in market as of February 1, 2016. Five thousand bottles of Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 have been produced globally. 

Tasting notes from reviewers:

https://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/yamazaki/yamazaki-sherry-cask-2016-whisky/

Master of Malt

Producer's Tasting Note:
Nose: Raisin, sun-dried tomato, clove, cocoa.
Palate: Deep, rich, sweet and sour, chocolate with hazelnuts.
Finish: Long, bittersweet, sour.
Overall: Deep richness, mellowness and complexity of flavours.

https://whisknick.com/2016/09/08/whisky-review-the-yamazaki-sherry-cask-2016-edition/

Tasting Notes:

The Yamazaki 山崎 Sherry Cask 2016 Edition ☆

Style: Sherry and Composed

Nose:

Heavy sherry presence with an alluring balsamic vinegar touch. Light smoke, red fruit notes. Mature oak with a strong hint of tobacco leaves on the lower tone. Burnt caramel, bright cherry and roasted popcorn constitutes the rest of the aroma.

Palate: 

Plum sauce and grated chocolate on the first palate. Well-aged sherry taking the lower branches, giving an enormous undertone of reduced soy sauce, maple syrup, caramel candy and raisins, which is quickly followed by the enthusiastic red fruits combining orange citrus and spice to play a dynamic interlude. Oaky flavours slowly hold up at the back, with the increasing dryness slowly unfolding with a fine brush of maltiness.

Finish:

Sweet prunes and dark fruits team up with the malt on the finish. The flavours of raisins, nutmeg and chocolate staying overtime and gave a long lasting finish.

Thoughts:

Evident that this Yamazaki has a fair share of old (sherry) component in the whisky, in fact, according to the description, there is some 25 year old plus in the mix. While the older side has laid a rock solid sherry foundation, the vibrant side is unleashed, given the freedom and running rampant on the palate. Great sherry juice, a must-have for sherry bomb fans, even more impressive on the interplay between the brighter and lower tones, enhancing the complexity and dynamics of the flavour. Skilfully crafted whisky. Worth the hype? Try it for yourself!