Yamazaki Yamazaki 25 Years Old Sherry Cask 43% NV

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (89)

Colour: coffee.

Nose: ah? No, it’s not that sherried. I mean, it’s ridden with raisins and dried figs and many jams and several chutneys, but the relatively low strength seems to have kept it rather fresh and even kind of easy. But that’s just the nose. Lovely touches of cigarette tobacco and flowers in the background (iris, dandelions), then more soy sauce, walnut wine, old rancio and all that. Certainly more delicate than earlier batches – as far as I can remember.

Mouth: a feeling of old Demerara rum at first sips, then a growing feeling of raw cinnamon, probably from the oak. More walnuts as well and then a dozen wheelbarrows of dark chocolate. Liquorice again, even some tar, and more and more strong coffee, Italian ristretto style. Very heavy, I’m wondering what would have happened at cask strength.

Finish: long, a notch grapy perhaps.

Words of Whisky (92)

Tasting Notes by Yamazaki ( Suntory )
Deep and complex with dried fruit.

Color: mahogany

Nose: dried cherry, currant, tomato puree, balsamic, walnut

Palate: marmalade, coffee, cocoa, almond

Finish: profound, hint of acidity

BOW (92)

World Whisky Awards 2019
Gold Medal Japanese Single Malt 21 Years & Over