About a year ago (Spring 2014) Suntory added two NAS single malts to their core range, called Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve and Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve. Both releases are supposed to showcase the specific styles of Suntory’s two distilleries, Yamazaki and Hakushu. All casks have been hand selected by Shinji Fukuyo, the Master Blender at Suntory.

The Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve was matured in sherry, wine (some sources say Bordeaux) and mizunara (Japanese oak) casks.

Right now prices for age stated single malts from Yamazaki are rising to new all-times highs so let’s see if this rather reasonably priced bottling can keep up with those.

Facts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:	Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve
Age:	NAS
Category:	Single Malt
Distillery:	Yamazaki (Suntory)
Cask Type:	Sherry, Wine & Mizunara Casks
Strength:	43.0% Vol
Colored:	Yes
Chill-Filtered:	Yes

Nose

Very fruity but light. Plenty of white peach. A whiff of strawberries. More red fruits. Hints of coconut. I cannot help myself but this reminds me of medium sweet rose wine. More in the background a fine-tuned sweetness of honey. Raisins. Also a woody touch. Nutmeg.

Taste

A bit watery on the palate. A subtle honey sweetness. Again fruity, especially white peaches, balanced by a light spiciness. Hints of oak.

Finish

medium long and dry, once again a bit of oak with a minty note

Overall

Simple but pleasant. Do not expect any fireworks.

Score: 84 / 100