Suntory Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve Japanese Single Malt Whisky 700ml 43% with Gift Box

Released in Spring 2014, this is one of two Distiller's Reserve single malt whiskies from Suntory in Japan. This single malt from the Yamazaki distillery is jam-packed with superb red berry notes, gained from the whisky being matured in Bordeaux wine casks and Sherry casks. It also features malt matured in Mizunara casks, adding subtle fragrant oak notes.

Tasting Notes

Nose

The wine cask seems to dominate the nose here with strawberries and red fruit taking centre stage. However, sitting quietly in the background is the incense from the mizunara, a hint of dried fruit from the sherry cask and a touch of coconut.

Palate

An abundance of red fruit again, with raspberries, strawberries and even redcurrants coming through, although there’s more dimensions to this than the first wine cask sample that we tried. White peach, a hint of wood and spice, back-up notes of red cherries and candied fruits all come into play here as well.

Finish

Relatively long finish with vanilla and sweet spice dancing around the tongue.