Glenfiddich – Grand Yozakura 29 Year Old Scotch Whisky (75cl, 45.1%)

This is a 29 year old Speyside single malt from Glenfiddich, released in the Grand Series and bottled at 45.1% ABV. It is the first single malt Scotch finished in Japanese casks that previously held awamori, the traditional rice spirit of Okinawa. The whisky spent 29 years in American and European oak before six months in the awamori casks. Yozakura means cherry blossoms viewed at night, and the presentation follows that theme with a bespoke stopper and cherry-blossom detailing. The nose is zesty ripe fruit, caramelised almonds, rich oak and cinnamon, with a herbal note. On the palate come toasted oak, vanilla toffee, sherbet lemon and crunchy green apple. The finish is long and oaky, with a delicate sherbet sweetness.