The Yamazaki Single Malt Sherry Cask 2016 (75cl)

This is the 2016 release of Yamazaki Sherry Cask, a Japanese single malt from the Suntory distillery at Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture, in a 75cl bottle. It is matured only in Spanish oak sherry casks, with no American oak and no Mizunara involved, so the character comes entirely from sherry wood. It carries no age statement. The nose brings raisins, blackberries, cherries and dark chocolate over a rich toffee sweetness. The palate is dense, with dried fruit, dark chocolate, orange peel and warm spice, leading to a long, warming finish.