Yamazaki – 18 Year Old Single Malt (Older Release) (70cl, 43%)

This is an older release of Yamazaki 18, a Japanese single malt from Suntory, bottled before 2018 at 43% ABV in a 70cl bottle. It was largely matured in ex-sherry casks and has won a number of awards. The nose is typically described as raisin, apricot and café au lait, with the distinctive note of Mizunara, Japanese oak. The palate brings blackberry and strawberry jam with rich dark chocolate. The finish is long and spicy with a smooth texture, and plenty of cloves, cardamom and cinnamon.