Yamazaki – Distiller's Reserve (70cl, 43%)

Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve is a single malt from Suntory's Yamazaki distillery in Japan, released in spring 2014 as one of two Distiller's Reserve bottlings. It is bottled at 43% ABV in a 70cl bottle and comes in a box. The whisky is matured in Bordeaux wine casks and Sherry casks, which give it red berry notes, and it includes malt matured in Mizunara casks for a subtle, fragrant oak character. The colour is gold. The nose has strawberries, dried fruits, floral notes, sandalwood and perhaps coconut. The palate shows dried berries with raspberry, light oak, white peach and a little spice. The finish holds vanilla and sweet cinnamon.