Yamazaki – Kogei Collection Peated Spanish Oak (70cl, 43%)

Yamazaki Kogei Collection Peated Spanish Oak is a Japanese single malt in a 70cl bottle, bottled at 43%. It is the Japanese Kimono Edition of the collection and pairs peated Yamazaki malt with maturation in Spanish oak. Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo revived an early Suntory approach here. The combination was once thought too heavy, so American oak was used for peated malts instead. The label and gift packaging were created with Chiso, the Kyoto kimono house, using golden cloud-like stamps and misty areas that echo the meeting of three rivers near the distillery. No colouring is added. The nose brings dark mocha, raisins and almonds. On the palate, pronounced smoke meets roasted cocoa, and the long finish carries bittersweet, caramelised baking spices.