Yamazaki – Puncheon First Release North American White Oak (2010) (70cl, 48%)

This is the 2010 Puncheon first release from the Yamazaki distillery, a Japanese single malt matured in North American white oak and bottled at 48% ABV. It belongs to the distillery's annual Cask Collection, and 11,000 bottles were released. The whisky matured in a large 480 litre puncheon, where the smaller spirit-to-wood ratio allows a slower rate of maturation. The nose is light, with slight fruit notes. The palate is light too, with vanilla ice cream notes and less sweetness overall. The finish stays sweet but is lighter and fruitier, with some sharpness.