Yamazakura – 35 Years Old Ultimate Edition 2020 (60cl, 57%)

This is a Japanese whisky from Yamazakura, made by Sasanokawa Shuzo and aged for about 35 years. It was matured first in bourbon casks and is reported to have spent around a year finished in sherry casks. It was bottled at a natural cask strength of 57% ABV in a 60cl bottle. Only 55 bottles were released, in November 2020, and each was crafted by hand by the Japanese artisan Hideaki Kakurai. The whisky is described as elegant and well balanced, with crisp buttered toast and ripe apricot on an oily texture, and a lingering, warm finish.