Sasanokawa Shuzo Yamazakura Pure Malt Whisky

Yamazakura Pure Malt Whisky is a no age statement blended malt from Sasanokawa Shuzo in Fukushima prefecture, bottled in 2019 at 46% for the Japanese domestic market. The Pure Malt designation marks it as an all-malt composition without grain whisky, and the addition of a Port wine cask finish gives this release a distinct identity within the Yamazakura blended malt releases.

The Ex-Bourbon cask maturation provides the liquid's foundation: vanilla, soft cereal and honey. The Port wine cask finish then adds a layer of red berry, dried cherry and a gentle sweetness that softens and sweetens the finish. The result is a welcoming and fruit-forward blended malt, well-suited to the domestic Japanese market and accessible for those new to the Yamazakura range. At 46% it is a step up in strength from the standard entry level, with enough presence to carry the dual-cask character well.