Yamazaki 10 Years Old 2008

This 2008 Yamazaki was distilled by Suntory at its Osaka Prefecture distillery, the oldest malt site in Japan, where soft humidity in the Shimamoto valley feeds maturation. Bottled in 2019 at 10 Years Old for the Japanese market in a 500ml format, it shows the house at full strength rather than as part of the rounded core range.

Maturation took place in refill Oloroso sherry casks, wood that gives a gentler sherry influence than first fill. At 53% it offers dried fruit and cocoa, a note of warm spice and the distillery's orchard fruit, with the refill wood letting the spirit show through. Balanced and approachable for a cask strength malt, it reflects the lighter sherried side of the house at a younger age.