Yamazaki Spanish Oak

A Spanish Oak single malt from Yamazaki, the Suntory distillery in Osaka Prefecture that founded Japanese malt whisky in 1923 near Shimamoto where the Katsura, Uji and Kizu rivers meet. Known for balance and a layered, fruit forward spirit, the distillery issues a series of wood focused editions. Bottled in 2020 with no age statement, this one is given to Spanish oak ex sherry casks and presented at a robust 48%.

Maturation in Spanish oak ex Oloroso sherry builds a rich, savoury character. Look for dried fruit and dark chocolate with a nutty, resinous sherry depth and a touch of fresh oak, all over the orchard fruit typical of the distillery. At 48% the whisky carries real weight and a gentle spice, the Spanish wood leading throughout. It finishes long and warm on dried fruit, true to the balanced house style Yamazaki has set as a benchmark.