Yamazaki Bourbon Barrel

Yamazaki Bourbon Barrel is a no age statement single malt from Suntory's distillery in Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture, in the valley where three rivers meet beneath a soft, humid air. Bottled in 2011 for the European market, it sits within the distillery's cask specific series, each release built to show one wood type alone.

Full ageing in ex-bourbon barrels draws out vanilla, coconut and green apple over the house orchard fruit, with a light, spiced finish. There is nothing sherried or winey to mask the spirit, so the malt reads clean and bright from start to close. Bottled at cask strength 48.2%, it has the freshness and lift of a young American oak Yamazaki, direct and easy to follow, the wood lending sweetness without ever weighing the spirit down.