Yamazaki Kogei Collection (Suntory Whisky)

A no age statement single malt from Yamazaki, the Suntory distillery in Osaka Prefecture that founded Japanese malt whisky in 1923 in the valley of Shimamoto where three rivers meet. Known for balance and a layered, fruit forward spirit, the distillery presents this bottling as the Kogei Collection, an edition released for the European market at the house standard 43%.

Maturation in Spanish oak, typically ex sherry, gives a richer, savoury character. Expect dried fruit and fresh orchard fruit with a nutty depth and a faint kippery, smoky edge over the soft fruit of the house, the wood adding a gentle spice. At 43% the whisky stays soft and rounded, the Spanish oak lending dried fruit weight without overpowering the spirit. It finishes balanced and lightly spiced, true to the layered house style for which Yamazaki is known.