Yamazaki Limited Edition 2017

Yamazaki Limited Edition 2017 is a no age statement single malt from Suntory's distillery in Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture, set where the Katsura, Uji and Kizu rivers meet under soft, humid air. As one of the distillery's annual editions, it brings together stock from Japan's oldest whisky house into a fresh yearly expression of the house style.

Built in the house style around ex-bourbon oak, this release shows soft orchard fruit, vanilla and a warm oak spice, with the bright clarity that American wood lends the malt. The fruit and vanilla anchor the middle, rounded and unforced, while a light coconut sweetness rounds the edges. Bottled at 43%, it is gentle and easy, a yearly portrait of the distillery's everyday balance rather than a single wood showpiece, approachable from first sip to last.