Yamazaki Suntory 10 Years Old

Yamazaki 10 Years Old is an earlier age statement from Suntory's single malt distillery in the valley of Shimamoto, Osaka Prefecture, here in a release bottled for the Japanese market. Yamazaki opened in 1923 as Japan's first malt distillery, and this ten year old sits below the better known 12 in age while still carrying the house signature of orchard fruit and balance.

Matured in Ex-Bourbon wood, the whisky draws its sweetness and structure from American oak. Fresh orchard fruit and vanilla lead, a soft malt note runs beneath, and the lighter 40% strength keeps everything gentle and easy on the palate. It is an approachable Yamazaki, the distillery's character shown at a moderate age and a softer proof rather than the deeper sherried weight of its older bottlings.