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Yamazaki 18 Year Mizunara Cask (2017 Edition)
Yamazaki

Yamazaki 18 Year Mizunara Cask (2017 Edition)

4.46 Very good

31 reviews31 ratings

96 critic score Top 4% of whiskey

Whiskey Japanese Whisky Japan 18 Year 48% ABV

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About this bottle

This 18-year-old single malt from Suntory's Yamazaki Distillery undergoes maturation solely in Japanese Mizunara oak. The term "Mizunara" translates from Japanese as "mizu" (water) and "nara" (oak), referring to a wood that is both tough and porous, making it challenging to work with and prone to leaks. Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo selected whiskies aged for at least 18 years, some exceeding 50 years, for this bottling, which is presented at 48% ABV and became available in October 2017.

How it tastes

Measured across 14 flavor axes. Tap a note to find other bottles that lead with it.

Fruity 75
Spicy 70
Rich 60
Sweet 45
Tart 35
Floral 30
Oily 15

Reviews

Showing the most detailed of 12 parsed reviews.

Kody Rubio 5.0

Amazing whiskey. The flavors are intricate and exciting, yet also welcoming. It improves as you continue drinking. I was incredibly lucky to sample this; a bartender took a liking to me and let me try some from his personal bottle. I understand the widespread acclaim.

Mikaela Stevens 5.0

Exceptional with notes of vanilla, coconut, plum, cinnamon, banana, caramel, orange peel, chocolate, and sandalwood on the nose, followed by honey, plums, dried fruit, and floral on the palate, concluding with a long, spicy, peppery sandalwood and honey finish.

Cayden Shepherd 5.0

Exceptionally scarce and a beautifully harmonious whisky. It possesses all the elements - dark fruit, spicy oak, floral notes. Extremely fortunate to have sampled this. Unique and unmatched in its use of complete maturation in mizunara casks.

Emanuel Potter 5.0

Warm spices, dried fruits, and a lingering effervescent finish. My wife surprised me with a birthday pour at The Whiskey House in San Diego last week. (Yes, it was outrageously priced) I'm now spoiled... seek it out.

Whitney Monroy 3.0

Overhyped flavor, but its high price is solely due to the supposedly rare wood. The original Yamazaki 18 is far superior.

Darrin Delgadillo 5.0

Though financially out of reach, this remains my ultimate favorite. It features honey, floral notes, sweetness, and oak.

6 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.

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Closest flavor profiles across the whole catalog.

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