Tasted at the Suntory Hakushu distillery in November 2024 for 22000 JPY per 30mL pour. Aroma: Sherry, raisins, honey, leather, damp tobacco, stewed apples, caramel. Taste: Raisins, honey, chocolate, leather, cinnamon, a hint of plum. Finish: Lingering honey sweetness, a hint of raisin, sandalwood, dry leather, cocoa powder. Score: 96/100 Final Thoughts: This is an exceptionally well-balanced single malt. The aroma is great, the balance is superb, and it has a significant sherry influence while retaining the excellent malt character of Yamazaki single malt. I felt this had slightly more sherry influence, perhaps masking the true Yamazaki malt a bit, which I believe pairs wonderfully with mizunara cask influence (adding a unique, slightly medicinal/sandalwood note). Overall, it was a fantastic pour, and I'm very glad to have had the opportunity to try it. However, considering the price, I'd likely stick with Yamazaki 18 (which was previously much more affordable). Would I drink it if offered? - Yes. Would I specifically order it? - Yes. Would I buy a bottle? - Not at this price. NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.
Yamazaki 25 Year (Reformulated)
Whiskey Japanese Whisky Japan 25 Year 43% ABV
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About this bottle
Suntory's 25 Year single malt was reformulated by Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo and released in July 2021. This expression is matured for at least 25 years in three kinds of casks: American oak, Spanish oak, and Japanese Mizunara oak, similar to their 12 and 18 Year offerings, with variations in component ratios. The prior 25 Year bottling utilized only Spanish sherry casks. It is presented at 86 proof.
Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 5 parsed reviews.
Fits the profile of an ancient Asian temple with notes of sandalwood, cinnamon, burnt honey, grapefruit, dark chocolate, coconuts, and ginger. Nose: Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Honey, Bananas, Coconuts, Raisins, Figs, Dark Chocolate, Grapefruit, Plums, Brown Sugar, Mangoes, Dust Palate: Sandalwood, White Chocolate, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Honey, Cinnamon, Apricots, Coconuts, Ginger, Blood Oranges, Figs, Vanilla Finish: Cinnamon, Sandalwood, Dark Chocolate, Walnuts, Dried Figs, Acacia Honey, Almonds, Ginger, Blackberries, Cranberries
Takes everything the Yamazaki 18 does well and does it better Nose: feels like sticking your head in a candied barrel. My wife said that she wishes she had a perfume that smelled like that. Otherwise, tart and sweet fruit. Tart Asian pear, ripe persimmon that is ready to melt in your mouth Mouth: sweet fruit followed by gentle spice and floral notes Finish: long and smooth, subtle sweetness and wood
Crazy that this was only the third best whiskey of the day.
Fantastic. It has sherry, oak, honey, and cinnamon notes.
Tastes like this
Same style and price bracket, best rated first.
