Yamazaki Limited Edition 2014

A subtle, no-age-statement Japanese Single Malt Whisky, this expression blends malt aged in European Oak Sherry and Port casks for up to two decades with a young malt matured in a Bourbon cask. It begins with a sweet introduction featuring notes of fruit, citrus, melon, port, sherry, and a hint of honey. The mid-palate develops with rich notes of vanilla custard, citrus, banana, and chestnut, accompanied by a touch of warmth. The long and balanced finish presents notes of fruit, honey, wood, phenols, pine, and salt. July 2022.

Appearance: A russet Muscat hue, appearing oily as it swirls, with slow-moving, extended legs that cling to the glass. Aroma: Sweet dried fruits, with a candied orange peel note. Aged oak with just a subtle trace of light smoke. Palate: Smooth with a delicate sherry and port influence that is immediately followed by more of that dried fruit and candied orange peel. It possesses a crispness for the age of the components blended within. Finish: A mouth-drying salinity, but not unpleasantly so. It doesn't linger as long as desired. A bit more oak and a faint smokiness, akin to smelling a distant fireplace from a cabin.

Yamazaki consistently delivers. How do they still stock this treasure in Kyoto? It's remarkable, nearly on par with the 18-year. It contains some very aged components. Sweet and oaky, yet balanced with Yamazaki's signature profile. 95

Smooth, exceptionally smooth. A subtle hint of peat. A pleasingly long, smooth finish. It's dangerously easy to drink a lot of this.