I sampled a small 50ml portion I'd kept for a while. I don't believe these are still sold; the non-age-stated version has completely taken its place. I regret not purchasing a full bottle, but since I was unsure about this blend, I hesitated. Having tried the Hibiki 12 and 17, I find this superior to the 12 and on par with the 17. The aroma is floral, reminiscent of cherry blossoms. It's truly delicate and mild, but don't mistake that for 'uninteresting.' The taste mirrors the delicate profile. More cherry blossoms are present, now complemented by violets and green apples. It's a fantastic profile, not quite like a Lowlander, but something entirely unique. Perhaps a blend of a Lowlander and a Hibiki. The non-age-stated versions are likely still available, but I suspect they won't match the aged version. If you encounter a bottle, grab it; you won't be let down. I recall paying 4 euros for this over two years ago, and a full bottle was only 50 euros. Even at double that price, I'd readily buy it again.
Yamazakura 16 Year Blended Whisky
Whiskey Japanese Whisky Japan 16 Year 40% ABV
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About this bottle
This expression was created solely for the European market, as few Yamazakura whiskies are exported from Japan. The blended whisky consists of 80% corn and 20% malted barley, with the youngest component having aged beyond the stated duration. Following 16 years of maturation in ex-bourbon barrels, it was transferred to tanks for resting before being moved back to ex-bourbon barrels for its final finishing. A total of only 1,192 bottles of this blended whisky were ever released.
How it tastes
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Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 13 parsed reviews.
I'm uncertain about this sample, but my experience is the complete opposite of others who rated it highly. It could be a faulty batch, the sample could have been contaminated with air, or perhaps it's even a fake, as this is more mediocre than the typical overpriced Japanese spirit these days. There's very little happening here, mostly just ethanol and an extremely faint hint of sweet wood. I know I appreciate subtlety, but unless there's some incredibly delicate complexity I'm missing, it's so bland it deserves a 2.5 at best.
Hands down one of the more interesting whiskeys I have had the pleasure of tasting. Love the bourbon barrel influences, those old fired wood flavors come in beautifully if you wait and sip slow! It's subtle and smooth, but the flavor composition of this bottle has helped improve my palate to no end! Wonderful, don't know why this isn't rated higher.
It's light and sweet, showing hints of vibrant fruit alongside a whisper of smoke. Quite good.
It's alright, but it had a floral aftertaste that I didn't care for.
Smooth, subtle, incredibly easy to drink
7 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
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