Description

Yamazaki Distillery Exclusive – Spanish Oak Peated Malt Bottling Note

In 2024, the Yamazaki Distillery surprised the world with a limited-edition single malt bottling released exclusively through their distillery channels. This exclusive release marked a significant departure from the distillery’s usual offerings, showcasing their innovative spirit and willingness to push boundaries. Unlike their classic expressions, renowned for their delicate fruit and floral characters, the Yamazaki Distillery Exclusive – Spanish Oak Peated Malt embraced a bolder personality, a testament to the distillery’s commitment to exploration and experimentation.

The defining characteristic of this exclusive bottling was the use of peated malt during distillation. A departure from the unpeated malts typically employed at Yamazaki, the peated malt imparted a distinctive smokiness, forming the foundation upon which the entire flavor profile was built. This smoky essence, a rarity for Yamazaki connoisseurs, set the stage for a unique and intriguing whisky experience.

Following distillation, the whisky embarked on its maturation journey within specially selected Spanish oak casks. The Spanish oak casks, previously used to mature Spanish sherry, imbued the whisky with a tapestry of rich and unexpected flavors. Imagine dark fruits reminiscent of raisins and plums, hints of nutty sweetness akin to almonds, and a touch of spicy warmth evocative of cinnamon. These unique contributions from the sherry casks further distinguished this exclusive bottling as a one-of-a-kind creation from the Yamazaki masters.

The interplay between the peated malt and the Spanish oak casks resulted in a truly captivating whisky experience, available only through the Yamazaki Distillery. Intensifying this bold character, the whisky was bottled at a higher alcohol content than the regular Yamazaki product – 48% by volume. This translates to a more pronounced and impactful flavor delivery on the palate.

Yamazaki Distillery Exclusive – Spanish Oak Peated Malt Tasting Note

Nose: Smoke opens gently, reminiscent of a cool autumn campfire. Hints of bitter orange marmalade and dark chocolate emerge beneath the smoke, adding intrigue. As it breathes, toasted almonds and a touch of cinnamon add depth, suggesting the influence of Spanish oak casks.

Palate: Smoke takes center stage, deeper and more pronounced than on the nose, yet remains smooth and refined. Rich, roasted cacao mingles with the smoke, creating a decadent character. Hints of caramelized brown sugar and baking spices like nutmeg and clove add complexity. Subtle notes of dark fruit (raisins, plums) reveal the sherry cask influence, along with a lingering touch of spicy warmth echoing the cinnamon from the nose.

Finish: Long and bittersweet, reflecting the interplay of smoke and rich sweetness from the Spanish oak casks. The smoke gradually fades, leaving a lingering warmth and a hint of dark chocolate on the breath.

Overall: This Yamazaki Distillery Exclusive offers a unique and captivating experience. The use of peated malt is a bold departure from their typical profile, while Spanish oak casks add unexpected complexity. The result is a whisky that is both smoky and sweet, smooth and sophisticated.