43°
Distilleries : Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita - Japan
American Ex-Bourbon Barrels, Ex-Sherry European and Mizunara Oak Casks
Original Bottling
Core Range
Blended Grain
Launched in 1989
Almost Unpeated
Superlatives are in order when we talk about this Blend, launched in 1989 by the Suntory group, and legendary ever since. Its price has risen tenfold since it was first released, and now that stocks have run out it is very rare to find. However, it is still cold-filtered and coloured, which is not so sublime. But it was very common when at that time. What is really a revolutionary idea is the use of Mizunara oak casks, which were mainly used to make furniture back then.
Let's Taste It :
Very light grainy smoke, dust, gravel, notes of braised caramel, dried fruit, compote, cherry clafoutis, fig jam, oranges and cranberries. Apricot skin, lemon zest, vanilla bean, exotic wood, cinnamon, saffron, sandalwood. On the palate, dark honey, dates and hazelnuts, red plum, black tea, chocolate fondant, heather earth, spices that take time to decant. Long, powerful finish, slices of roast beef, charcoal crumbs, crème brûlée, red fruit, redcurrants, blood and floral hints. Roasted wheat.
In Short,
It's indeed an excellent product, perfectly balanced, quite complex and deep. On the palate, it's still a little light, but the rest is very interesting. I'd say it's worth the price at which it was launched in 1989, but certainly not the price at which it is sold today. At its current price, this product is no longer there for whisky lovers, but for speculators, which is a very different field.
Score : 88
To Be Listened While Sipping :
Johannes Brahms - Symphonie N°3
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