Yamazaki Smoky Batch 'The First' Single Malt Whisky

The Yamazaki Distillery is Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery founded in 1923 by Suntory's founder Shinjiro Torii. Yamazaki is not only the soul place of Suntory Whisky but the birthplace of Japanese Whisky. Inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, it is said that Torii selected the land of Yamazaki at the foot of Mt. Tennozan, for its high-quality water source and natural environment ideal for whisky making.

Yamazaki was born from the surprising, delicate yet profound experience of a Japanese single malt whisky. Multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara aromas, Yamazaki whiskies are complex and deep. Made at Yamazaki Distillery, the birthplace of Japanese whisky, its signature multi-layered taste is highly praised by whisky connoisseurs all over the world. The House of Suntory honours the birthplace of Japanese whisky, capturing and celebrating the pioneering roots of one of the world’s greatest whiskies from the place Shinjiro Torii chose to begin the illustrious journey of Japanese whisky. Fifth generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo has returned to the roots of what made Yamazaki Single Malt quintessentially Yamazaki: deep, complex and multi-layered with fruit and Mizunara notes.

TASTING NOTES

Color: Canola Oil

Aroma: Really aromatic - mellow and all encompassing gentle smokiness, it's a really lovely bouquet that's neither hot nor sharp, really pillowy and fragrant. It's backed up by more honey sweetness, vanilla cream, flower meadows, hay, pressed flowers - floral, fresh and gently sweet. There's a light bit of smoked cream, ricotta topped with honey and pine nuts. Also a sort of light industrial grease. Light bit of leatherbound books and musty wooden cabinets.

As it lightens up, the smoke falls away and reveals this really lifted, fresh cream, hay and honey aroma that's really gorgeous. 

Taste: A little lighter than you might expect, it's just a touch lighter than medium-bodied. There's some cold ash, light bit of honey, vanilla cream, red apples, pears, maltose candy, as well as some camphor and mint. Other than the weight, it does sport a good roundedness and silky texture. 

Finish: The acidity is more prominent here, with more ash coming through. It's alittle nippy and slightly more bitter. As it recedes there's alittle more honey and vanilla cream. It's a medium-length finish that leaves you with a slight smokiness.