Yamazaki 25 Years Old - SUNTORY 2021 RELEASE 700ml/43%

The reformulated whisky now marries spirits aged in three types of oak – American, Spanish and Japanese mizunara – bringing it in line with the 12-year-old and 18-year-old Yamazaki expressions.

Shinji Fukuyo, the producer’s chief blender, said his inspiration for the new blend recipe was the limited edition Yamazaki 1984 single malt, which was created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the distillery and the 110th anniversary of Suntory.

The 43% ABV expression offers spiced notes of incense on the nose, bolstered by layers of dried kaki persimmon and and satsuma orange. On the palate, sandalwood unfolds to more persimmon sweetness, plus tart yuzu and spicy ginger. The whisky finishes with spiced, sweet and tart wood notes and hints of smoke.