Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve

Review by: zSolaris

Distillery: Yamazaki.

Region: Japan.

Age: OB.

ABV: 43.00%.

Cost: Pour thanks to /u/L_Tyrion.

Color: 1.3, Russet/Muscat.

This particular review was done blind with the only hint being “Japan”.

Nose: The first note is of something kinda musty, I can’t quite place it. Following that comes some very fruity notes of muscat grapes and white raisins. Aloe vera drink is the biggest single note as well. After a long time, notes of strawberry shortcake and whipped cream come out as well.

Palate: Quite fruity, just like the nose. Notes of green apples and a ton of moscato come through. Notes of aloe vera drink are quite dominant as well.

Finish: Medium in length. Malt barley and more of that aloe vera.

Guess: The hint was Japan. It definitely is not peated for sure. ABV is low, probably 43%. The strong fruity notes make me think more of Yamazaki than any of the Nikka distilleries. It’s similar to the 12 but not the 12. I’m going to guess Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve.

Reveal: Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve.

Conclusion: I’m done, I’ve peaked. I’ll never top this blind pour guess! Without the major hint of it being Japanese whisky, I would have almost certainly guessed some Speyside distillery though so I suppose I need to keep doing this. The fruity notes in the nose and palate are just so delightful, especially when the strawberry shortcake notes come through. I got a ton of aloe vera drink notes from start to finish, which isn’t one I usually get, so it was quite nice and refreshing. Overall, it is quite nice and many thanks to /u/L_Tyrion for sharing this with me!

Final Score: 80.

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.
  • 0-49: Blech.

Published by zSolaris

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Home is where the corn is! Or at least that's what I told the wife before moving her from sunny Southern California to the Midwest anyway. She doesn't share my love of scotch, the drink, but has been incredibly supportive of my little wander down the rabbit hole. We do both share a love of Scotch, our dog, though (she named him, I swear!). He's the cutie in the profile pic.

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