There are quite a few whiskies and different spirits over which people just drool. In my opinion, some are not worth all the hype. Indeed, you could say the same about much of our world today. Moreover, much is subjective. That all said, this 18-year-old whisky from Yamazaki is one that definitely lives up to heightened expectations. It is far from a budget whisky, but ,if you are looking for something for your top shelf, this is an amazing contender.

Yamazaki is Suntory’s flagship single malt, from Japan’s first and oldest malt distillery. Not only does the distillery, located in an idyllic location of south-western Kyoto at the foot of a mountain, contain so much history, the whisky could be a bottled version of Japan’s soul. The natural waters and environment are, together, a whisky-making utopia.

This Yamazaki is both rich and delicate. The balance achieved in this whisky is incredible, with deeply rich fruits and dark chocolate leading you into a long, drawn-out, malty-spice finish.

If you’re looking for a beautifully-crafted treat, this might be one for you. An exciting dram for any occasion.