Yamazaki 12 Year

Would give this a 4.65 if I could. Nothing especially stood out in a good way. Just supremely balanced and smooth, especially for a single malt. Barrels have been well treated producing a caramel-forward finish. Basically no heat on the palate. May need to pick up a bottle of this. Price seems very reasonable.

Honeyed toast, buttery malt, oak, tasty Scotch-like malt, a hint of char but no peat whatsoever. Soft and easy going, a solid sipper and would make for a steady go-to, but not going to blow you away… Beer Nerd Musings: I haven’t had any beer aged in Yamazaki casks, or, come to think of it, any Japanese malt casks. I did a quick search, and it appears that Suntory makes beer, and they’ve taken the baffling approach of aging a pilsner in Yamazaki barrels. I… don’t get it. That can’t be very good…

harsh punch in the face flavor and heat sharp flavor of breakfast pancakes with fruit? Thinking naval organe and banana.