Yamazaki 12 Year

Crazy smooth

Incredibly smooth

Fruity, sweet, vainilla, coconut, dried fruits too, Sherry notes, some spicy and smoke at the finish (not peat)

This whisky is worth both the cost and difficulty I had finding it. It is overall very smooth, with a nice sweetness, and a good, deep flavor. The classic sweet notes I've found in many Japanese whiskies are there from the nose. I definitely get honey, vanilla, and even a bit of butter that is distinct from other whiskies that I've tried. A little bit of fruit flavor comes through on the palate to compliment those sweet notes, and the finish is smooth, and deep with a little smoky flavor akin to some of my favorite scotches. Yamazaki 12 is pricey, and I had a tough time finding it, but if you can get your hands on a bottle, it is definitely worth it.

Some vanilla and light caramel notes from the bourbon barrels. Some apricot, peach, and honey notes up front, and then eventually some orange, cinnamon, and clove notes. A good amount of oak influence from the barrels. Still has a bit of an alcohol nip to it but nothing too severe. Dried fruit, oak, and brown sugar on a finish that lasts a little longer than you'd expect at 43% alcohol whisky to last. Wouldn't pay inflated secondary prices for it but would pick it up at retail again.

Pears. Slightly drying & bitter. Was given this in a double blind and it did not fare well.