Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve

Berries!

Smooth...good

I've had a couple of Japanese whiskeys recently that didn't quite live up to my high expectations (specifically, Hibiki Harmony and Yamazaki 12). Happily, the Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve reversed that trend. The nose is very nice - lots of fruits, a grainy baked good that I think is closest to biscotti, and some vanilla cream. The palate is fruity, creamy, a bit spicy and heavy on the oak. I don't always enjoy heavy oak - it can tend towards a harshness for me. But I didn't find the oak to be harsh here. The DR contrasts sharply with the two whiskeys I mentioned above. While I found the Harmony to be too delicate, the Yamazaki DR is quite robust - much more so than most Japanese whiskeys I've tried. And I very much prefer the DR to the 12, which I find to have a few funky notes. The DR is a really well integrated mix of sweet, spice, and wood. My review is based on a sample, but I'm looking forward to obtaining a full bottle.