Yamazaki Sherry Cask (2016 Edition)

Like this more than the 2013 edition with its sticky sweet texture but don’t think it’s as good as Hibiki 30 or Hakushu 25. Nose: Figs, Plums, Dates, Luxardo Cherries, Cranberries, Dark Chocolate, Blood Oranges, Honey, Butterscotch, Christmas Cakes, Roses, Gingerbread, Blackberries Palate: Mocha, Dark Chocolate, Raisins, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Maple Syrup, Figs, Tobacco, Blood Oranges, Hazlenuts, Cashews, Cinnamon, Papayas, Apricots Finish: Dark Chocolate, Leather, Mocha, Dates, Raspberries, Walnuts, Almonds, Sakura, Roses, Nutmeg

Nose: dried dark fruit, vanilla, milk chocolate, earthy. Very balanced. Not one note dominates over the other. Taste: Initial taste is an intense sherry mingling with brine, malt, and dried dark fruit notes. Reminds me of an exceptionally aged port. The texture is thick and oily. Again, very balanced and follows the nose very well. Finish: Intense chocolate and dried fruit (raisin). Follows the nose and palate very well and, once again, very balanced and smooth. Texture is oily and heavy. I could taste each sip for a half-hour. This makes it difficult to drink quickly, but also unnecessary to drink quickly or in high quantity since the taste lingers on the palate for so long. The balanced notes which start at the nose and follow through all the way to the finish offer a complete experience from start to finish, and luckily the finish is the longest I've ever tasted on a whisky. No alcohol burn. If you have the opportunity, try it. Hopefully this will be a reasonable price again at some point.