I must say Yamazaki 12YO set a bar that only some 18YO Highland scotch can reach. At 43% it hits higher than some 46% and at the same time; feels oily, mouth coating and not thin. What sets it apart from scotch must be it's use of mizunara cask whiskey. The long pleasant woodiness lingers well after your first sip. The mizunara influence is very noticeable but doesn't overpower the rest of the malty notes but rather embraces them. Interesting dram.