PBMichiganWolverine
Yamazakura 16 Year Blended Whisky
Blended — Japan
Reviewed
January 5, 2017 (edited December 30, 2018)
I opened up a small 50ml sample I had from some time ago. I don't even think these are available anymore, the aged version is replaced fully by the NAS. I wish I bought a full bottle...but, not knowing what this blend was, I was apprehensive of getting a full bottle. Having had the Hibiki 12 and 17, I think this is better than the 12, and right up there with the 17. Nose is floral, like cherry blossoms. Really delicate and mild mannered, but that's not to be confused with 'boring'. Taste extends the delicate profile. More of the cherry blossoms, but now augmented with violets, and green apples. Really a great profile...not like a Lowlander, but just something totally different. Maybe a cross between a Lowlander and a Hibiki. I think the NAS versions are stil available, but I'd not be surprised if those don't live up to the aged version. If you do see a bottle, pick it up...you won't be disappointed. I remember paying 4 euros for this over two years ago, and a full bottle was only 50 euros. If available even twice that much, I'd not hesitate to pick this up.
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Yip i do just opening now but it must have been a dud batch as i had a completely different experience!
@Soba45 you still have a sample of this one.? It’s now extinct. I think it’s fully replaced by NAS
Was trawling reviews for inspiration of my next order list and saw this one as five stars. Then I was like hey I have a sample of this...was very reasonably priced for a Japanese whisky. Looking forward to trying it now based on your review.
sorry--meant to say Yamazaki 12 and this 16.
sorry--meant to say Yamazaki 12 and this 16.
@Slainte: given a choice between the Yamazaki 18 and this 12, I wouldn't even hesitate...would be the 18. Hands down. But, I think between the Yamazaki 12 and this 12, this one is far better.
Yamazakura... that rings a bell! I was in department store at Shinjuku station, Tokyo, and considered buying a bottle of this... or was it even 25 years old? It had a hefty price tag (more than ¥20,000), and I decided not to buy, gambling to get a Yamazaki 18 the next day at the distillery. Still, I wondered what kind of malt it was. Thanks for sharing this review, Pranay!