Joe_C
Yamazaki 18 Year
Single Malt — Honshu, Japan
Reviewed
September 2, 2017 (edited August 16, 2020)
Unbelievable whisky, with a flavorful profile that is predominantly sherried until you reach the finish, where strong vanilla notes reminiscent of a Bourbon cask come through. There's orange marmalade and figs coupled with cinnamon and dark chocolate, both on the nose and palate. It's incredibly balanced and well-crafted, with a finish that is quite prolonged and smooth in a way that only a perfect dram could be. I have sampled over 300 whiskies - this one is among the five best!
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@Joe-C nice top 5. Out of those, for me personally, the Yamazaki 18 takes the crown, followed by the Black Arts. Now that I think of it, out of the 400+ whiskies, bourbons, and ryes I’ve tried, the Yamazaki 18 still takes the top crown. Especially the early pre-hype Yamazaki (before 2013).
@SolanaRoots - I haven’t tried the Balvenie, the Black Arts or the Old Pulteney. I’ve been looking for a deal on the Port Wood 21, but I have a hard time paying $220 for a Balvenie. (I know they make good stuff, their price point is just way too high for my liking) Balvenie is at Whiskyfest DC in April and I think the VIP ticket will get me a pour so I hope to be checking that one off later this spring. I think @Generously_Paul has a bottle of OP21 and I’m sure he owes me a favor or two... I’m not sure I’ll ever cross paths with the Black Arts, especially at $400+ per bottle.
Which 3 have you not yet tried @LeeEvolved ?
Top shelf list @Joe_C - whisky aspirations those!
@Joe_C - it’s sad that there’s 3 whiskies in your Top 5 that I have yet to taste. (...and I consider myself pretty well travelled in the whisky world) 🤦♂️
Nice top 5!
Macallan Rare Cask gets a worthy mention. 😏
Um... Good question. I'm not sure LOL. - Yamazaki 18, obviously - The Balvenie Portwood 21 - Old Pulteney 21 - Bruichladdich Black Art 4 - Talisker 18
Curious, what are the other four?
I've got an unopened bottle I'll sell you, Pranay. I'll even come in under your estimate at $375, lol...
Well-stated.
Great review---totally agree. These are so hard to find now; and if you can, it's at least $400.