Japanese whisky tasting evening, Sydney 28 March 18, Whisky #7. Nose: Rich but crisp, fruity (berries and red grapes), damask rose, fragrant honey, oat cluster cereal, rich leather, subtle aromas of sandalwood and almond blossom. It’s a heady but not cloying nose. Palate: Solid malty arrival flowing into a development that is founded on cereal (barley sugar?) and citrus flavours with just enough spice and honey to tie it all together. It’s a warm and enveloping palate – soft, creamy, balanced and seductive. Towards the finish a fragrant oak component moves to the front. Finish: Medium. Fragrant spicy cereal with a little honey and some warmth – a touch of stem ginger preserved in syrup and a very faint smokiness. I’ve been slow off the mark with regard to Japanese whisky – this tasting event was my first real immersion. The Yamazaki 12 was the last expression in the flyte, and in comparison to the earlier whiskies it stood out like a lighthouse beacon on a dark night. I remember saying aloud “ah, now we’re getting somewhere!”. It has a profile that is both akin to scotch whisky but also shows a character of its own that is assured and satisfying. It is not hampered by a self-conscious need to prove its worth against anything else or trumpet its national origin as a selling point – it is simply a very good whisky. Actually, it’s quite a superior whisky. The price has sky-rocketed of late and supplies are mostly sold out locally, but it can still be found in Australia if you search. The Distiller official notes are right on target. "Very Good" : 86/100 (4 stars)