Generously_Paul
Yamazaki Distiller's Reserve
Single Malt — Japan
Reviewed
December 11, 2018 (edited July 10, 2023)
I was putting together an online order from Master of Malt (back when they still shipped to the US) and needed a lower cost bottle to help justify the shipping cost and I landed on this bottle of Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve. It was a little under $70 and not available in the States so I jumped on it. Bottled at 43% ABV, is most likely chill filtered and most likely has colorant added making it an amber gold. This is matured in a combination of American, European and Japanese Mizunara oak.
The nose is light and delicate, but very floral and fruity. Chamomile, orange & cherry blossoms. Tangerines, apricots, oranges, peaches and cherry cordials. Lemons, almonds, strawberries, vanilla buttercream, mint, mint chocolate, honey and barley sugar. Quite malty at times. A whiff of earthy peat, faint leather and barrel char. Coffee, coconut, lime and raspberries- lots of raspberries. Some briny seashells, earthy red wine, cinnamon. Lovely Mizunara oak, red and green grapes and more vanilla. A little wood resin and a light caramel note at the bottom of the glass. Super complex, but sadly not overly impressive.
The palate has plenty of oak and wood spices. Almond paste, raspberries, peaches and cherries. Red wine, semisweet chocolate, cinnamon, coconut and vanilla. Light floral notes and very light, earthy peat. Even though this is a single malt, I got a very grain-like creaminess and even harshness. This really takes the enjoyment down for me.
A light to medium bodied mouthfeel that is creamy, mouth coating and dry.
The finish is medium short with vanilla, coconut, raspberries, cinnamon, oak and red wine. Dry.
The nose on this one is incredibly complex, especially for a NAS, but it’s just not that engaging. It doesn’t pop. The fact that the palate has an unavoidable harshness doesn’t help matters at all. I really did enjoy the nose in the sense that it challenged me to dig deep to find all the hidden notes (plus it’s quite elegant). In the beginning it screams Japanese, but as things progress it takes on more of a scotch feel, then works it’s way back again. I’m hoping the 12 year will treat me better than this NAS. 3.5-3.75
Cheers
68.0
USD
per
Bottle
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@Generously_Paul Excellent review! I know what you mean by harshness on the palete, it's just a little bit rough. Thankfully, both nose and finish are pretty good.
@LeeEvolved try what I’m doing. I’m only having a dram on Friday or Saturday, which makes me really look forward to it. That also helps in branching two categories—-one that I keep as “collectibles”, the other as “ enjoy with friends / family”
@PBMichiganWolverine @Generously_Paul - the Yama 18 has simply increased in value to the point I can’t justify opening the only bottle I have. I haven’t seen a bottle of it on shelves locally here in over 2 years and the online and auction prices are approaching $800. Like most of my prized bottles, I could say WTF and pop them at any time, but I’m trying to think smarter because my love of whisky seems to be waning here lately. Everything is looking like investment instead of enjoyment right now.
@PBMichiganWolverine it’s on my wish list. I don’t think Lee plans on opening his any time soon for fear of not being able to replace it at anything resembling a reasonable cost
@Generously_Paul have you tried the 18? That’s simply amazing. If not...maybe you can convince @LeeEvolved to open one of his. Show some leg if you have to..no shame in that bro. 😊
@PBMichiganWolverine I love banana flavor so maybe I’ll be right at home with the 12.
I actually liked this better than the 12. The 12 has this ripe banana taste that I just can’t get over. Took me back to my childhood urban ghetto days when dinner would be overly ripe bananas mixed with milk or yoghurt.