Yamazaki 18...

Hi,

I just started collecting and buying all sorts of different styles, and recently saw Yamazaki 18... Being COMPLETELY unfamiliar with Japanese whisky, what can I expect from this should I buy it? Is it "good"? Does it compare to anything?

Your thoughts please

[Jojo]

Yum, I like it! Actually I have enjoyed both the 12 & 18 year Yamazaki whiskies. Their unique maturation process includes using five different types of oak casks from the US, Spain & Japan. This brand is "peat free", if that's any interest to you. Also, the 12 year is the #1 selling single malt whisky in Japan. I'll see if I can dig up my tasting notes.

Thanks! That is great!

[Arctic Wolf]

The Yamazaki 18 is a bit of a smoke laden 'sherry bomb' with tons of dried fruit flavour and a heavy presence on the palate.

The 12 is more reminiscent of a bourbon cask with a ton less smoke and much more of a honeyed caramel/Vanilla presence. I preferred the 12 by far, but it is more a matter of whether you like a heavy sherry cask presence or not.

[Islay Peat]

Like Arctic Wolf, I too prefer the 12 over the 18 and the Yamazaki 12 is one of my favorites.

[oscarswanson]

Like Arctic Wolf, I too prefer the 12 over the 18 and the Yamazaki 12 is one of my favorites.

Islay Peat. the 12 year is one that is on sale at $54.00 now at a local store. Is that worth a try? Is that a good price?
It would be my first from japan. I'm Interested.
I need to go there for the lagavulin buy anyway, thought I could pick one of these up along with a Highland park 18 that is going for $92.00.
I think this store has good pricing overall.
Minneapolis 10% tax adds up though.