SUNTORY 12YR YAMAZAKI 750

Named for (and from) the first whisky distillery in Japan (established in 1923), Yamazaki is the only Japanese Whisky available in the US. We are incredibly fortunate to get this fulgurant whisky. So luscious is the fragrance (at once sweet, fruity, woody, spiced and always elegantly svelte), the complexity never overwhelms--inviting, instead, further probing. Tasting reveals a nature as opulent and as divergent as it is similar. While still being tender and evocative, the tones revealed on the palateare deep and much dryer than the nosing implied. This must be from the unique method of aging Yamazaki in American, Spanish and Japanese oak. Flavors of full malt, figs, wood elaboration, stewed sultana, light smoke and raspberry enter into a melange of sweet and varied spices--that evolve and articulate-- transitioning comfortably into a lingering, wonderful, dry finish. Yamazaki is glorious. If you like whisky, you should try this.