Name: The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky Sherry Cask
Color: Cherry red
Nose: Plum, cherries, and sherry sweetness
Taste: Dry plum, cherry, chocolate, sherry
Review:
My first reaction to this whisky was “Holy shit this stuff is good!” and as it should be, it was rated “Best Whiskey in the World 2015”. The opportunity to sample this whisky was a surprise at the end of a Japanese tasting hosted by Dominic Roskrow at Union Square Wines in NYC. I recommend his books and tastings at the store if you are interested and live in the area.
I could tell you all about the history and process of making this whisky and explain the rating it received, but there are plenty of articles about it so I will not waste your time. I will be discussing the price as this is the most expensive whisky I have every tasted and is well out of my price range. Whisky’s like this have a simple economic problem that drives the price. There is a limited amount created, everyone wants it, bottles are drunk, supply runs low, and the price goes up. Is it worth it? Yes, but can you afford it? Most of us cannot since we are not part of the 1% crowd. It is more likely the person who buys this whisky will charter Blade for a private helicopter ride to the Hamptons this summer than a ticket on the Jitney bus. For those not in the NYC area, that means you need cash to burn.
I cannot imagine every buying a bottle that cost 2x my first car (1979 Jeep CJ7). If you enjoy a sherry finish to you whisky, I would suggest the following whisky’s that are more affordable:
Aberlour A’Bunadh (Approx $125)
Macallan Double Cask 12 (Approx $60)
Tomatin 12 year Old (Approx $40)
I have read that the A’Bunadh is comparable to the Yamazaki, but I have a bottle at home and I have to disagree. It is very good and has some similarities but when you compare Japanese whisky to Scotch, you are comparing apples to oranges.
This whisky is amazing and worth trying or buying, but it is currently $3,500 to $4,000 a bottle and increasing.
If you can find it, if you can afford it, you should drink it!
If you like it, drink it! – Christopher
If you like it, drink it!
