Yamazaki Puncheon 2013

Yamazaki Puncheon 2013, NAS, 48 %

Yamazaki Puncheon 2013

The Yamazaki Wood Collection is a series of four different expressions showing off the different influences of different types of casks. The four variants are bourbon, sherry, puncheon and mizunara. According to Whiskybase, the sherry variant was first released in 2009, then from 2010 until 2013 all four were released. For 2014 Yamazaki seem to only have released a mizunara.

Yamazaki is Japan's oldest whisky distillery. It was established in 1923 and is a part of the Suntory corporation.

I have now tested the Yamazaki Puncheon 2013. It has been matured in 480 litre oak Puncheon, that is said to have previously held bourbon.

The Yamazaki Puncheon 2013 is not available in Norway, but in Sweden you can buy this at SEK 997 (item number 40430).

Nose: Mild lemon, exotic spices, some oakiness, vanilla, honey, and a hint of balsamic vinegar.

Taste: Picking up the oak influences here as well, some spices, citrus, vanilla and oak. It is slightly sparkly - tickling my tongue. Medium to light sweetness.

Finish: Very much like the finish on a well-crafted Whisky Sour; fresh, citrusy/acidic, and creamy. Medium long, and still a bit sparkly - which is nice. Not very sweet on the finish either.

Comment: Well-balanced, well-crafted, showing off the wood influences, but the taste did not quite live up to the promise of the nose. I seem to have had similar conclusions on several occasions lately. Is my nose becoming soft, and my palate overly critical?

Score (85/100)

Sláinte!
- Thomas