Suntory Yamazaki 1980

Nose: Sweet slightly peppery oak, rock candy, cocoa. Has age. Lightly oily with scented wood and plenty of sweet-hearted spirit to balance. Tickle of smoke.

Palate: Meaty, charred wood. Musky and intriguing. Deep sweet black fruits with a touch of liquorice bed it down in the middle of the tongue. Good length.

Finish: Mixing fragrance, light smoke and deep oak.

Comment: Big but balanced. Shows complexity.

[The notes are reproduced from Whisky Magazine Issue 67]

Nose:  Warm, rich, deep. Prickly. Damson jam. Blackcurrant. Orange caramel. Freshly brewed coffee. Needs time to release all its richness.

Palate: Velvety, almost syrupy, smooth at start then aspicy burst (fresh grated ginger) which dries up the mouth.

Finish: Dry, spicy, oaky. A sweet malty touch in the back.

Comment: A warm expression of sherry. Quite sensuous if not fiery. Rich and deep.

Score: 8 / 10

[These notes are reproduced from Whisky Magazine Issue 67]