Suntory Yamazaki Mizunara Oak Cask 18 Year Old Single Malt Japanese Whisky (700ml) - 2017 Edition

Note: Box has come from a private collection and as such has some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks.

Arguably the most 'distinctively Japanese' whisky ever made, and one of the high points in our Japanese whisky collection. (Reports have it prices reached up to $10,000AU a bottle in Japan when this was launched in 2017). Master blender, Shinji Fukuyo creates his annual masterpiece from whiskies 18 years up, with a small portion exceeding 50 years of age. All components were matured in casks made from Japan's native oak, the 'Mizunara'.

Suntory began to experiment with the indigenous oak after the Second World War when supplies of foreign oak were difficult to source. It made a far from ideal vessel, Mizunara's loose grains tended to cause leakage, and also created challenges in terms of timber selection and cooperage. Blenders at the time had few kind words to say about the wood. Decades later, the tree is better understood, and the hints of incense, sandlewood and aloeswood it imparts to whisky are prized. The oak releases these qualities after decades rather than years, making the whiskies they mature all the more precious.

“I wanted to reveal the whisky’s soul that is the ‘Art of Mizunara’, a heightened sense and awakened palate engaged through aromas and flavours never known before. Encountering it should be a moment of epiphany,” said Fukuyo.

Presented in a beautiful oak case made from recycled Suntory casks, these bottlings rarely re-surface. An obvious investment opportunity and one of the most significant Japanese whiskies of the year.

Other reviews... When whisky lovers talk about the grandeur of Japanese whisky, the enlightenment they desire can be found within this bottle. A refined luxury evocative of toasted marshmallow, sweet incense, butter-soft caramels, oak spices, and ground cinnamon. All the hallmarks of mizunara are here. Concentrated sweet citrus, so intensely fruity on the palate; the mouthfeel is rapturously silky with touches of mango, dried apricot, and gentle but resilient spices. 48% Alc./Vol.
96 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: Jonny McCormick (Spring 2018)