Please tell me why this single malt is so good

[Shoegrip]

I was given a bottle of Yamazaki the other day. Never heard of it and didn't have high expectations but sampled it and wow!

It's like no other whiskey I've had before and wonder if anyone can tell me what makes it so enjoyable.

The moment it hits the palette, something doesn't taste right and then you get hit by a multitude of different flavours that are just so enjoyable together. What causes that?

I'm no whiskey connoisseur, just know what I like. Sampled many Scotch whiskeys that I've enjoyed but this is on a different level.

The lady who gave it me seems to have good taste in many areas and she certainly chose well with this.

[Joey Ramone]

It's good because you like it

In the same way that Bruichladdich Octomore is good because I like it.

[Shoegrip]

OK I get that but there is something different with this.

[Joey Ramone]

I have to say, my brother bought me a bottle of Yamazaki a couple of years ago. I didn't find it particularly interesting as a malt yet others consider it to be remarkable. I suspect the fault is mine, to be honest.

Just one of those things I suppose.

[21TonyK]

I'm no connoisseur but I enjoyed it a few years back when I picked up a bottle for next to nothing when Bookers delisted it.

To me it was a "cleaner" taste but as I say, not into whisk(e)y.

[davepoth]

It's a Japanese whiskey (which explains the name) and IIRC it's the world champion, in as much as you can have such a thing.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddri...

[F-Stop Junkie]

I find Yamazaki to be quite different from a lot of whiskies. The big thing for me is that many whiskies have big flavours, lots of sherry, lots of peat and can become quite loud. Yamazaki (and Suntory's Hakushu and Hibiki too) are much more quiet, but once you tune in they're very well balanced. Nothing dominates the flavours and you get that burst of subtle flavours. For some this comes across as being dull or tasteless, but it's very much a Japanese style.

And I know what you mean about the initial taste, a savoury, almost vegetable-y flavour, but a big fan for sure.

[oldaudi]

May I ask which Yamazaki it was?

[battered]

oldaudi said:

May I ask which Yamazaki it was?

It was a VX800 squeezed into a Fazer frame. Bit tight on the length but ace handling and the midrange on the motor was lovely.
Hang on though, maybe that was a Kawamaha.

[davek_964]

I had a bottle of Yamazaki a few years ago. Initially, I didn't like it at all - VERY strong vanilla flavour. It grew on me, and I did like it by the end of the bottle - but not enough to spend the ~£100 on one again (I'd rather spend it on King Alexander III).

[Bacon Is Proof]

Does anyone else find it odd that 30 seconds after drinking it the flavour is completely gone?
Any traditional malt you can have one sip and it will stay with you for ages, this stuff just doesn't linger.

[Shoegrip]

Thanks for the comments. It helps me understand why I like it. Spot on re the vanilla.

I can also understand the comment re the taste going quickly but that hit of vanilla is what has hooked me to it.

It's Distiller's Reserve for those who were wondering.

[Shoegrip]

Thanks for the comments. It helps me understand why I like it. Spot on re the vanilla.

I can also understand the comment re the taste going quickly but that hit of vanilla is what has hooked me to it.

It's Distiller's Reserve for those who were wondering.

[HarryW]

Ive got a bottle of a basic 12 year old Pulteney single malt on the go at present and it's pretty good to my palate. To be fair anything this side of a smokey bonfire lslay tastes good to me.... I personally draw the line at around £50 for any whisky, nearer £20 the better....