I’ll be completely honest, I’ve always wanted to try the Yamazaki 18. I’m a huge fan of the Japanese Whisky Industry and from friends that have tried it, I’ve heard this must be amazing. The only downside (and reason I waited so long to try this dram) is the price tag that comes along with the bottle. Prices average between 800 and a 100 euro’s, and in comparison I bought a 25 year old Laphroaig last year for “only” 450 euro… Japanese whisky is good, very good in fact. But does it warrant this kind of price tag for an 18 year old whisky?
The short answer is no. And I can tell you that even before trying the whisky itself. Don’t get me wrong, it can be undeniably good. Or amazing even… but personally I can’t afford this amount of money on any kind of bottle. And even if I could, it would be on an absolute unicorn. Something from my birthyear or a let’s say a closed distillery bottling of 30+ years old. But I will never be the target audience for these bottlings anyway.
The Yamazaki 18 sits snugly in the luxury department and for the (beyond) wealthy amongst us, this might be an amazing option. I once met a man who had a collection of over 20 vintage Aston Martin’s. I can imagine that for a good whisky, the price in price/quality doesn’t matter all that much. So perhaps this could be an amazing dram for the likes of people like that? Let’s find out in today’s review!
Most of these bottles of Yamazaki 18 will be bought by collector’s and investors, but since I’m all about taste and believe firmly whisky is made to be enjoyed I won’t dive into that but instead go all-in on flavour!
Tasting Notes: Yamazaki 18
Stats:
Age: 18 years
ABV: 43% (86 Proof)
Distillery: Yamazaki
Chill-Filtered: No
Natural Colour: Yes
Nose:
Vanilla & Herbs is how I would describe the nose of the Yamazaki 18. Kardemom, cinnamon and nutmeg bounce off fresh vanilla pods with a hint of hibiscus. Some apple confit and poached pears round it all off beautiful. Luscious, balanced but only mildly complex.
Palate:
A healthy dose of manuka honey, paired with notes of oak, caramelised peaches and more hibiscus tea. Hints of raspberrie jam and apple caramel adds some more layers to this dram. With a light dusting of ground white pepper to boot.
Finish:
The finish is long and rather complex. It shimmers in between caramel, poached fruits and lovely slightly bitter tannic notes that leave the mouth rather dry, but nonetheless it’s a pleasant experience. Bebogeen (a dutch caramel sandwich spread) and caramelised apples linger the longest and very pleasantly!
Food Pairing:
This would go perfect with a mildy sweet dessert like a mochi cake, but will also do wonders with a smoked salmon or soft cream cheese quiche. Either way I would not recommend it with bold flavours as there would be a chance to overshadow the beautifully nuanced palate this Yamazaki 18 has to offer.
Verdict:
This is an undeniably stunning whisky. The flavours are perfectly harmonious, balanced and delicate enough to surprise any kind of flavour afficionado. Not just whisky lovers. This might very well be one of the best 18 year old core range bottlings out there (though I also love a GlenDronach, Talisker or Bunnahabhain for that spot), but unfortunately pricewise it sits so far from the competition that this is a hard one to recommend. I got myself a sample, and have to conclude that I’m happy I tried it, but I can go without a bottle.
The Yamazaki 18 is absolutely stunning, but unfortunately investors drove up the price by such a margin that it’s become unobtainable for average folk like me. If you plan on getting it as an investment it is said to be a good one, but for me.. I like to open my bottles. And this amount of money can buy me either a lot of different bottles, or something more spectacular than this.
At the end of this Yamazaki 18 review I have to conclude , one that surely will please the palets of those lucky enough to try it!
