My Affair with Suntory Yamazaki 25 yo

So after having a string of affairs with Yamazaki, I finally come to a conclusion that Suntory Yamazaki is a very enjoyable affair to have. It has proven itself to be a classy partner, yet seductive and of course worthy of my licks and kisses. It's not often that I get to enjoy some Japanese seduction and when I do, I'll make sure that it's all worth while!

This time, I get a chance to savour a 25-year-old Suntory Yamazaki.

This super premium whisky is carefully vatted from key malts and then aged 25 years in sherrywood. It's incredibly dark colour which is in deep mahogany suggests that this is aged from an outstanding Oloroso cask. (Oloroso means "scented" in Spanish and it is a variety of sherry produced by oxidative aging) The bottle is plastic-screwed capped and the label is made of washi paper (just like the Suntory Hibiki 17 yo).


The aroma is also outstanding with whiffs of sherry, flowery and fruity notes, some hints of bittery flavours and chocolate as well. On the palate, there is a tinge of bitterness brought out by the long-aging process. The finish - oaky and lingering long finish.

I don't have an idea how much this bottle will cost but it's of limited quantities only of approximately 12,000 bottles per year. But the Japanese whisky scene is getting more exciting and I can foresee that this market will continue to grow and more and more people are willing to give it a try.

The very same night, we had the 25 yo Highland Park and then another 30 yo Highland Park had also made it onto the sacrificial list. These bottles, I called them - The Amazing 3.


The whole lick, sip and savour is getting me all excited again. After the 12yo, 18yo and 25yo, perhaps I should dream about the 30 yo and 50 yo Suntory Yamazaki (which I think would definitely be a worthwhile wait).

I envy my friend's collection of whisky. Period.

Previous Japanese whisky reviewed:
Suntory Yamazaki 12 yo
Suntory Yamazaki 18 yo
Suntory Hibiki 17 yo