Edition limited to 3500 bottles, the Yamazaki Heavily Peated 2013 is a highly peated version of the famous single malt Suntory. A first edition also non-aged output in 2012 was a huge success, just like those of Hakushu. Unfortunately only available in Japan and these limited versions are nevertheless high quality whiskies that could attract many european fans of japanese whisky.
Located between Kyoto and Osaka at the foot of green hills, the Yamazaki distillery was founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, founder of Suntory, and was the first malt distillery in Japan. The quality of its single malts is now recognized around the world and contributes to the japanese whisky world-renowned, winning numerous awards at international competitions.
The distillery doesn't usually produce peated whiskies, but rather fruity whiskies. The Yamazaki Heavily Peated 2013 becomes a very interesting product that will express all the know-how of Suntory master blenders to create a peated version, but still characterized by the typical signature of the Yamazaki single malt. Made from very peaty malted barley and bottled at 48% volume, this whisky has a well said despite his immature character.
Now let's taste this bottle directly bring from the distillery.
Kanpaï !
Review by Nicolas
The texture is round and soft despite the high level of alcohol.
Ah, of course, how can anynoe dare ? The current monopoly of LMDW on Japanese whiskies (and so many others) in France is such a comfortable position… No wonder they’ll raise bogus issues to protect it.In the past ten years, and unlike in the UK, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Portugal, every single small, independent and specialized whisky shop in France has closed, while the market has thrived. Sure, the average whisky lover has a broad range of whiskies at hand, but at what cost ? Now all over the country, you have to go to average liquor shops to find whiskies, and when you ask them where the bottles are coming from, the answer is always the same “LMDW of course, there’s no other choice”.So kudos to Les whiskies du Monde for their bold move. I hope they’ll succeed with their alternate offer, and I hope others will follow.The whisky landscape in France looks fabulous at first sight, but it’s a cold monopoly driven one. I hope to see little and passionate independent whisky shops open again in this country, like everywhere else in Europe.