Scotch Malt Whisky Society Yamazaki 1979, Japanese Oak Cask, 119.2

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 35 by Michael Jackson and Michael Jackson.

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Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Incense, beeswax, cedar, roasted coffee, ripe fruits (kumquats cherries, plums). Palate Dense. Slippery. Toasty malt. Coffee, with figs and chicory. Finish Black treacle toffee. Perhaps even maple syrup. Comment A breakfast malt? Splendidly complex, with Japanese oak adding that extra touch of distinctiveness.

Michael Jackson Nose Complex, head-filling aromas. Perfumed, intense. Walking in a damp pine forest (needles, sap, spruce) pear, spice, malt, toasted nuts, light oak, crystallised ginger, sandalwood, deck varnish. Palate Crisp, clean and malty. Mature with balanced oak. Some light smoke in the background. All the flavours on the nose. Finish Long and complex. Comment A tremendous malt. World class.