Yamazaki 1980 Vintage Malt

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 67 by Dave Broom and Martine Nouet.

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Tasting Notes

Dave Broom Nose Sweet slightly peppery oak, rock candy, cocoa. Has age. Lightly oily with scented wood and plenty of sweet-hearted spirit to balance. Tickle of smoke. Palate Meaty, charred wood. Musky and intriguing. Deep sweet black fruits with a touch of liquorice bed it down in the middle of the tongue. Good length. Finish Mixing fragrance, light smoke and deep oak. Comment Big but balanced. Shows complexity.

Martine Nouet Nose Warm, rich, deep. Prickly. Damson jam. Blackcurrant. Orange caramel. Freshly brewed coffee. Needs time torelease all its richness. Palate Velvety, almost syrupy, smooth at start then aspicy burst (fresh grated ginger) which dries up the mouth. Finish Dry, spicy, oaky. A sweet malty touch in the back. Comment A warm expression of sherry. Quite sensuous if not fiery. Rich and deep.