Having had the Yamazaki 18, it is hard to ignore the existence of the highly praised, more value for money 12.. we had to know.
Yamazaki's 12, just like the 18, is heavenly on the nose. Seriously fruity, already warming up to be a treat. From a quick inhale, notes of cashew nut can be picked up while a slow one, it’d be a waft of banana. Hints of jasmine tea too could be detected in the process.
WE TASTE
Cashewnut, banana, jasmine tea, lemon peel and cinnamon
Things begin with a prickly start, gets a little better as things go. A fruity, honey-like texture is given out before proceeding into a citrusy medium. It rewards the drinker with a smoky-oaky finish with a touch of cinnamon. Have a sip of water then the adventure ends with sweet notes.
It's 18-year sibling may be three times the price but it gives five times the satisfaction by being smoother for having done more time in Mizunara cask. Despite that, the Yamazaki 12 is a complex single malt that punches above its weight, a close match for Macallan’s 18.