by 
Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve Japanese Whisky. Yamazaki, Kyoto, Japan. ABV: 43.00%. Tasted at Helvetica, $0 – courtesy of Hutch.
Colour: Gold. Fake gold (because it was on the house).
Nose: Strong hay notes, hint of rose water.
Palate: Much smoother than I was expecting for a Japanese malt, especially a Yamazaki. It doesn’t have the flavour punch or the burst of heat when it enters your mouth like the Yamazaki 12 year old.
Finish: Short-medium finish, not much residual heat so the flavours can shine. Sweet in the fade.
Comments: Tastes more like a blend given its smoothness and subtle flavours, but is it? Technically it is a single malt, having all come from the one distillery. But it’s a blend of Yamazaki malts that have been maturing in different casks (red wine, sherry & Japanese oak barrels) for varying time periods. An interesting drop.