This Yamato review goes over tasting notes and personal impressions of this spirit.
Quick Taste Notes:
- Mizunara Oak
- Vanilla
- Floral
- Honey
Quick Facts:
- Category: Blended Whisky
- Country: Japan
- Style: Blended Whisky
- Alcohol: 40%
Yamato Whisky History
I could not find any history on this specific whiskey but what I do know is that it is made with the rare and amazing Mizunara Oak. Unlike white oak, mizunara’s branches and base are slimmer and twisted, reflecting a more complex cellular structure with fewer, long straight planks fit for barrels. The wood itself is more porous and waterlogged (mizu-nara translates to “water-oak”) and requires at least three years of drying time before the slats can be assembled into a cask. Mizunara is known for bringing a unique and distinct flavor, namely sandalwood and coconut. Whiskeys aged in mizunara casks have a honey-like sweetness to them, as well as a notable light body. The scarcity of mizunara is a factor in why so many distilleries want casks made of the wood. Each tree must come to an age of 200 years before it can be harvested for use in a cask barrel. I can also mention few words about the individual who this whisky is dedicated to Takeda Shingen who was daimyo of Kai Province during the Sengoku period of Japan. Known as the “Tiger of Kai”, he was one of the most powerful daimyo with exceptional military prestige in the late stage of the Sengoku period. Shingen was a warlord of great skill and military leadership.
How does Yamato Whisky taste?
Yamato is very friendly. Carrying only 40% alcohol it is a dangerously friendly sip that you can go through very fast. On the nose you smell oak on palate you feel vanilla and honey, on the finish there is strong oak presence. I received this bottle for my birthday and off the bet you notice the beautiful design, it is definitely the most beautiful packaging and the bottle I posses. Samurai shaped bottle is beautiful but the punch it carries is not strong, however very friendly drum you can share with a rookie.
Price Range
$165-$220
Verdict
89/100