New Release: Yamazaki Official Sherry Cask 2016 Edition

Although it has become expensive, I thought the content has improved. Yamazaki YAMAZAKI OB "SHERRY CASK" 2016 EDITION 48% The aroma has a good sherry dominance, with berry jam, prune, grape juice-like notes, raisins, clove-like spices, bitter chocolate, herbs, strong woody characteristics with incense-like qualities, oiliness, and richness. When drinking, it has a smooth, viscous mouthfeel, rich and full-bodied sherry, prune, bitter chocolate, strong sweetness with a grape-like juiciness, good acidity and astringent herbal notes, incense-like woody characteristics, offering both a robust body and easy drinkability with a long, rich finish. 【Very Good】 This is the 2016 Edition Yamazaki Sherry Cask, recently released and generating much discussion. Against the backdrop of rising global interest in Japanese malt whisky, the 2013 Edition's award (Whisky Bible 2015) made this release highly anticipated. It seems to already be trading at astonishing prices on auctions. Regarding the content, it's exceptionally good. Given its high retail price and the attention it received, I felt this release has a more complex and profound character than previous Yamazaki Sherry Casks. I believe it uses very high-quality matured spirit, including long-aged stock. Past Yamazaki Sherry Casks had a slightly less integrated spirit-cask harmony, with the cask feeling more prominent. While certainly delicious, they served as an entry point to enjoy Yamazaki's sherry character. This release is clearly different, and personally, I prefer it over the award-winning 2013 Edition. As mentioned above, both aroma and flavor exhibit an excellent sherry character typical of Yamazaki's European oak casks, with notable complexity, depth, and integration. Yamazaki's unique incense-like woody notes are present, with the cask influence evident but without the bitterness or raw woodiness that might detract from drinkability. The balance between robustness and smoothness was a pleasant surprise. Compared to the similarly styled 25-Year-Old Valrhona Sherry, while I personally prefer the 25-Year-Old for its mellower, deeper, and more seductive profile, this release shares a similar nuance. Frankly, the premium pricing doesn't quite match the aroma and flavor, but it's still an outstanding Yamazaki that reflects Suntory's dedication.